My breakthrough was the moment I realized that making sparkling drinks with fresh ingredients was technically possible. It was one afternoon in the late fall of 2009 when I discovered that there was a path to bringing real fruit and bubbles together—it was pure joy.

Early on I felt I had to come over the top and will every project to the finish line. As we grew I realized a “swooping founder” can be a culture killer. I learned to hire better, which led to trusting the team, which has empowered the whole organization.

You know, one of my first jobs was working in a T-shirt shop. I was fired on the second day because I couldn’t find my way back from their warehouse to the store. That day I learned something valuable: know where you are and where you’re headed.

Something every exploring dreamer needs.