Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS. A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com

Steve Perez reveals how he bootstrapped Global Brands (Owner of VK Vodka Kick and Franklin & Sons) from £200k to £65 million in four years without giving away equity. Starting with zero salary while working nights as a waiter, he funded growth by convincing suppliers to extend £100k monthly credit through radical transparency.

His philosophy: "Your business is your soul, your heart. Don't give it away too easily."

From his 400-acre farm supplying beef to his hotels, to using venues as R&D labs for drinks innovation, Steve's vertical integration proves you don't need London to build global brands. With 400 employees including three-generation families, he explains what rally driving taught him the about business:

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:47 Steve Perez: From Rally Driver to Businessman

02:26 The Beginnings of a Business Empire

05:40 Overcoming Early Business Challenges

08:29 The Rise of VK Vodka Kick

16:17 Bootstrapping and Supplier Relationships

22:33 The Perks of the Drinks Business

22:59 Building a Lasting Business Legacy

24:27 Family Business Dynamics

28:32 The Importance of Delegation

32:29 Navigating Risks and Trends

37:31 Vertical Integration and Local Impact

41:20 The Benefits of Smaller Cities

43:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations. You can get in touch at bottomup@maffeodrinks.com