marisa zupan & united sodas

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we are excited to welcome Marisa Zupan, co-founder of United Sodas of America. Marisa's journey from a small town in Vermont to creating a startup that reimagines the flavor and experience of soda is a testament to her innovative spirit. With a background in marketing for major brands like Coca-Cola and Absolut, Marisa saw an opportunity to revive soda as a beloved American staple with a modern twist. Launched with beautiful, minimal branding and a fresh set of flavors, United Sodas of America aims to change how we perceive and enjoy this classic beverage. Join us as Marisa shares the story behind United Sodas, the challenges of launching during the pandemic, and her vision for the future.

Tune in to discover Marisa's entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind United Sodas of America, and what's next for this innovative brand.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

the Show Notes

Summary:

Marisa Zupan, co-founder of United Sodas of America, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Vermont to creating a brand that reimagines soda with modern flavors and beautiful, minimal branding. United Sodas focuses on offering a variety of unique, flavorful sodas that bring excitement back to this classic American beverage. Marisa discusses the evolution of United Sodas, the importance of design and flavor innovation, and the challenges of launching a new brand during the pandemic. The conversation explores her entrepreneurial experiences, the development of United Sodas' products, and her vision for the future.

‍

Keywords:

soda, entrepreneurship, brand building, flavor innovation, United Sodas of America, Marisa Zupan

‍

Takeaways:

1. Marisa Zupan’s journey from Vermont to founding United Sodas of America is driven by a passion for revitalizing soda with modern flavors and stylish branding.
2. United Sodas focuses on creating high-quality, unique sodas that bring excitement and innovation to the classic beverage category.
3. Building a brand involves understanding market needs, listening to customer feedback, and maintaining a clear vision.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges, but also opportunities for brands like United Sodas to adapt and thrive.
5. Marisa’s dedication to flavor innovation and beautiful design drives the success of United Sodas of America.

‍

Sound Bites:

• "United Sodas of America started as a way to create modern, flavorful sodas with beautiful, minimal branding."
• "Our goal is to provide high-quality, unique sodas that bring excitement and innovation to the classic beverage category."
• "Building a brand requires understanding market needs and staying true to your vision."
• "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in business."
• "United Sodas of America is about providing modern, flavorful soda solutions that people can trust and enjoy."

‍

Chapters:

00:00 - Marisa’s Background and Journey-
‍Marisa introduces herself and shares her journey from Vermont to founding United Sodas of America.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind United Sodas-
‍Marisa discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired her to create United Sodas and the early days of the brand.

12:30 - Transitioning from Marketing to Soda Innovation-
‍Marisa explains her transition from marketing major brands to starting a soda brand and the lessons learned.

23:17 - The Importance of Design and Flavor Innovation-
‍The conversation delves into how United Sodas emphasizes beautiful design and unique flavors in its products.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic-
‍Marisa talks about the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities it presented.

27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Innovation-
‍Marisa highlights United Sodas’ dedication to creating high-quality, innovative sodas.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
‍The discussion explores the importance of a strong brand identity and connecting with consumers authentically.

36:02 - The Vision for United Sodas of America-
‍Marisa shares her vision for the future of United Sodas and her goals for the brand.

47:37 - Patience and Persistence in Entrepreneurship-
‍Marisa emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
‍Marisa wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.