Meet Rocco Venneri | Co-Founder, CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rocco Venneri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rocco, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
After 20 years of living in NYC and moving to Miami a year ago, I have finally understood what work life balance truly means. It’s so important to find the balance that works best for your lifestyle, it’s is different for everyone. For me it’s about finding time during the week to bike, go to the gym and socialize with friends. As the founder and CEO of a startup in a very competitive industry, I have to remind myself daily to take these moments to myself and turn work off even if just for an hour or 2.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I spent 15 years working in the fashion industry as a marketing executive developing and executing successful digital, social media, print campaigns, and activations for global lifestyle brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Armani. During this time, I worked closely with premium alcohol brands on bespoke events and activations. I also have close friends who work in the industry that were able to help guide me in the right direction while developing Cool Cat.

There is an urgent need for more diversity and inclusivity in the spirits and wine industry. As a minority myself, I wanted to see representation, so I created a gender-neutral, original, high-quality product inclusive of all genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. We are a brand that brings together like-minded individuals who share similar values and experiences—aka, a fearless community of Cool Cats. The idea for Cool Cat began during a Mother’s Day barbeque. Building on increased consumer interest in health and wellness, I set out to create a great-tasting, low-calorie portable beverage made with natural ingredients. With a modern design and globally recognized name, Cool Cat represents so much more than “just a drink.” We’re a unique lifestyle brand that offers refreshing wine cocktail experiences with the ease and convenience of a canned drink. One can equals two glasses of wine, 150 cals and 2g of sugar creating a “better for you” category.

For the future of Cool Cat, we want to continue to make quality product that is more than just a beverage. I’m all about slow and steady wins the race. I’m not trying to be everything to everyone. I want to go deep in the markets we are in and win in those markets. My goal for this brand is for people to learn about us, enjoy us, and inspire other minorities who are thinking about this industry, which rarely they do, because it isn’t talked about. I want to put a voice to it. With the right group, and the right people behind you, you can do it. I want to inspire people. Celebrating your uniqueness is what makes you cool.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite go-to spots in Miami are The Standard, Faena, Joe’s Stone Crab, Mandolin, Bodega and Mila. We would visit the Design District and Wynwood a very cool and inspiring area. I would also take them on a long bike ride along the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Cool Cat Team Distribution Partners

Website: https://drinkcoolcat.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkcoolcat/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cool-cat

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkcoolcat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkcoolcat

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSYcj7InyaAiBO-e5248IQg