The Pour Decisions Podcast

She Built a $200M Brand… Then Started Over in Beverage

What happens after you build and sell a $200M brand? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti sits down with Morgan Zanotti, Co-Founder of Waay and former Co-Founder of Primal Kitchen, to talk about what it really takes to start over in the beverage industry. From scaling Primal Kitchen to a $200M exit in just a few years to launching a sparkling protein water designed for modern consumers, Morgan shares the realities of building in CPG today. We get into why beverage is harder the second time around, the opportunity in protein-forward drinks, and how consumer demand is shifting. If you're building a brand or thinking about entering beverage, this is a candid look at what it actually takes.

Why Premium Mixers Are Finally Taking Over the Bar Industry

Why are premium mixers having a moment right now? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti sits down with Betsy Frost, CEO of Q Mixers, to break down how a simple question about a bad gin & tonic turned into one of the leading premium mixer brands in the U.S. From redefining what a mixer should taste like to building a brand that works across cocktails, mocktails, and everyday occasions, Betsy shares how Q Mixers is expanding the category. We get into route-to-market strategy, innovation with electrolyte-based “Q Refreshers,” and why premium mixers still have massive room to grow. If you're building in beverage or thinking about category disruption, this episode is a masterclass in elevating an everyday product.

Inside the Coffee Supply Chain: From Bean to RTD at Scale

What does it really take to bring a beverage brand to life? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti sits down with Richard Kim, CEO of Common Collabs, to break down the full journey from raw ingredients to finished product. From sourcing and roasting coffee beans to extraction, formulation, and final RTD production, Common Collabs operates as a true end-to-end partner for emerging brands. Richard shares how their vertically integrated model works, why coffee is their most profitable category, and how shifting consumer behavior is fueling the rise of cold coffee and RTD beverages. This episode is a must-watch for anyone building in CPG or looking to understand the systems behind the brands you see on shelves.

Building a Beverage Empire: Inside Asahi Beer USA with Paul Verdu

What does it take to build a modern beverage powerhouse in today’s rapidly shifting market? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti sits down with Paul Verdu, Managing Director of Asahi Beer USA, to unpack how one of the world’s most iconic beer companies is evolving far beyond beer. From a $35M investment to brew Asahi Super Dry in the U.S. to scaling one of the most versatile co-packing operations in the country, Paul shares how Asahi is navigating changing consumer trends, the decline of craft beer, and the explosive rise of non-alcoholic and functional beverages. If you're building, investing in, or scaling a beverage brand, this episode is packed with real insight from the front lines.

From Recession Hustle to Top Beverage Agency: Dan Baum’s Story

What if the biggest problem in beverage marketing… is that most of it is boring? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti sits down with Dan Baum, Founder & CEO of Multiply — the agency behind some of the most disruptive, attention-grabbing marketing in beverage. From scrappy recession-era survival to building a 17-year “overnight success,” Dan shares how Multiply carved out a niche by doing one thing better than anyone else: fighting boring. This conversation dives deep into what actually drives brand growth today — from creative that respects the consumer to why marketing alone doesn’t create velocity without distribution. If you're building, scaling, or marketing a beverage brand… this is a must-listen.

Coffee for Athletes? The Billion-Dollar Insight Behind Throne Sport Coffee

What do you do after helping build an $8 BILLION brand? You start over. In this episode of the Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti sits down with Michael Fedele, Founder & CEO of Throne Sport Coffee, to break down his journey from Coca-Cola to BodyArmor (alongside Kobe Bryant and Mike Repole)… and why he’s now taking on the coffee category with Patrick Mahomes. From athlete insight to retail expansion, this is a masterclass in building modern beverage brands.

He’s 12 Years Old… and Already in 7-Eleven, Pavilions, and Albertsons?!

What were you doing in 7th grade? Robbie Sherwood was building a beverage brand. In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti sits down with the 12-year-old founder of Prismax, a better-for-you sports drink already selling in Albertsons, Pavilions, and 7-Eleven — with real velocity, real investors, and real momentum. From testing 11 leading sports drinks for a school project… to selling 10,000+ bottles and landing retail without slotting fees — this is one of the most unexpected (and impressive) founder stories in CPG right now. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just someone who loves a great underdog story — this one delivers.

The Packaging Secrets Every Beverage Founder Needs to Know (Berlin Packaging)

What does it really take to build and scale a beverage brand today? In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti (LA Libations) sits down with Roland Guzman of Berlin Packaging—a 20-year industry veteran—to break down the role packaging plays in growth, profitability, and brand success. From helping early-stage founders order their first 10,000 units to supporting billion-dollar brands with global supply chain power, Berlin Packaging sits in a unique position across the CPG ecosystem. If you’re building a brand—or thinking about it—this episode is a must-watch.

Chris Williamson on Neutonic, Creatine & What’s Next for Functional Beverages

What happens when one of the world’s most curious podcast hosts builds the drink he couldn’t find? Recorded live at The Beverage Forum Europe, this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast features Chris Williamson, host of Modern Wisdom and co-founder of Neutonic, in conversation with Dino Sarti, Co-Founder of LA Libations. Chris breaks down his philosophy on performance, why sleep matters more than diet or supplements, and how that thinking directly led to the creation of Neutonic—an evidence-based, fully dosed, no-sugar nootropic drink built for focus without the fluff. He also shares what’s next for the brand, including Neutonic’s expansion into creatine and retail. Whether you’re a founder, athlete, creator, or just tired of “fairy dust” supplements, this conversation cuts through the noise.

From Box Cutters to Building a Distribution Powerhouse with Czar Daniolco of HiTouch Libations

In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper, Co-Founders of LA Libations, sit down with Czar Daniolco, Founder of HiTouch Libations Distribution, to unpack his journey from stocking shelves at Whole Foods to building one of Southern California’s most respected high-touch distribution platforms. This conversation dives deep into the realities of beverage distribution—why labor matters, how velocity is actually created in-store, what happens when brands scale too fast, and why founders ultimately determine a brand’s ceiling. Czar shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the industry, including building HighTouch through hustle, relationships, and an obsession with execution. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor in food & beverage, this episode offers a masterclass in how products actually win on shelf.