Unlocking Moves Transitions Ep. 1 | They sold their company for $2 BILLION episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 31, 2025 · 3 MIN

Unlocking Moves Transitions Ep. 1 | They sold their company for $2 BILLION

from Unlocking Moves · host Kurt Wilkin

How did Poppi go from the Dallas Farmer's Market to selling at a value of $1.95 BILLION in five years?Unlocking Moves dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from our stumbles and mistakes. On this episode, Kurt chats with Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, founders of Poppi - the world's fastest growing soda brand that is better for you and tastes GREAT. From humble beginnings operating at a weekend farmer's market booth as a side gig, to open tryouts for Shark Tank, to becoming one of the fastest growing beverage companies in human history - Allison and Stephen have experienced countless ups and downs along the way. In this deep dive behind the scenes, they discuss the grit and entrepreneurial spirit required to grow a business, the process behind Shark Tank, and being "digital first" by building a community of raving fans...Oh, and they did all of this while raising a family! About Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, Co-Founders of Poppi - Allison is the Chief Brand Officer, and Stephen is the Chief Product Officer. Poppi is a delicious, prebiotic, better-for-you soda made with clean ingredients. Struggling with a variety of health issues, Allison created Poppi after discovering the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and experimenting in her kitchen to make it taste great. She leads the Austin-based beverage company's overall brand strategy and innovation. She pioneered the brand's cultural cache and digital-first approach, attracting a loyal community and billions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Stephen leads the company's product development and innovation.About Kurt Wilkin – Kurt is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as chairman of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

How did Poppi go from the Dallas Farmer's Market to selling at a value of $1.95 BILLION in five years?Unlocking Moves dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from our stumbles and mistakes. On this episode, Kurt chats with Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, founders of Poppi - the world's fastest growing soda brand that is better for you and tastes GREAT. From humble beginnings operating at a weekend farmer's market booth as a side gig, to open tryouts for Shark Tank, to becoming one of the fastest growing beverage companies in human history - Allison and Stephen have experienced countless ups and downs along the way. In this deep dive behind the scenes, they discuss the grit and entrepreneurial spirit required to grow a business, the process behind Shark Tank, and being "digital first" by building a community of raving fans...Oh, and they did all of this while raising a family! About Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, Co-Founders of Poppi - Allison is the Chief Brand Officer, and Stephen is the Chief Product Officer. Poppi is a delicious, prebiotic, better-for-you soda made with clean ingredients. Struggling with a variety of health issues, Allison created Poppi after discovering the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and experimenting in her kitchen to make it taste great. She leads the Austin-based beverage company's overall brand strategy and innovation. She pioneered the brand's cultural cache and digital-first approach, attracting a loyal community and billions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Stephen leads the company's product development and innovation.About Kurt Wilkin – Kurt is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as chairman of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

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Unlocking Moves Transitions Ep. 1 | They sold their company for $2 BILLION

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This episode was published on October 31, 2025.

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How did Poppi go from the Dallas Farmer's Market to selling at a value of $1.95 BILLION in five years?Unlocking Moves dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many leaders only like to talk...

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