Every good story begins with a courageous decision . This is also the case with Robert Stolt, founder of Future of Festivals , who was a guest on our podcast "Founding Forward – It's Worth Being Cheeky!" His story? A blend of boldness, crisis management, and uncompromising quality. And that's precisely what makes it so exciting—and instructive.

If everyone doubts, just do it

Imagine launching a conference for the festival industry. No investor, no major sponsors, no role model. Simply the vision to create an event that truly matters. That's exactly what Robert did. And yes, there were hurdles—a pandemic, for example, that nearly derailed his project in 2020. But instead of giving up, he relied on transparency, trust, and a clear focus: quality over quantity .

This reminds us a lot of SESES DRINKS. We, too, rely on hand-picked partnerships rather than simply placing our products everywhere. Because we know: Those who think long-term rely on substance.

Curated Growth: Quality over Quantity

Another game changer in Robert's strategy: conscious curation. Not random exhibitors, but carefully selected partners who offer genuine added value. A strategy that leads us directly into our own business. Because that's precisely our goal at SESES DRINKS: Our community grows organically, through authentic recommendations and high-quality collaborations .

How can this be applied to our next steps? By being selective in our B2C expansion. Finding the right partners. Testing the right markets. And using storytelling to inspire the customers who are truly a good fit for us.

Trust as a game changer

One sentence from the conversation particularly stuck with me: “Crisis management means being honest.” Robert talked about the challenges during the pandemic – and how openness and clear communication helped him maintain trust instead of losing it.

This mindset fits perfectly with our philosophy. We don't just sell drinks— we tell stories, build relationships , and create a brand that stands for honesty and authenticity. This is evident in everything we do: from our direct interactions with our customers to our open communication on social media.

Takeaways for SESES DRINKS

• Targeted partner selection – quality over quantity, both in B2B and B2C.
• Transparent communication – Honesty builds trust, especially in challenging times.
• Team empowerment – ​​More responsibility in the team means more innovation and commitment.

Conclusion: Courage pays off

The talk with Robert was more than an interview—it was a reality check and confirmation that bold decisions are rewarded in the long run . Whether in the festival industry or the beverage market: those who dare to be different prevail .

And that's exactly what we do at SESES DRINKS. Every day, anew.