When life throws you lemons, make a honey-sweetened cocktail. That's essentially what Jack Espy did when the pandemic erased his real estate finance job offer right after graduating from USC in 2020. Rather than despairing, Jack asked himself a simple yet profound question: "What if it did work?"
This entrepreneurial spark led Jack to transform his passion for mixology into Spirited Hive, a rapidly growing canned cocktail company that uses honey as its distinctive sweetener. Jack's timing couldn't have been better – he recognized the emerging "better-for-you" category in the beverage alcohol space before it became mainstream, positioning his brand perfectly as consumers increasingly sought quality ingredients even in their alcoholic beverages. Within just a few years, Spirited Hive secured partnerships with major sports teams and expanded across multiple states, becoming the official RTD partner for venues nationwide.
But Jack's vision doesn't stop there. He's now launching Strive, a non-alcoholic functional beverage designed to support health and wellness while providing hydration through a delicious soda alternative. By housing both brands under one parent company, Jack has created an efficient business structure that allows for shared resources while maintaining distinct brand identities targeting different consumer needs. His strategic approach to market entry – focusing initially on Nashville, San Diego, and South Florida before expanding – demonstrates his thoughtful growth mindset.
What makes Jack's story particularly compelling is his authenticity as a founder. In an era when celebrity-backed beverage brands are becoming increasingly common, Jack represents a new wave of founder-led brands built on genuine stories and passion. His journey reminds us that sometimes life's unexpected detours lead to our greatest opportunities – if only we have the courage to ask, "What if it did work?" and take that first step. Follow Jack's journey and try these innovative beverages for yourself at spiritedhive.com and strivesoda.com.

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