We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenifer Zygmond a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jenifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Forming a business with a primary focus on funding a non-profit:
The question was how to fully fund a non-profit with very little start up funding, extremely little overhead, close to zero operating expenses, never planning a fundraiser and never asking for a donation? The answer was launching the business Red White, Bubbly & Brew, LLC and exceeding the non-profit funding goal within a year. It all started while enjoying a glass of wine, a Southern evening and a comfortable porch listening to my children play. I was struggling with the question, how? How was I, a stay at home mom, going to support the three go-fund me requests by close friends all with unique tragic events all within one week? In one week all three families had unimaginable moments change their lives, yet I couldn’t continue to pull funds from our family account. As the week unfolded, plans aligned with a business formed and a non-profit was founded.
It is wonderful to see businesses support charities once revenue builds. I committed to building a business with the primary focus to fully fund a non-profit 501(c)3. As the business has grown we have expanded our reach in giving. We fully support JEN, Inc in addition to giving funds to several other North Carolina non-profits. Building a business is hard, the joy of giving far outweighs the long hours and multiple hats worn to run a business and non-profit. When a family is out enjoying a day on the farm, a community event or a concert and buy a drink from Red, White, Bubbly and Brew we let them know each beverage purchased supports local non-profits – giving that customer a spark of joy. JEN, Inc. gives to families experiencing tragic moments providing a little bit of money to give them hope and support.
Jenifer, 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?
I enjoy wine and beer! Living in North Carolina, it is a fantastic place to get some amazing craft beer. I highly recommend every reader come and enjoy Raleigh/Cary/Durham for some fantastic breweries. Many outdoor festivals have the best craft beer but if you are feeling for a little bubbly or a glass of wine, it is marginal if any at all. We changed the options: Red, White, Bubbly and Brew elevates the beverage experience as a mobile bar service supporting non-profits. We are not experts in beverages we are experts in enjoying time with friends and family and creating great moments for life-long wonderful memories. We provide beverages at events to enhance the magical moments of time together.
Challenges come in all forms as a business owner. Our greatest challenge started with Event Directors understanding our business model and approving our request to attend community events. When you have a new concept, hurdles are a little taller. Introductions, perseverance, courage to keep reaching out and social media bridged the gap. Seeing is believing and that can be true for any industry. Recently a beautiful event was produced that just met the minimum attendance. While at the event, many people wandered by in awe and wanted to attend. Photos, videos and attendees will successfully promote the future event more than any initial advertising could have done.
Growing by giving is a foundation any business could consider launching from. You don’t need to start your own 501(c)3 but aligning with an organization you feel passionate about can make the hard days a little easier knowing you are helping a charity.
We have many growth ideas and can’t wait to enhance our business. My founding belief is to grow at the rate of cash flow earned. As the owner, I have a wish list and expansion plans but I will not be going into debt to fund future plans. This business has a slow season and weather can make a weekend full of events come to a halt. Business can be stressful and debt is one controllable. I can’t wait to reach every growth point but perseverance and patience has been a on the forefront from day one.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Breaking into a market filled with fantastic breweries and a new business model was a challenge. I attend events as a mobile bar service supporting non-profits serving an elevated beverage experience. My number one client isn’t my customer but Event Directors, Event Planners, and Organizers. Knowing who to target to grow your revenue is important. Our reputation grew strong and quite fast due to being organized, responsive, showing up consistently, showing up early for events and meeting expectations that we touted. Most importantly, seeing the needs through our clients not our revenue. In addition to being reliable we always look to collaborate. Helping event directors fill a missing niche or connecting business that can help one another. We have created multiple craft beverages using product from local businesses – Our Fall Bubbly is white chocolate dipped cinnamon sugar apple paired with a glass of crisp Cava? The most delicious paring and it gave us a change to buy from Lizzee’s Apples, a local candy apple company.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I am always learning, gleaning and getting inspiration. This business is in the thick of growth with long term goals. I am the owner and founder but many days I feel like the manager and director. I am looking forward to spending less time on function and more time on development. Studies have shown that Tuesday is the most productive day of the week and I intentionally block this day for all administrative tasks. The only reason I look forward to a day in the office is binging podcasts while delving into all the mundane work. I keep on task when I have a podcast making the time fly by. I use the Notes app on my phone to keep a special list of ideas that I get from business books and podcasts.
When our family was growing my reading time wained. Once I launched the business and non-profit all reading time vanish. My mom introduced me to audible and I am back to “reading” at least one book a week. I also love Libby! I have a library card and download audio books every week using the Libby app. I spend a considerable amount of time driving to/from school, sports and social activities for my children. From PROFIT FIRST or the FOUR-HOUR WORK WEEK to REDEEMING LOVE I get to devour books. Many business owners have sleepless nights, I recommend AirPods and putting your audible book on a sleep timer. Closing my eyes and listening as my mind wanders away from the weight of tasks looming has saved me from many sleepless nights.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.redwhitebubblyandbrew.com. and www.jenwillhelp.com
- Instagram: @bubblyandbrew and @everysipcounts
- Facebook: @bubblyandbrew
- Linkedin: Jenifer Zygmond
- Twitter: @bubblyandbrewNC
- Other: tik tock- @bubblyandbrew