In today’s fast-paced world, the art of cocktail making has evolved from the traditional bartender experience to a more convenient, home-based option. Bartesian, an online platform, has successfully bridged the gap between high-end mixology and the comfort of one’s home. Founded in 2014 in Kitchener, Canada, Bartesian offers a product catalog that includes cocktail dispensers, barware accessories, and a wide variety of cocktails. The highlight of the brand is its cocktail dispenser, which acts as a robotic bartender, delivering drinks through a pod-based system. This innovation has not only simplified the cocktail-making process but has also enhanced the overall experience of enjoying a premium drink at home.
The Inception of Bartesian and the Visionary Behind It
Bartesian was the brainchild of Ryan Close, a former college bartender. His journey began in Canada, where he honed his skills in sales and process re-engineering across various enterprises. Despite his success in the corporate world, Ryan always felt the pull of entrepreneurship. He dabbled in a few small businesses, but it wasn’t until the idea for Bartesian came along that he fully committed to building his own company.
The transition was risky, but with the unwavering support of his family, Ryan relocated to Chicago to focus entirely on his vision for Bartesian. The idea for Bartesian stemmed from Ryan’s experiences as a bartender, where he often felt the pressure of crafting complex cocktails with precision. This frustration, coupled with the desire to make premium cocktails accessible to everyone, led to the creation of Bartesian. The goal was clear: to eliminate the need for a fully stocked bar and provide a streamlined, effortless way for at-home hosts to make quality cocktails.
Bartesian’s Growth and Ryan Close’s Strategic Leadership
Since its official launch in October 2019, Bartesian has seen steady growth in size, revenue, and consumer awareness. Ryan attributes this success to his careful selection of partners and employees. From the beginning, Bartesian collaborated with microbiologists, engineers, and experts across various fields to ensure that the product was nothing short of exceptional. This commitment to quality is evident in Bartesian’s refusal to use artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in their cocktail capsules.
Bartesian’s strategic partnerships have also played a crucial role in its expansion. Collaborations with household names like Black and Decker have widened the brand’s consumer base. Additionally, Bartesian has entered the commercial sector, with its machines now serving cocktails in venues across major sports leagues and various hospitality settings.
Future Aspirations and Ryan Close’s Entrepreneurial Philosophy
Looking ahead, Bartesian aims to continue revolutionizing the cocktail experience both in homes and commercial venues. The brand’s recent expansion into a new downtown Chicago headquarters reflects its growth and commitment to fostering a creative and collaborative work environment. For Ryan, building a lean, effective team is as important as ensuring that Bartesian’s culture remains true to its core values.
Ryan’s journey with Bartesian offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity, staying level-headed through the highs and lows, and recognizing one’s limitations. His belief in surrounding himself with the right people and never compromising on quality has been instrumental in Bartesian’s success. As Bartesian continues to grow, Ryan remains focused on delivering premium cocktails and elevating the at-home drinking experience.
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