We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephen “Steph” Groce. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephen “Steph” below.
Hi Steph, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
In the bustling world of energy drinks, where giants like Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and Celsius dominate the market, I decided to take a leap of faith and launch my own brand: Bragabilia Energy Beverage. The idea was born out of a desire to create an energy drink that not only provided a powerful boost and captured memorable moments but also gave back to the community through charitable initiatives. The outcome was the successful launch of Bragabilia Energy Beverage. The unique selling points—brand, gratitude, amplification—and the commitment to social responsibility struck a chord with consumers. Within the first year, Bragabilia gained a loyal following and received positive reviews for its taste and effectiveness. The brand’s BragabiliaX (aka BragX) charitable initiatives also garnered media attention, further boosting its visibility.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m thrilled to share my journey into the world of innovative consumer products. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, MBA, and many continuing education certificates I’ve ventured into creating products that cater to the modern consumer’s needs, emphasizing practicality and social impact. Migrating slightly away from my core career as an Asset Protection and Safety professional, my passion for innovation and improving daily life led me to create unique consumer products. After years in various sectors, including retail and community service, I realized the potential to develop products that address specific needs and enhance everyday experiences.
Along with a team of innovators, we’re proud to offer products like Bragabilia Energy Beverage and LEGACY Parenting Survival Wear. Bragabilia Energy Beverage provides a powerful boost while capturing memorable moments and giving back to the community through charitable initiatives. It stands out for its branding, elegant energy, and commitment to social responsibility. LEGACY Parenting Survival Wear is a unique line of clothing designed to support parents in managing everyday challenges with style and practicality. It includes features that make parenting tasks easier, from hidden pockets to durable materials that stand up to the demands of active family life while doubling as an early childhood development and learning tool.
Our products address multi-generational needs from parents to young adults who are seeking consumer products with positive benefits. Bragabilia Energy Beverage offers a refreshing alternative to traditional energy drinks, focusing on both a healthier option and community support. LEGACY Parenting Survival Wear helps parents navigate their busy lives with ease. As a leader what sets me apart is my commitment to creating products that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to the greater good. I strive to integrate social responsibility into my business model, ensuring that each product makes a positive impact. My approach combines business acumen with a deep sense of community and innovation.
I am particularly proud of the positive feedback and loyal following that both Bragabilia Energy Beverage and LEGACY Parenting Survival Wear have garnered. The success of these products reflects my dedication to quality, innovation, and social impact. My work is driven by a passion for innovation and community well-being. Whether through a healthier energy drink or practical parenting solutions, I am dedicated to making a difference. My journey is a testament to the power of creativity and social responsibility in business. I hope this gives you a clear picture of who I am and what I stand for. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the early days, Bragabilia started as a sports collectibles company. Our focus was on creating new, unique, and memorable collectible items that resonated with sports team enthusiasts and digital creative NFT (Non-Fungible Token) collectors. While the venture started with high anticipation of its forthcoming patent, it had brief moments of success. As the digital and NFT sector declined and became more volatile it became clear over time that the market for NFT collectibles was becoming increasingly niche and saturated. We needed a fresh direction, one that could resonate with a broader audience and address a more immediate need.
During this period, I noticed a growing demand for healthier energy alternatives. The market was dominated by a few major players, but there was a significant gap for a product that combined both a slow delivery boost of energy, a unique brand name, and a commitment to social connectivity. This insight sparked the idea for Bragabilia Energy Beverage.
The pivot from Bragabilia Sports Collectibles to Bragabilia Energy Beverage was not just a change in product line but a complete transformation of our brand’s identity and mission. The new direction aimed to create an energy drink that not only provided a powerful boost but also captured memorable moments and gave back to the community through charitable initiatives. We focused on competitive ingredients to cater to health-conscious consumers and built our brand around values of gratitude and community support.
Our focus shifted to celebrating epic moments, nights out, and memorable experiences, rather than action sports and aggression. This transition required significant effort. We rebranded, developed new products, and crafted a compelling story to connect with our new target audience. The risk paid off. Bragabilia Energy Beverage quickly gained a loyal following, receiving positive reviews for its taste, effectiveness, and social impact. This successful pivot not only revitalized our business but also reinforced the importance of adapting and staying attuned to market needs.
Looking back, the decision to pivot was challenging, but it was a pivotal moment that defined our future. It taught me the value of flexibility, innovation, and listening to the market—all crucial elements for success in any business venture.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building an audience on social media for Bragabilia Energy was both an exciting and strategic journey. We started by identifying our core values and unique selling propositions: high-quality, healthier but competitive ingredients and a commitment to community support and memorable experiences. Instagram, particularly our handle @bragabiliaenergy, was our primary platform due to its visual nature, which allowed us to showcase our product’s appeal and the vibrant lifestyle it represented with the added benefit of cross-posting on Facebook and Threads. We focused on unique images, engaging content, and gratitude acknowledgment of new followers that resonated with our target audience, celebrating epic moments, nights out, and community events.
We also employed a unique strategy with our Gold Bill Collectibles. Willy Wonka only had it half-right. He was looking for one person to give his factory to and we’re looking for one thousand to share our legacy with. These limited-edition items became status symbols within our community, encouraging user-generated content and word-of-mouth marketing. Fans shared their collectible ownership, creating a buzz around our brand. Furthermore, we leveraged relationships with celebrities and influencers who aligned with our brand values. Their endorsements and authentic engagement with Bragabilia Energy helped us reach a wider audience and build credibility.
Collaborations with films, events, and festivals gave us access to niche markets and enthusiastic crowds. We sponsored film premieres, music festivals, sports events, and celebrity birthdays integrating Bragabilia Energy into these high-energy, high-profile environments, which boosted our visibility and associated our brand with fun and excitement. Our commitment to giving back was evident through our partnerships with non-profits. Sponsoring community events and charitable initiatives through our BragabiliaX philanthropic channel helped us build a positive brand image and connect with socially conscious consumers, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among our followers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,bragabiliaenergy.com
- Instagram: @bragabiliaenergy
- Facebook: @bragabiliaenergy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephengroce
- Twitter: @bragabiliaX
- Youtube: @BragabiliaEnergy
