Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janne Kouri, Co-Founder, and CEO of Loncaro, located in Hermosa Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Loncaro is an authentic long drink from Finland. Loncaro is ready to drink cocktail that combines the flavor of gin with the freshness of grapefruit to create a fresh taste like no other.
It is delicious, lightly carbonated, and crisp. Loncaro is all-natural, non-GMO, has no preservatives or artificial flavors, and is gluten-free. Everyone of all ages loves Loncaro, but our marketing is targeted at young business professionals.
Tell us about yourself
After a diving accident in Manhattan Beach left me paralyzed from the neck down, I set off not only to recover personally but to help others living with paralysis recover, get healthy, and live life to the fullest. After founding my nonprofit, NextStep (www.nextstepfitness.org), and building paralysis recovery centers around the world, I set my sights on a new venture. I decided that I wanted to bring a piece of my native Finland here to the U.S., our national drink known as Lonkero or The Long Drink.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is building a network of paralysis recovery centers in the U.S. and abroad. NextStep has six centers in the U.S. and one in Ukraine, and one in New Zealand. We have raised over 12 million dollars and have been able to help thousands of individuals improve their overall recovery, health, and independence.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There is a huge learning curve entering an industry that I have never been involved with. I feel that I have a very good understanding of what it takes to launch and operate a start-up, but Loncaro poses many new challenges, given how competitive the beverage industry is. Luckily, I am very confident that we have an amazing brand and the best RTD in the market.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Surround yourself with a great team, make them feel truly appreciated, but don't be afraid to fire them if they are not performing. Don't be afraid to take risks. Talk to everyone and anyone that has had success running a similar business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://loncaro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrinkLoncaro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkloncaro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinkloncaro/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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