Just Do Something: Interview with Janet Johanson, Founder and CEO of BevSource

I recently went one on one with Janet Johanson, founder and CEO of BevSource.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth? 

Janet: BevSource embarked on its journey in 2002, starting humbly in a basement. Over time, we expanded our operations and relocated to a house in 2009. Recognizing our growing potential, we made a significant leap forward by purchasing a building in 2011 when our team consisted of 13 talented individuals.

At BevSource, we firmly believe that business revolves around people and upholding ethical principles. Our driving force is the satisfaction of knowing that we have made a positive impact on the lives of as many individuals as possible each day. While the business world often measures success in quantitative terms such as revenue, profit, workforce size, facility size, and transaction volume, we acknowledge that these metrics alone do not fully encapsulate our accomplishments. However, we understand that awards and external recognition often employ these indicators as a convenient measure of success.

Since the acquisition of My Drink in 2017, our sales have soared from $41 million, demonstrating a remarkable average annual growth rate of 25%. As the premier packaging and raw material distributor exclusively dedicated to the beverage industry, we have established ourselves as the industry leader. Our unparalleled knowledge and experience in the development process enable us to deeply understand the challenges faced by brands we serve. Consequently, we possess the unique ability to accurately identify the underlying issues and offer impactful solutions, all while ensuring a reliable supply chain in a volatile market that has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years.

While our competitors may have extensive supplier contacts, we have cultivated profound relationships with our vendors who genuinely recognize the value we bring to our customers. These partnerships allow us to go beyond transactional exchanges and truly collaborate in providing exceptional value to the brands we support. By leveraging our expertise and supplier connections, we are able to consistently meet and exceed our customers' expectations.

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business? 

Janet: Foster an environment of enthusiastic and devoted employees by demonstrating genuine and personalized care for your team members, while also imparting the importance of cultivating the same level of care within their own teams. 

In the realm of business, our focus rests upon the significance of human connections and maintaining a strong ethical compass. Each day, we strive to go to bed with the assurance that we have dedicated our utmost efforts to assisting as many individuals as possible. While the conventional business world gauges success through quantifiable metrics such as revenue, profit, workforce size, facility dimensions, and transaction volume, it is crucial to note that these numbers do not solely define our sense of achievement.

Since the acquisition of My Drink in 2017, our sales have experienced a remarkable upturn, ascending from $41 million and consistently achieving an average annual growth rate of 25%. As the largest distributor of packaging and raw materials exclusively catering to the beverage industry, we have cemented our position as an industry leader. With an intimate understanding of the challenges inherent in the development process, we possess the unique ability to profoundly impact the brands we serve. By adeptly identifying the root causes of issues and presenting meaningful solutions, we guarantee a reliable supply chain even within a highly volatile market that has exhibited significant fluctuations over recent years.

While our competitors may boast extensive supplier contacts, we pride ourselves on fostering deep relationships with our vendors who genuinely comprehend the value we deliver to our customers. These partnerships transcend transactional exchanges and facilitate genuine collaboration in providing exceptional value. By leveraging our extensive expertise and supplier connections, we consistently surpass the expectations of our customers.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader? 

Janet: Exemplify leadership through vulnerability, openly seeking assistance when necessary. Additionally, strive for transparency wherever feasible, providing a comprehensive view of the company's current trajectory, including factors such as the impact of external circumstances like COVID-19. To maintain competitiveness, we enthusiastically embrace the exploration of novel ideas, acknowledging that while not all ventures may succeed, taking risks is an inherent part of progress and potential rewards.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Janet: Continual self-learning and discovery are key elements in taking leadership skills to new heights. As leaders, it is essential to have a growth mindset and embrace a lifelong learning approach. This involves actively seeking opportunities to expand knowledge, develop new skills, and challenge existing perspectives.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders? 

Janet:  Well, here are my top three tips based on my own experiences:

#1: Be you - Initially, I had doubts about my leadership style not aligning with what was perceived as a traditional model. However, I have come to embrace who I am as a person and as a leader. Yes, I may overshare at times, shed a tear or two in meetings, and even use colorful language to emphasize my passion. I also believe in trying unconventional approaches with my team, pushing boundaries, and openly admitting my failures. Embrace your authentic self, because being true to who you are can be a powerful leadership asset.

#2: Just do something - Fear and indecisiveness can paralyze many people. My advice is to overcome that paralysis and take action. Don't worry about what others might think. Surround yourself with individuals who will challenge you and provide honest feedback, even if it means redirecting your course. The important thing is to make a move, experiment, and learn from the outcomes. Remember, taking calculated risks is often a vital ingredient for success.

#3: You can ruin or turn around a company in 90 days - Throughout our 20-year journey, there were moments of frustration and financial constraints. I vividly remember times when the pressure was high, and mouths needed to be fed. It was during one of those challenging times that a mentor reminded me of a powerful insight: With new leadership and management strategies, you can transform a company, positively or negatively, within a mere 90 days. So, my advice is to lean in during difficult times, explore new approaches, and seize the opportunity to make significant changes. Don't underestimate the impact you can have in a short period.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams? 

Janet: When it comes to building, leading, and managing teams, my best advice is centered around three key aspects: caring personally, fostering a culture of direct and candid feedback, and consistently expressing appreciation.

Take the time to genuinely connect with each member of your team on a personal level. Show interest in their lives, their aspirations, and their well-being. By demonstrating that you genuinely care about them as individuals, you create a sense of trust, respect, and loyalty within the team.

Encourage open communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and challenges.

Acknowledge and recognize the efforts, contributions, and unique skills of each team member. Reiterate their value repeatedly, even when it may seem like their attention is elsewhere. By consistently expressing appreciation, you reinforce a positive and supportive environment that motivates individuals to perform at their best and fosters a sense of belonging within the team.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Janet: The best advice I've ever received is a simple formula that has had a profound impact on how I handle challenging situations: E + R = O. Let me break it down for you.

Early in my career, I used to get easily triggered and would react with anger and frustration. I realized that this was not the image I wanted to project to others. Then, someone shared with me this valuable insight: you can't control your Emotions in a given situation, and that's okay because emotions are part of being human. Instead, focus on what you can control, which is your Reaction, and think about the desired Outcome you want to achieve.

For example, if someone pushes your buttons and annoys you, the initial emotional response may be to retaliate with petty comebacks and an angry tone. However, that will only lead to an outcome of continued anger and tension. Instead, you have the power to choose a different reaction. So, when faced with a triggering situation, I remind myself, "Ah, this person is trying to provoke me again, but I won't let them win. I refuse to let them control my happiness for the rest of the day."

With this mindset, I change my reaction to a smile and silently affirm to myself, "Ha, ha. I am not going to be triggered this time." By consciously choosing a more positive and empowered reaction, I can shift the outcome towards a happier resolution.

This advice has been a game-changer for me. It reminds me that while I may not have control over my initial emotions, I do have control over how I respond. By consciously choosing a reaction that aligns with my desired outcome, I can navigate challenging situations with greater grace and resilience.

So, that's the best piece of advice I've ever received: focus on controlling your reaction rather than trying to control your emotions. It's a simple shift in mindset that has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life.


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally-recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

Follow Adam on Instagram and Twitter at @adammendler and on LinkedIn and listen and subscribe to Thirty Minute Mentors on your favorite podcasting app.