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.
