023: Customized Carbonation: Popping the Lid on Personalized Hydration with John Thorp & Buzz Wiggins

Essential Ingredients Podcast

“There are ups and downs through all of that. You have to be prepared for those days when things don't feel like they're moving ahead. And you have to bring the same type of passion, the same drive on either type of day.” —John Thorp

“You're never trying to get a yes out of anyone you're talking to when you are an early founder; you are trying to get a not, no… If it's getting bad feedback, fix it immediately and go right back. You have the ability to change someone's mind after they've made an opinion.” —Buzz Wiggins

Sparkling water has become a beloved beverage for its refreshing fizz and health-conscious appeal. Yet, the environmental impact of single-use containers and the lack of customization options have left many consumers seeking a more sustainable and personalized solution. How can we rethink the way we enjoy carbonated drinks?

John Thorp and Buzz Wiggins, the co-founders of Aerflo, have dedicated themselves to revolutionizing the sparkling water experience. With their innovative portable carbonation system, they are empowering consumers to take control of their hydration while minimizing waste.

Tune in as Justine Reichman sits down with John and Buzz to discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a sustainable product, the far-reaching benefits of their approach to sparkling water, the benefits of having the right co-founder, the lie we were all made to believe about recycling, and more!

Meet John:

With over a decade of experience as an alternative investment professional, John Thorp brings a strong business acumen and strategic mindset to Aerflo. John is passionate about designing sustainable products that improve the lives of consumers while also reducing environmental impact. Under his leadership, Aerflo has developed innovative carbonation technology and established a unique refill model to move beyond single-use waste. John is committed to building a company that creates positive change through thoughtful, consumer-centric design.

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Meet Buzz:

As a skilled designer and problem-solver, Buzz Wiggins has been instrumental in the development of Aerflo's innovative product design and packaging. Leveraging his expertise in product design and optimization, Buzz has led the team in creating a seamless user experience while also ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Aerflo system. Buzz's creative approach and attention to detail have been crucial in bringing Aerflo's vision to life.

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Episode Highlights:

02:07 The Inspiration Behind Aerflo

16:33 Challenges and Prototyping

22:10 Business Building Lessons

31:50 Focus on Environmental Impact

34:30 The Lie We Were Made to Believe