In this episode of the Meat & Potatoes podcast, Eric Ranks and Maurice De Vera, the CEO and COO of 22 Salute Spirits and Coffee, share their inspiring journey of founding a social enterprise to support mental health and suicide prevention among veterans and first responders. From the unique founding story to the challenges of entering the competitive alcohol and coffee industries, Eric and Maurice discuss their experiences and the impact of their products.   Discover how 22 Salute Spirits and Coffee is making a difference by raising awareness and providing support through their products. Learn about their award-winning vodka, specialty coffee, and the meaningful cause behind their brand. Join the conversation as they discuss the struggles of distribution, fundraising, and the emotional connections they've made with customers.   Don't miss out on this heartfelt and insightful episode that highlights the power of entrepreneurship and social impact. Visit 22Salute.com to learn more about their mission and products.   00:04 - Introduction of Guests 00:16 - Founding Story of 22 Salute Spirits and Coffee 04:20 - Significance of the Number 22 06:07 - Learning Curve in Distilling Spirits 09:27 - Retail Partnership with Kroger 12:05 - Collaboration with Award-Winning Distillery 13:20 - Expansion into Coffee Market 14:39 - Specialty Coffee Roasts and Quality 17:41 - Importance of Specialty Coffee and Avoiding Mold Contamination 20:24 - Division of Responsibilities within the Team 22:59 - Support from Veteran Community 23:10 - Most Popular Products: Vodka, Bourbon, and Coffee 25:38 - Challenges with Distributors in the Alcohol Industry 28:35 - Funding and Fundraising Efforts 31:18 - Emotional Impact on Customers and Brand Loyalty   If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Show Links: https://22salute.com   Social: Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw