Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kevin Thomas, founder and CEO of 3 Mavins' Beer, located in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, USA.

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

Based out of South Florida, one of our favorite past times is to grab a cold crisp beer and chill. Each founder is uniquely different, with different tastes and different ideas of what makes a beer great. Through collaboration and development, we craft amazingly fresh and flavorful beer that combines our best ideas to create a product that caters to the average consumer and beer connoisseur alike.

3 Mavins’ was founded on the idea that the average everyday beer drinker was being overwhelmed with an infinite supply of niche craft beers that are either too fruity, too sour, too bitter, or too hoppy for the average girl and guy. On the flip side, their alternative choices are too boring or lack flavor. So, at 3 Mavins’, our mission is to create and craft beer for people just like you and me and to produce a crisp fresh beer that everyone can enjoy.

Finally, as a company, we believe organizations should lead with a purpose beyond just making a profit. Therefore, we have combined technology with our packaging to create a consumer engagement model that enables our customers to help us give back to those who need it the most each month. Each month we select a new cause to focus on, and the QR code on each side can represent one entry for our consumers to participate in giving back. The winning QR code is selected at random each preceding month. That winner gets to choose the charity that will receive our donation for that month.

Tell us about yourself

My wife and I are the founders and owners of 3 Mavins’. We have always shared a love for travel, and to experience the local cultures and cuisines everywhere, we go. Collectively we have traveled to over 40 countries in the world, and one of our favorite past times is to finish the day with whatever the country’s local beer of choice may be.

We have sampled almost every style of beer known. Witnessed the immersive culture, social gatherings and experienced the joy that craft beer making can bring. We have even connected with a local homebrewing enthusiast in the farthest-flung corners of the globe to sample what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind brew. Through all this conquest, it was just a simple night out on the town, hopping from bar to bar trying the local craft beer that sparked the idea of 3 Mavins’. “Mavin” is a simple combination of names, Maja and Kevin, the wayward travelers who loved stopping in for a beer after a day of exploring a new town in a new country. Mavin is a derivative spelling of Maven or, as defined as one who is experienced or knowledgeable, an expert. Throw in our lovable but merpy dog Windy and 3 Mavins’ were born.

The first recipe was brewed in our apartment kitchen in Fort Lauderdale. After two years of product research, development and testing, we launched 3 Mavins’ which is an American amber style lager that leverages technology with the packaging process, printing each can with a unique QR code and a corresponding mobile application for iOS and Android devices. Through partnerships with regional breweries, we have maintained that quality craftsmanship and expert beer-making while ensuring the freshest product we can deliver.

Finally, the motivation for us is truly what we say to our consumers. We love making great-tasting beer everyone can enjoy, not just the beer enthusiast but average everyday beer drinkers, and the ability to give back to those in need by raising awareness among our consumer base and donating 3% of our profits each month.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment as an owner is identifying and retaining the best people. Employees who share our passion for our products, our mission, and who we want to be as a business. This may sound a bit elementary, but in all my experience, it is your employees who can make or break your business. It is not always about finding the most experienced employees; it is about finding the right fit for your business.

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

As a small business owner, you really are a jack of all trades. CEO, CFO, Driver, Warehouse manager, etc. Time management and ensuring you maintain a balance in life is always and may always be one of the most difficult aspects to manage.

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

  1. Be Humble and always remember where you came from.
  2. Listen to your customers and find out what your competitors are failing at in terms of service.
  3. Have a purpose beyond making money; if you are passionate about what you do, the money will follow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There are no secrets to success, just hard work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.3mavins.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3mavinsbeer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3-mavins-beer/

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.