Finding Founder Mike McAdams of Fuego Box gets saucey with us

Nowadays when someone mentions start-up, I realize our heads zoom to tech space. However, problem solving products that either, rival existing genres in the market or make a red carpet debut, is a culture still VERY MUCH ALIVE. 

Mike McAdams is a problem solver and a marketer with a brain that never passes out.  He is three brands deep with a wife, a new babe, and the coolest adoption pup one could ever spend an afternoon photographing.  And yet still finds time to keep new ideas “on the back burner”.

To summarize his now successful terrain, Mike started with DrinkWel a product every non-boring human being with a taste for adult beverages in active social gatherings needs at their bedside.  A product tract that naturally transferred into his next brand LyteShow.  If you’re running marathons or dragging your buns to the gym on the regular, might want to add this all organic hydration savior into your regiment.  And last (but not last biz I’m sure) making a debut in the market is Fuego Box.  Using the convenience of the subscription model Mike found a strong cult niche in the market; delivering exclusive or hard to find HOT SAUCES conveniently to your doorstep every month (is your mouthwatering yet?).  It is MORE than a thing.  Monday January 22nd is National Hot Sauce day.  There is a world tasting hot sauce competition every year.  WORLD.  Not to mention 5 dedicated hot sauce festivals in the US.  Basically Fuego Box is killing it.  So without further ado, the man who adds a little more spice to our lives, Finding Founder Mike McAdams in his Los Angeles hot sauce studio.

In two sentences explain each of your companies.
Drinkwel: Helps you have better mornings. You're going to have a drink or 3 or 4 and you need all the help you can get.
LyteShow: Hydration and electrolytes without the crap.
Fuego Box: Find the best small-batch hot sauces you've never heard of without the risk and hassle.

And you started your first company because you knew the grind wasn't going to work for you right?    At what point did you finally leap?
I knew the grind wasn't going to work and I knew I wasn't my best self as an employee. I need the work in to equal the work out. Once I saw a glimmer of success, I took the leap.

After the first product launch did you know you'd start another company?
Nope! I'm a day by day guy.

After idea number 3 Fuego Box, are you already thinking of other problems to solve?  
Right now, I've got my hands full work-wise, but the wheels are always churning. I have a few ideas on the back burner.

What is your process for working each day?  You have a routine?
I'm not a strict routine type, but I do get up early and when I'm working, I'm working hard.

At this point you're wearing many hats.  Which is your favorite/least favorite role to play?
Accountant and logistics manager are my two least favorite roles. I'm capable of the small detail tasks, but I certainly don't love them.

How would you fill the undesirable role? or ARE you hiring?
Employees certainly help, not to mention I use a lot of freelance workers; usually virtual contractors from all over the world.

What's your advice for someone thinking of starting a product or retail based business?
Make sure you have a plan on HOW to sell it before going through the work of creating something. Once you have an idea you believe and you're confident you can sell it, JUST DO IT.

You're juggling 3 companies, a kid, a dog, a wife.  HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL?  
Stay organized and just take it one day at a time; one task at a time. Don't get overwhelmed by the outlook.

Seriously though, are there are things that calm or focus or relax you besides working out?
Surfing is my favorite work out. It clears the mind and gets you in tip top shape. It also is somewhat sustainable as you get older. I love vacationing as well, but certainly don't do as much as I'd like.

Literally shoes off now.  Answer me quick!

Favorite vice - Rye whiskey
Most used app this week - Slack
Most horrific article you've read -  Anything to do with destroying the environment
What's always with you - Hot sauce
Shower morning or night - Night
Wine or liquor - Liquor
Most embarrassing work moment - Typos on product labels (there's been more than one)
When are you the most productive during the day - Morning
If you had to ask Siri one question what would it be - Do we live in a simulation?
Would you live in outer space - No, but another planet, yes
What social stigma does society need to get over? - Germs
Whats your fav hot sauce (YUP you have to choose) - Zana - I made it!

How would you like to be remembered?
I believe in being remembered for what you actually were, did, accomplished. Truthfully remembered.

Fuego Box, a very spicy gift!

Visit the well curated Fuego Box store located in sunny Los Angeles CA.
Fuego Box Hot Sauce Store
5445 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019