Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Badal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve always said every aspect of life has risk; every decision has different outcomes. But in both my personal life and career, I’ve never regretted any decision I’ve made. Regret is for those who fear failure more than they crave success.
Everyone hits that crossroads where they ask themselves, “Is this really what I want to be doing?” For me, that moment came after my last relationship. It was a roller-coaster ride. I thought this was the person, she was my best friend and lover and I always said I was going to marry her. We talked about everything—moving in together in Brickell, the life we imagined, and more. But fast-forward, we called it quits. But no matter the outcome, I could never hate her, and I’d always have love for her. And no matter what, I have always said, if two people are meant to be together, they will always find their way back to another. And if she should ever read this, I want her to know that my intentions were true. So after that relationship, I knew it was time for change.
I remember sitting on the beach, telling myself, “I want change. I need change. You don’t have obligations, no one is holding you down. What do you want to do?” That’s when it hit me. I was holding off getting into startups because I was gearing up for this “married life.” But now, single, I could take those risks. And I wanted to take the leap.
So, I did. I joined VIP Hard Seltzer as CIO and Partner. And I absolutely enjoy it. Being in the startup world, that’s a risk in itself. There are no guarantees. You’re up against well-established brands with the capital to dominate the industry. And here we are, trying to break that ceiling. But I’ve realized with a good team, you can accomplish a tremendous amount. VIP is a prime example. Once you get into startups, it’s a drug. You get addicted to the adrenaline. That rush has pushed me to open an online art gallery, Vita Dulcis, with the long-term goal of a physical gallery in South Florida.
So, what’s the takeaway? Risks are inevitable. But calculated risks, backed by vision and relentless execution, are what separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. You can dwell on life’s uncertainties, or you can make things happen. Me? I like to make things happen.
David, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely. Let’s get straight to it.
I’m David Badal, Chief Investment Officer and Partner at VIP Hard Seltzer and Founder of Vita Dulcis Art Gallery.
I have always been drawn to the startup world, building a company from the ground up is not for the weak and for some reason has always peaked my interest. I entered into the industry because I saw the potential to set new standards and redefine what the benchmark was.
At VIP Hard Seltzer, we just don’t offer another drink, we provide an experience. I came into VIP as an investor and partner because the company was already established by the free co-founders from UCF. But we all had the same vision, we did not want to be just another name on a shelf. And I saw the opportunity with VIP to redefine what a premium seltzer means. We created a hard seltzer that doesn’t just refresh but elevates the entire drinking experience. Our products are crafted with all-natural ingredients, delivers a crisp, clean taste, and stands out in a saturated market. We are solving a simple problem: giving our clients a drink that matches their sophisticated tastes without compromising on quality and style. What sets us apart? Every can of VIP Hard Seltzer is a statement- a commitment to excellence and an uncompromising attitude toward flavor and quality,
Now, let’s talk about Vita Dulcis Art Gallery. Entering the art world wasn’t just about showcasing beauty; it was about curating an experience that resonates with both connoisseurs and casual admirers. We provide a platform for groundbreaking artists, offering pieces that are not just visually stunning but thought-provoking. We solve the problem of mundane and forgettable art experiences by offering something unique, something that stays with you long after you’ve left the gallery. Our collection is curated with a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring that each piece contributes to a narrative of elegance and profound impact.
What am I most proud of? For VIP Hard Seltzer, it’s our ability to turn an ordinary drink into a luxurious experience. For Vita Dulcis, it’s the moments of awe we create, the connections we forge between art and its audience. Our brands are built on a foundation of excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
So, here’s what you need to know. With VIP Hard Seltzer, you’re not just drinking; you’re indulging in a lifestyle. With Vita Dulcis Art Gallery, you’re not just viewing art; you’re experiencing it. We don’t follow trends; we set them. If you want to elevate your drinking experience, if you want art that speaks to your soul, you come to us. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just in the business of seltzer and art; we’re in the business of creating the extraordinary.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Let me break it down for you. Everyone hits a point in life where they need to pivot. You can’t keep making the same decisions and expect different results. It’s insanity.
I started in the finance and accounting world, making business processes more effective and efficient was my bread and butter. Numbers were second nature. But there was something missing—a challenge that truly excited me. Enter VIP Hard Seltzer. I connected with one of the co-founders, Nick. We shared our visions for the brand and my objectives to get the company more entrenched in South Florida. The beverage industry was a completely different arena, but I saw potential. I saw a chance to take my skills in negotiation, strategy, and branding to create something that stands out.
So, I took the leap with VIP Hard Seltzer. It wasn’t just about changing industries; it was about applying the same principles of excellence, strategy, and innovation that made me successful in finance. The results? VIP Hard Seltzer is expanding rapidly in South Florida, and together with the co-founders, we’re taking the brand to new heights.
Just a month ago, I decided to start my own venture with Vita Dulcis Art Gallery. Art has always fascinated me. It’s open to interpretation; two people can look at the same piece and walk away with completely different experiences.
I wanted to create a gallery for people like me in big cities—Miami, New York, LA—who want unique pieces for their homes. This required a pivot in thinking because art is a niche market. But I also wanted to give back. With Vita Dulcis, I aim to give upcoming artists a platform to showcase their work, to kickstart their careers. We’re planning to reach out to local universities, letting students know that this opportunity exists. I’m all about paving the way for the future. Vita Dulcis isn’t just another gallery; it’s an experience, a journey into the world of fine art that leaves a lasting impression.
These pivots weren’t about abandoning what I knew; they were about expanding my horizons and applying my skills in new and exciting ways. It’s proof that with the right mindset, you can excel in any field. You just have to be bold enough to make the move and smart enough to execute it flawlessly.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I’ve always been a private person, so no one really saw resilience because not everyone saw the struggle. But I also believe when you are someone like myself who likes to push the envelope and push yourself, sometimes you often become your worst enemy.
A few years back, everything in life was going smoothly. I had a great job and I was happy, but I wanted more. I wanted to be in an industry that pushed me and kept me on my toes and it was on my list. So I was taking the time to hone in on my skills and find the job I was desperately looking for. Then out of nowhere, a major setback hit me. My girlfriend and I ended our relationship, and it felt like my personal life was crumbling right when my professional life needed me at my best. Now, everyone goes through breakups. But this one was different, when you call it quits with the person that you thought you were going to marry and saw your whole life with, that one hits differently.
Most people would have taken a step back, maybe even considered throwing in the towel. But not me. I saw it as a challenge, a test of my resilience. I doubled down, focusing on my goals with even more intensity. I spent countless nights in the office, pouring over every detail, every piece of evidence. Sleep was a luxury I couldn’t afford, and doubt was a luxury I refused to entertain.
That experience taught me something invaluable: resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times; it’s about thriving in spite of them. It’s about using setbacks as fuel to drive you forward. It’s about being relentless, unyielding, and unwavering in your pursuit of excellence.
And that same resilience is what I brought to VIP Hard Seltzer and Vita Dulcis Art Gallery. Every challenge, every obstacle, is just another opportunity to prove that no matter what life throws at you, you can come out on top if you have the grit, the determination, and the resilience to keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://viphardseltzer.com
- Instagram: @viphardseltzer; @vitadulcis_art
