Episode 72: Hoochy 'Booch: From DIY Passion to Scale. Kristin Zerbin’s Kombucha Journey

What does it take to turn a homemade kombucha obsession into a growing beverage brand?We sit down with Kristin Zerbin, founder of Hoochy 'Booch Kombucha, for a candid conversation about her journey from DIY kombucha brewing to building a vibrant, growing beverage company.Kristin shares how her personal gut health challenges sparked her interest in kombucha, and how that passion and curiosity grew into a business. What began in her kitchen evolved into Hoochy 'Booch Kombucha, a brand rooted in flavour, and a colourful California-inspired aesthetic. What sets Kristin’s story apart is the honesty that comes across when discussing the realities behind growth. Scaling a beverage brand is not just about getting into more stores. It means navigating distributor relationships, managing inventory, understanding net terms, protecting cash flow, and making smart choices about which channels to pursue. When COVID disrupted tap-based sales, the team had to adapt quickly, shifting toward cans and building more resilient sales channels.We also explore Kristin’s evolution as a Founder, from building behind the scenes to stepping into more visible leadership. As Hoochy 'Booch grows, Kristin reflects on what it means to build something with long-term value, whether that results in a legacy brand, a future sale, or something in between.From navigating the realities of scaling operations to building a brand identity, managing distributor relationships, adapting during COVID, and considering legacy versus exit, this conversation offers candid insights for food and beverage founders.Resources: Hoochy 'Booch Kombucha: https://hoochybooch.com/