Bootstrapping Global Brands While Keeping 100% Ownership: Steve Perez on What Rally Driving Can Teach You About Focused Business | 114

Join The Maffeo Drinks Substack for Episode Analysis!Steve Perez reveals how he bootstrapped Global Brands (Owner of VK Vodka Kick and Franklin & Sons) from £200k to £65 million in four years without giving away equity. Starting with zero salary while working nights as a waiter, he funded growth by convincing suppliers to extend £100k monthly credit through radical transparency. His philosophy: "Your business is your soul, your heart. Don't give it away too easily."From his 400-acre farm supplying beef to his hotels, to using venues as R&D labs for drinks innovation, Steve's vertical integration proves you don't need London to build global brands. With 400 employees including three-generation families, he explains what rally driving taught him the about business:Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:47 Steve Perez: From Rally Driver to Businessman02:26 The Beginnings of a Business Empire05:40 Overcoming Early Business Challenges08:29 The Rise of VK Vodka Kick16:17 Bootstrapping and Supplier Relationships22:33 The Perks of the Drinks Business22:59 Building a Lasting Business Legacy24:27 Family Business Dynamics28:32 The Importance of Delegation32:29 Navigating Risks and Trends37:31 Vertical Integration and Local Impact41:20 The Benefits of Smaller Cities43:20 Conclusion and Contact Information This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.MAFFEO DRINKS is a leading drinks business podcast, listened to in 120 countries with 130+ episodes. How the industry actually works, from the bar and what it means for the boardroom.Wanna know what the conversation above means for your team? It's in the paid section.You get access to Maffeo Confidential (Private Podcast), this analysis, and the full catalog of 130+ episodes, each one translating industry conversation into the commercial decisions underneath it. Find out more at maffeodrinks.com or on Substack.