HOP WTR: Jordan Bass

After a career in venture capital and running e-commerce at The Wonderful Company, Jordan Bass set out to reinvent the occasion of “cracking a cold one.” In 2020, he co-founded HOP WTR—a sparkling water infused with hops, adaptogens, and nootropics—crafted to deliver the refreshment of a beer without the booze, calories, or regret. Launching DTC first, Bass and his team quickly proved demand, then scaled into retail within months. Early partners like Erewhon validated the brand, while flavors like Blood Orange became cult favorites. Today, HOP WTR is one of the fastest-growing names in non-alcoholic beverages, serving a generation of “enlightened overachievers” who want better choices without giving up the ritual. In this episode, Jordan shares how he turned a personal need into a category-shaping brand—and why momentum matters more than overthinking. Make sure to check out HOP WTR at: https://hopwtr.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle