SMOOTHIE KING :: TRANSFORMING A SMOOTHIE SHOP INTO A GLOBAL LIFESTYLE BRAND

Wan Kim was first introduced to Smoothie King while studying at Boston University before going on to earn his MBA at the University of California at Irvine. Wan became a huge fan of the concept and opened the first international Smoothie King location in South Korea in 2003. Within six years, Wan had opened 120 stores in South Korea and eventually grew brand awareness to 94 percent on the peninsula. Wan went on to purchase the entire Smoothie King company in 2012 with the fundamental goal of pushing the brand to rediscover and reinvigorate the foundational values that differentiate Smoothie King as the standalone pioneer in the quick-service restaurant segment focused on health and fitness. Wan joins Justin to discuss this high-growth brand!