Team Focus | Richard Macadam

eonadmin — Thu, 12 May 2022 14:20:51 +0000

Building our profile with Workplaces & Contract Caterers

Here at Smart Soda we understand the importance of providing a drinks platform that is innovative, sustainable, compact, healthier and easy for your teams and customers to use. We know we have a great product. But who are the people behind the idea? How did they come about building this disruptive healthier drinks brand in the UK? More importantly – what is their favourite flavour!

Find all the answers and more in a series of short blogs introducing you to the Smart Soda team members. Second up – Richard Macadam, our champion of Smart Soda drinks dispensers into the office, facilities and contract catering environments.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Kent and up until the age of 30 spent much of my life moving around, I went to 9 schools, lived in 4 countries and 10 counties in the UK. I finally settled down in 2005 and live in a small village just outside Petersfield, in the heart of the South Downs and only 6 miles from the beautiful South Coast.

Did you always want to work in the Hospitality Industry?

Yes for sure, from the age of 14. I started working part time and by the age of 18 was running the restaurant in my local hotel. I joined a management training program after my A-levels and spent 4 years at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Who has been your biggest influence?

As far as values, relationships, and outlook then my mum for sure, she came from a huge family and so taught me to never take anything for granted, you have to fight for what you believe in. With regards to work ethic and entrepreneurship then its my Dad. He was very focused and driven and has always been a great mentor for me, I have been lucky to have two great parents.

In three words, how would friends describe you?

Determined – Resilient – Loyal

How did your career lead you to where you are now?

I have worked in the drinks industry for the last 5 years and with Ian Webb (our Commercial Director) for much of the last 12 years. We work brilliantly as a team and when the opportunity came along to bring Smart Soda to the UK and Europe I knew it was going to be too good an opportunity to miss.

What are you most proud of achieveing?

In the hospitality and restaurant industry the pinnacle is to achieve a Michelin star. I managed a fantastic country house in Sussex that achieved many awards but for sure the star was the ultimate accolade. I ran a team that have all gone onto to achieve many career highlights seeing them flourish through my mentoring and guidance has also been a personal highlight.

What most interested you in joining Smart Soda?

For me it was the opportunity to bring an innovative product to market, taking it from concept to launch has been both challenging and rewarding. Smart Soda is unique as the worlds first alkaline water, vitamin infused, post mix system. It’s different but tastes amazing! To be part of a business that wants to make a difference to people’s health and also sustainability is really important to me and what makes us so special.

What do you like to do to relax?

Family is everything to me, I am blessed to have a fabulous wife and 2 older teenagers (who still like to hang out with the parents). I love cooking, have a great outdoor kitchen at home with a pizza oven and bbq, love socialising. I live close to the coast and it’s great to have the chance to spend many days at the Wittering’s with friends. I have a loyal springador, Rosie who is a great walking companion.

Favourite sports team?

Rugby has always been a massive part of my life, locally I coached Chichester juniors from under 6 to under 16. On a national basis my team is Northampton Saints, big rivals to my business partner Mark, which always leads to lots of banter in the office.

Favourite Smart Soda flavour?

If you are talking carbonated Smart Slushie, then the Strawberry Watermelon Zero is absolutely amazing, fresh and fruity. As far as sodas, then Orange Crush, has a great smell, lovely light colour and tastes really refreshing.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a Smart Soda Drinks Dispenser read our blog Office Benefits.

To meet Richard or another of our experienced team, contact us now by clicking the button below.

The post Team Focus | Richard Macadam appeared first on Smart Soda.

Team Focus | Mark Butterfield

eonadmin — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:24:40 +0000

Building our profile with convenience stores

Here at Smart Soda we understand the importance of building strong and trusted customer relationships. We know we have a great product that can bring added benefits and profits to convenience stores from their on-the-go-drinks customers. But who are the people behind the idea? How did they come about building this disruptive healthier drinks brand in the UK? More importantly - what is their favourite flavour!

Find all the answers and more in a series of short blogs introducing you to the Smart Soda team members. First up – Mark Butterfield, Sales & Marketing Director and promotor of Smart Soda drinks dispensers into the forecourt and convenience store marketplace.

Introducing Mark Butterfield (he's the one on the left!)

Where did you grow up?

I was born and grew up in Leicestershire and as a consequence have been a lifelong supporter of the Leicester Tigers and Leicester City FC, through good times and bad! 🙂

Where did you go to school/university?

I went to Oakham School in Rutland (smallest county in England) then Loughborough University as sport was my passion and driving force!

Who has been your strongest influence in life?

My Mother – she was a great advocate of ‘power of the mind’ and always put her children and grandchildren first.

In three words, how would friends/acquaintances describe you?

Enthusiastic – Energetic – Focused

How did your career lead you to where you are now?

The great thing about a career in sales is that it is a voyage of continual and never ending improvement and discovery. You never stop learning and striving for better.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

The creation, growth and eventual sale of the UK Water Group. We started from scratch and grew the business to be the No.1 in the market. 7 of the Top 10 Footsie 100 were clients plus the likes of the Football Association, Department of Health, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon etc.

How did you come up with this business idea?

Having established a strong reputation in the drinking water industry over many years, we were approached by Lior Shafir, CEO and Founder of Smart Soda Holdings Inc, in the US, who thought we might be excited by joining forces and setting up Smart Soda UK Ltd as part of a global expansion plan.

If you had the chance, what would you have done differently?

Worried less about things that never came to pass?

What is your favourite sports team?

Leicester Tigers – I’ve followed them across Europe over the years. My colleague Richard supports Northampton Saints, so there is normally good banter on a Monday morning in the office – post matches!

Unusual hobbies or interests?

I’m passionate about cold water immersion and conscious breathing both of which I practice daily. I also regularly attend Yoga/Barre classes and am an active Litter Picker!

What is your favourite Smart Soda flavour?

Zingy Ginger Beer with an Energy Shot. It not only dances on the palate but it provides an extra kick of energy during a long day.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a Smart Soda Drinks Dispenser read our blog C-Store Benefits.

To meet Mark or another of our experienced team, contact us now by clicking the button below.

The post Team Focus | Mark Butterfield appeared first on Smart Soda.

Meet the Team Archives - Smart Soda

Team Focus | Richard Macadam

Building our profile with Workplaces & Contract Caterers

Where did you grow up?

Did you always want to work in the Hospitality Industry?

Who has been your biggest influence?

In three words, how would friends describe you?

How did your career lead you to where you are now?

What are you most proud of achieveing?

What most interested you in joining Smart Soda?

What do you like to do to relax?

Favourite sports team?

Favourite Smart Soda flavour?

Team Focus | Mark Butterfield

Building our profile with convenience stores

Introducing Mark Butterfield (he's the one on the left!)

Where did you grow up?

Where did you go to school/university?

Who has been your strongest influence in life?

In three words, how would friends/acquaintances describe you?

How did your career lead you to where you are now?

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

How did you come up with this business idea?

If you had the chance, what would you have done differently?

What is your favourite sports team?

Unusual hobbies or interests?

What is your favourite Smart Soda flavour?