Masters of Scale How Poppi’s founders built a new soda brand worth $2 billion
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Apr 30, 2026 
Allison Ellsworth, Poppi co-founder and brand storyteller, joins Stephen Ellsworth, Poppi co-founder who helped scale operations and growth. They talk about turning a kitchen remedy into a breakout soda brand, getting early validation from Whole Foods, using Shark Tank and TikTok to fuel momentum, making a last-minute Super Bowl ad bet, and navigating the road to Pepsi’s nearly $2 billion deal.
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Getting Into Whole Foods The Hard Way
- Whole Foods interest forced the Ellsworths to learn compliance, manufacturing, and retail the hard way with no prior beverage background.
- They spent 10 to 11 months getting shelf-ready, opened a facility, then personally sold into 14 Dallas Whole Foods stores with babies strapped on.
Do The Work Instead Of Seeking A Secret Formula
- Use whatever tools and people you can, then do the work instead of hunting for a secret formula.
- Allison Ellsworth cites Google, templates, networking, and begging operators for help; Stephen Ellsworth says success came from committing fully after the leap.
Why Marriage Changed Their Co-Founder Dynamic
- Married co-founders can withstand startup stress because their commitment is already deeper than a typical business partnership.
- Allison and Stephen Ellsworth intentionally deprioritized romance while raising kids and building Poppi, then had to relearn their marriage after the exit.