Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gerry Jobe, co-owner of Simps Modern Beverage, located in Kelowna, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Simps Modern Beverage which I own and operate with my friend Dave Simpson. We are two ex-bartenders who now make non-alcoholic mixes and syrups. We created the first Vegan Caesar Mix and the first and only Canadian coffee syrups brand.

Tell us about yourself

My business partner Dave and I were already accomplished bartenders, designing custom syrups for local restaurants, so we figured that since our drinks were so popular with guests, we’d give the rest of the country a shot at trying them out. Each day I personally get inspired that I am doing something cool and creative with my friend, and it kind of goes back to the feeling of having your own tree-fort when you were a kid. While everyone has been obsessed with the pandemic, we’ve been focused on growth and new partnerships. Finding other like-minded creatives to collaborate with and create new exciting beverage options for Canadians.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

First Vegan Caesar Mix. First Canadian Coffee Syrups Brand. First Syrups brand at major Canadian grocery. Those are big wins. I would say that project-wise; it would be taking my approach of “field-to-glass” from my Bartending days and transitioning it to what we do now has been the biggest accomplishment. We created a Fresh Mint Syrup for Joey Restaurant International using mint from a local farm. Today you can enjoy that syrup in various drinks at Joey Restaurants in Houston, Texas or Seattle or Vancouver, etc. Showcasing what we do in the Okanagan on an international stage has been my personal greatest work accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Regulating emotions. Whether it’s finding the right processing channels for stress and anxiety or keeping my excitement in check prior to the finish line on projects, mental health has been my top priority and biggest challenge. You’ve got to have your mindset straight, or your day is shot.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Put blinders on. Your competition will always be there. Focus on your own business. As the late, great Heavy D. once said, "don't clock anybody, let 'em all clock you, don't be down with anybody let 'em all be down with you." Words to live by.
  2. Just because you can do ANYTHING doesn't mean you should do EVERYTHING. Find your lane, and narrow it down towards a pinpoint focus, regardless of your capabilities.
  3. Start at the end. Identify your end goal and start there. Work does not have to
    equal years of hardship to reach your goals. That's an archaic model. Make the call to the CEO, knock on the big scary door and if they don't answer, storm the gates and rip jugulars. Be relentless.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Support local! With supply chain disruptions being what they are, now is the time to create and support those who make Canadian products.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://simpsmb.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpsmb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpsmb/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simp-s-syrups/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.