Interview with Ryan Custer CEO of Cougar
Read the review of Cougar Double Shot
Question 1. Who are you and what is the name of your company?
Ryan Custer – Owner | CEOCOUGAR LIMITED 21, L.P.
Question 2. How many people work for your company?
Eleven
Question 3. How long has your company been in business?
We launched COUGAR – energy drink for women August 1, 2008 at the Europa Super Show in Dallas, TX
Question 4. Who came up with the idea for Cougar? What’s the story behind it?
I grew up admiring fitness athletes and playing any sport I could. I started working at GNC while still in high school and continued my GNC career into college while I attended Baylor University - Sic 'em Bears!
Five and a half years of learning the health and fitness industry from my experiences at GNC, I knew I had found my passion. I enjoyed helping individuals meet their goals of losing weight, beat their max on bench press or make their high school or college team.
There is nothing sexier than a woman who takes PRIDE in her appearance. COUGAR - energy drink for women was an idea to empower these women and represent them with a classy, trendy product that applauds their continued efforts to stay beautiful. With ya'lls (yes I'm a Texan) wonderful acceptance of COUGAR - energy drink for women, we will continue to spread the word!
You will not find another business owner more passionate about his/her company more than I am. On January 21st, 2007, my brother, Brett “Tex” Custer passed away in a motorcycle accident. COUGAR – energy drink for women was a product I founded as a way to keep myself occupied with something I really have a passion for; health and wellness. He taught me to enjoy life, and COUGAR was my answer. I hope everyone has the opportunity to try our drinks and meet my great COUGAR Team. “Live Pink”
Question 5. How was the flavor chosen?
We conducted a national survey of multiple flavors (artificial flavors). We decided to use a little bit of tropical artificial flavoring but focused most of the flavor on the all natural exotic berry extracts. Because of this, the flavor depends on the person! We’ve heard everything – watermelon, grape, orange, grapefruit, cherry, strawberry and even pomegranate!
Question 6. Who designed the label and why was the design chosen?
Michael Arthur DesignWe choose this label because we wanted to bring something new into the already oversaturated energy drink market. Since most drinks/shots are marketed toward men, we wanted to “tone” the label down and have a “girly” pink to help our shot stand out in the crowd of energy shots. We also wanted to create a trendy feel to it.
Question 7. How did you decide which ingredients to put in Cougar? What are some of the ingredients you feel strongly about?
I wanted to create an energy shot that is actually good for your body and include ingredients that would benefit a women and her appearance. All other shots on the market are for just energy, COUGAR is a vitamin energy shot like helps reduce stress to maintain hormonal balance!Vitamin B12 - B12 is important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production. Biotin - Biotin helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, in energy metabolism, and in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose. Biotin is also utilized to synthesize intracellular carboxylase enzymes and is essential for normal skin and hair growth.Folic Acid - Folic acid works along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins. Folic acid also helps tissues grow and cells work.Green Tea - Green tea is used to treat multiple sclerosis, prevention of cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, raise the metabolism and increase fat oxidation, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks, reduces the risk of esophageal cancer, inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases, treats impaired immune function, prevents tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes the dental plaque.Wolfberry Extract - Wolfberry extract aids in anti aging, visual generation, strengthens the eyes, liver, kidneys and nourishing the blood. Noni Extract - Noni helps with stress, digestion, energy, skin tone, memory, increased libido, stronger and faster growing hair and nails and better sleep. Pomegranate Extract - Pomegranate helps reduce blood pressure and slows down LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) oxidation.
Question 8. Do you plan on releasing other flavors or maybe a full size energy drink? What’s in the works?
Yes, we plan on expanding the COUGARR brand into other markets as well as add to our energy drink line. As for additional products coming up - well, you'll just have to see when they hit the shelves!
Question 9. Some companies target extreme athletes, Students, Party crowd, etc... Who is your target market?
For the Independent Woman COUGAR specifically targets a niche market, cougars. There are many definitions of a “cougar,” but our drink and marketing plan specifically empowers the successful, independent woman who takes pride in her appearance. As you know, cougars are a buzz in today’s media. From Saturday Night Live (SNL) to your local news coverage, cougars are finally getting the recognition they deserve. In addition to empowering the woman that takes care of herself, COUGAR – energy drink for women gives a portion of proceeds from each sale to the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Question 10. Who is your products main competition? Energy drinks, Energy shots, energy pills. The big boys like RB or Monster?
Our main competition is 5 Hour Energy Drink.
Question 11. Seeing as how the energy drink market is growing and so many new drinks/shots seemed to be released every month what do you see happening to the market? Will it continue to grow or do you see it slowing down.
Energy drink products are here to stay. I see the market to continue to grow with more ways of people getting “energy” – whether it’s gum, mints, dip, etc. Question 12. What are your feelings on the current controversy concerning mixing energy drinks and alcohol?
I personally think it’s a great idea if you mix the right products together. COUGAR – energy drink for women acts like a hangover helper. COUGAR is loaded with antioxidants and detoxifiers which will help your body recover during or after a night of drinking. I don’t recommend drinking carbonated products with alcohol though.
Question 13. Where is Cougar currently distributed/sold? Do you plan on extending distribution to new areas?
Orlando, Florida and Los Angeles, California sales teams were launched November 1, 2008. You may also check out our locations tab on our website www.cougarenergydrink.com