Startup CPG Newswire:
Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Co. Expands Florida Footprint with Veteran Franchisee Courtney Brown
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY Michael Russo for Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Co.
MILLINGTON, NJ (JANUARY 2025) – Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Co., the proudly veteran-owned and operated craft soda brand with 20+ years of history, renowned for its nostalgic flavors and immersive event experiences, today announced U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Courtney Brown as its newest franchise partner in Florida. Brown, a former Corporal and dedicated leader, transitions from a key role in the company’s event operations to franchise ownership—showcasing Wild Bill’s commitment to empowering veteran entrepreneurs.
From Event Manager to Franchisee: A Legacy of Leadership
Since joining Wild Bill’s in 2018 as an Event Manager, Brown has driven exponential growth in the brand’s national event presence, overseeing flawless execution in Florida and beyond. His strategic vision and operational expertise helped solidify Wild Bill’s reputation as a premier partner for fairs, festivals, and community gatherings.
Military Service: Discipline Meets Entrepreneurship
As a Radio Operator in the Marine Corps (2007–2011), Brown deployed to Afghanistan and the Philippines, earning an honorable discharge and honing skills in adaptability, teamwork, and crisis management. These traits now fuel his entrepreneurial journey. “My military service taught me the value of mission-driven leadership—something Wild Bill’s embodies,” said Brown. “I’m thrilled to bring this passion to my franchise and my community.”
Veteran Franchising Program: Investing in Those Who Served
Wild Bill’s proudly supports veterans through its Veteran Franchising Program, offering:
• Reduced franchise fees for qualified veterans.
• Tailored financing options to lower barriers to ownership.
• Ongoing mentorship from the brand’s leadership team.
“Michael Russo, Chief Growth Officer of Wild Bill’s, emphasized, “Courtney exemplifies what this program stands for: dedication, grit, and community. His evolution from event manager to franchisee inspires us all, and we’re excited to see him thrive.”
Join the Mission
Veterans interested in franchise opportunities are encouraged to explore Wild Bill’s Veteran Program at https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity.
About Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Co.
Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Co. has been crafting premium, non-alcoholic craft sodas for over 20 years, serving customers at events nationwide. With a focus on creating nostalgia-evoking flavors, Wild Bill’s sodas are available online, at local retailers, and at hundreds of events annually. As a veteran-owned and operated business, Wild Bill’s is dedicated to supporting veterans through meaningful employment opportunities and partnerships with veteran-focused non-profits.
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