At Dash & Muddle, we're redefining the essence of beverage innovation. 'Dash' signifies more than just our swift, agile approach to strategy and development; it embodies the rapid pace at which we harness AI to turn groundbreaking ideas into market realities. In the dynamic world of consumer beverages, our AI-driven methodologies ensure that our clients stay ahead, innovating at a pace that matches the ever-accelerating tempo of the industry.
'Muddle' represents our sophisticated approach to data integration. Just as muddling in mixology blends diverse flavors to create a cohesive whole, we muddle complex data sets, extracting nuanced insights and weaving them into the fabric of each brand's strategy. This process involves delving into the depth of market analysis, consumer behavior, and trend forecasting, ensuring that every strategy is deeply rooted in data-driven intelligence.
Together, Dash & Muddle stand for a new era in beverage strategy: one where speed meets depth, and AI-driven insights transform into tangible, market-leading innovations. Our mission is to empower brands with the tools and insights to not just navigate but lead in the ever-evolving landscape of consumer beverages.
About the Team: Dean Mahoney: Co-Founder & Strategic Visionary
Background: With a rich history in aerospace finance and technology sales, Dean brings a unique perspective to the beverage industry. His entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of ‘Merican Mule, a trailblazing RTD (Ready-To-Drink) cocktail brand inspired by the classic Moscow Mule.
Achievements: Under Dean's leadership, ‘Merican Mule transformed from a concept into a multi-million dollar enterprise. His strategic acumen attracted investments from industry giants like Blue Buffalo, SoBe, Spiked Seltzer, and BodyArmor, marking ‘Merican Mule as a market leader in its category.
Expertise: Dean's experience in scaling a brand from inception to a successful enterprise equips him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the beverage sector, making him a pivotal asset to both emerging and established brands with a unique background in technology and finance.
Mike Ditter: Co-Founder & Industry Innovator
Background: With a distinguished career at Diageo, Mike was a driving force behind transformative growth and innovation. He spearheaded the Diageo Accelerator and Incubator, a bold initiative to foster emerging brands and drive a unique growth trajectory. He also established the first advanced analytics team in the spirits industry. His strategic vision was pivotal in reshaping business models, revolutionizing sales execution, and enhancing strategic partnerships.
Achievements at Diageo: Under Mike’s leadership, initiatives contributed to a significant uplift in top-line growth, ranging from 50-100 basis points. He was instrumental in negotiating multi-billion dollar contracts and aligning portfolio strategies with top-level executives, playing a key role in reinforcing Diageo’s market dominance in North America through advanced commercial and marketing strategies.
Entrepreneurial Success: Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Mike founded Azure Bev Co., launching its flagship brand, Partáy. This agave-based ready-to-drink brand, infused with real fruit juice, rapidly expanded to over 750 distribution points, including major grocery chains and bars across 40+ states, showcasing his knack for market-responsive innovation and agile business methodologies.
