Conversations With Innovators - Q&A with Regan Kelaher and Shannon Zappala of Goverre
This week we are talking with Regan Kelaher and Shannon Zappala, Co-Founders of Goverre.
Two friends, Shannon Zappala and Regan Kelaher, began collaborating on all things ‘wine’ in 2015. Their passion for great wine, dislike of plastic glasses, and a love for Southern California’s outdoor lifestyle led to the birth of Goverre.
Shannon and Regan both worked stable jobs in corporate America. After years of experience (in healthcare and marketing) and many nights debating the “what ifs” over their favorite beverage, inspiration struck and both knew it was time to pursue their passion – to build a brand.
In January 2017, the duo turned Goverre into their full-time jobs and set up shop at Shannon’s house, storing inventory and shipping product. Fast forward several months later and the women of Goverre found themselves in a completely different setting – in the tank of ABC’s hit series, Shark Tank. Once again surpassing their goals, Shannon and Regan secured investments with sharks Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec. Goverre has continued to rapidly expand since with this powerful pair leading every step of the way.
1. What was the big idea behind Goverre?
When we invented Goverre there wasn’t a way to bring your wine with you to a concert in the park, camping, beach, and so on. The only options were a red plastic cup or a stainless coffee mug. Shannon and I wanted to create a GLASS portable wine glass. Goverre was the first portable wine glass invented! (There are lots of copy cats now.)
Read the press release about the launch of Goverre.
2. What are some of the challenges you overcame in launching the company?
Launching a company presents daily challenges to overcome. One of the first challenges was finding the time to build a company while working in our current careers and raising a family. The next challenge was overcoming the self-doubt, “Can “I” really start and run a company??” Then you get into raising capital, designing a product, and finding a manufacturer. It’s not easy.
We had two Kickstarter campaigns:
The 1st Kickstarter campaign failed.
The 2nd Kickstarter campaign received the needed backers and pledges to bring the project to life.
Once your company is up and running, you are presented with another set of challenges.
When, and whom, to hire?
How to build a website?
What to do when you get sued?
How do you manage a massive influx of orders, and what do you do with your staff when you don’t have orders coming in?
Every day we have a challenge to overcome.
3. What advice do you give to entrepreneurs facing a lawsuit, or the threat of one?
Our advice, based on experience, is to:
Find the best lawyer you can.
Immediately send a letter to your insurance providers.
Find the source of your courage – you'll need it.
Focus on survival. You can do it.
“True entrepreneurs are people who take a business through market changes, financial troubles, internal turmoil and, in our case, legal battles. We made the decision not to give up without a fight and tested our limits as business owners.”
We share more about our start-up and litigation story in these two articles:
GOVERRE: Lessons in Entrepreneurship with a Start-Up, Litigation, and Winning
From Wine to Winning: A True Story of Standing Up to Litigation Bullies published on business.com
4. How was your experience on Shark Tank? Are the Sharks really as tough as they appear on TV?
Wow! I think surreal is the only word to describe it. Months and months of preparation lead to one moment. We knew we could not have been more prepared, but we didn’t know if we would let our nerves get the best of us or if the Sharks would like us, our product, and the company we were building. Our confidence was boosted when Mr. Wonderful made an offer and that offer was followed by an offer from Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec. We ended up accepting the offer from Mark, Lori, and Robert.
5. What’s it like to work with Mark Cuban?
We could not have asked for a better investor. Mark has been more hands-on and available than we could have ever hoped for. Mark responds to our questions within the half-hour, literally every time!
6. Shannon, you’re a 2x breast cancer survivor. How has that experience made you a stronger person and leader?
Being a 2x breast cancer survivor has definitely given me the mentality that I really can take on anything, whether personal or business-related. It has made me appreciate and prioritize the most precious things in life (i.e. family, good friends) and to not 'sweat the small stuff.'
7. Why use glass for Goverre® products instead of plastic?
Drinking wine from anything but glass changes the taste of your wine. Plastic and stainless tumblers significantly alter the experience.
Experts say:
“In a plastic cup, this $26 bottle of wine tasted like Welch's grape juice.” - Deb Harkness, Serious Eats
“Drinking Champagne out of anything other than a glass flute will severely — we repeat, severely — diminish the experience.” - Shannan Rouss, LiveStrong.com
8. Does Goverre have any new innovations on the horizon?
We do! Stay tuned. Check our website or social media for updates. You can also join our mailing list for insider discounts and new product launch discounts - www.goverre.com.
Champagne flutes and cocktail glasses now available.
9. How can people find out more about Goverre and the upcoming new product launch?
Our website and social media sites are great sources about our current and new products.
Website: www.goverre.com
Instagram: @goverregirls
Facebook: /goverregirls
10. What is unique about Goverre’s values and culture?
That’s easy! We work really hard and have lots of fun. We value health and family above all things. Shannon and I love a long busy week followed by a glass of wine with the team on Friday!
11. What piece of advice would you give to an entrepreneur starting their first business?
Replace negative “what ifs” with positive “what ifs”.
What if we don’t raise enough capital? What if we don’t hit our sales target? What if there are manufacturing problems?
12. What are you reading right now?
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain and Wishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne Dyer.
The Conversations with Innovators blog discusses new innovations, big ideas, disruptive technologies, and the thought leaders, innovators, rebels, entrepreneurs and trailblazers that make all of this possible.
Read our Retail Industry Legal Solutions page for information on legal issues unique to retail companies.