Basementality

How This Entrepreneur Drove His Fight Against Big Sugar and Rose from the Basement to a $1.7 Billion Brand

By: Ben Weiss

Narrated by: Ben Weiss

Basementality [beys-men-tal-i-tee] / noun: A mindset that blends foresight, scrappiness, flexibility, and passion, empowering you to turn vision into reality and achieve success.

For 15 years, Ben Weiss created coffee and beverage products to mixed success. Then, during the Great Recession in 2009, he created Bai in the basement of his town house, disrupting the marketplace with a revolutionary beverage with five calories, no artificial sweeteners, and unprecedented taste. In just seven years, Bai grew from Ben’s basement to a $1.7 billion acquisition by Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

Bai has been recognized for its growth and innovation by major media and industry organizations, including Inc., Forbes, CNBC, and more. But until now, the true story of this meteoric rise has never been told.

This is a story somewhat out of vogue among the billion-dollar tech successes that typically capture the headlines. This is a story of old-fashioned door-to-door hustle, naive belief, and a powerful mindset proving that the classic American entrepreneur is alive and living in Princeton, New Jersey.

Listen at the end of each section for one of Ben's "Basementalities" - his lessons from his fight to get out of the basement.

©2020 Sun Owl LLC (P)2020 Sun Owl LLC

Critic reviews

"Ben’s book helped me appreciate the hard work and deep love that went into building Bai. This intimate, honest story will inspire anyone who wants to chase their own dreams." (Justin Timberlake, entertainer and entrepreneur)

"Basementality reveals Ben’s vision, heart, and his tenacious fight against Big Sugar, while giving us insight into a classic American success story." (Katie Couric, journalist, author, and executive producer of Fed Up)

"It’s a must-read not only for entrepreneurs but for anyone who seeks lessons in leadership." (Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator, author, Basketball Hall of Famer, and managing director, Allen & Co.)

Reg guy busts his a@@ to build something amazing..

If you love a story of a regular dude who busted his a@@ and built something amazing, then this book is for you.
It's such an inspiring story of entrepenurialship.
I couldn't stop listening and it kind of left me jonesing for more.
I especially appreciated how honest he was with the decisions he made during his journey. Some good and some not so good...We heard them all.
The book was very well written and produced. You can tell Ben had his hands in the production of this book because it goes along with the way he ran the corporation....You'll see what I mean when you start listening.

Incredible read!!!

Whether you pick up the hard copy or listen here, it’s a must!! Thanks Ben for sharing your truth!

Great audio book

Great audio book and great story by Ben Weiss. Ben's experience with Bai has tons of learnings for any entrepreneur. Had an opportunity to meet Ben virtually as a part of business school course and he is a great entrepreneur who doesn't give up and puts up that fight and make it happen.

Stick To Your Guns Leadership

Motivational and Innovation in the CPG Industry is relatively rare. Ben Weiss demonstrates that when you create it, the power is immense!

Inspiring

True tales of inspiration, triumph and the often lonely but oh so rewarding role of the entrepreneur and exit. Highs and lows, frustrations and success, lessons and learnings. Ben shares it all and leaves nothing on the field. Bai for now, can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.

AMAZING

I really loved this book, refreshingly real easy listening with inspiring content. I highly recommend it.

Strong personality with great ideas

Ben Weiss is obviously a very talented person. I discovered him on his TV program, then purchased this book, then purchased some Crooks and Marker drink (I even liked a couple of flavors). He is an idea person who can take his ideas to market. This book is not so much a roadmap but it sure can offer some inspiration..