Description

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Chris Clark, a retired military veteran and police officer who – despite having zero prior industry experience – has scaled his company, 3rd Day Beverages, to thousands of stores in just over a year.

You’ll learn how a Tennessee family farm with a high-flow spring became the foundation for a rapidly growing beverage brand. Chris shares the unconventional origin story of his company, starting with a business plan sketched on a cocktail napkin while waiting for his daughter’s dance class to finish. He shares his experience with the hurdles of navigating FDA and EPA clearances, the strategic "zero-risk" offer that wins over skeptical retail buyers, and how Third Day Beverages is outperforming national bestsellers on retail shelves.

Key Highlights From the Interview:

•  The Power of Preparation: How Chris uses "intel packets" and thorough research to master the 10-minute buyer meeting at ECRM Sessions.
• A "No-Risk" Strategy: Details of Chris’s 8-to-12-week test run he proposes to buyers with 100% buyback guarantee that makes it virtually impossible for buyers to say no.
• Networking Over Competition: Why Chris believes "a rising tide lifts all ships" and how networking at ECRM Sessions led to massive distribution deals, including US Navy ship stores.
• Scaling Smarter: Advice on utilizing existing resources and third-party logistics to achieve growth without doing it all yourself.
• Innovations for 2026: A sneak peek at the upcoming Spring Biotic – a probiotic spring water designed to meet the growing consumer demand for gut health and GLP-1 support.

 Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned industry veteran, this episode is a masterclass in how to leverage every available opportunity!