Ep. 23 | Scaling Community - David Carrasco

David Carrasco, founder of Altura Beverage and co-founder of BluefuriaCLT, shares his insights on the deeper aspects of entrepreneurship, focusing on mindset and community building. He reflects on his experiences growing Bluefúria, a Charlotte FC supporters' group, and the significant role culture and connection play in business. David's lessons from past ventures, such as the importance of delegation and learning as you go, underscore the need to stay grounded and driven by a clear purpose. He emphasizes the importance of finding your 'why,' staying consistent, and navigating external judgment while balancing personal fulfillment with entrepreneurial growth.

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Hello everybody, and welcome to episode 23 of Shakin’ Hands. I'm your host, Jack Moran. Today on the podcast we have David Carrasco, the founder or former VP of the bluefuria. And also a partner of Charlotte Connects. Yes, I made it through that somehow. Now hit the nail. Hiccups. There it let it go. All right, so tell me a little bit. Let's get started. Like, what are you doing right now? What projects are you working on? Like where are you at right now in your entrepreneurial journey? Journey? Right. Yeah. I mean, life's a journey, but, right now there's a couple things in the in the works, fortunately, met a lot of really great people. At the beginning of the year. I connected with Patrick, a couple of the guys, Mary George. So initially I was doing a lot of networking events and then, you know, ran into a lot of people that were trying to do more than just what, you know, the status quo is for a city. I mean, as you as you noticed, a lot of people are moving into a city. And fortunately, I didn't get to meet Alex as well. And we were looking to do something different. And this is kind of where the CO2 connects came into place right now. Let's see. I guess we're like a month in now, right about a month in. And yeah, I'm looking forward to continue to see that growth, bring, you know, people from all walks of life trying to bring some type of, centralized point where people can identify themselves with and then, you know, being introduced to the city, that's constantly growing. So that's just one of the things that, like, I like to get myself involved with is community. And as you mentioned earlier, I was the former VP of California. it was another opportunity that presented to myself, a couple of years ago when there were the team started and, yeah, Charlotte FC. So, you know, I'm a big soccer fanatic. And it was one of those moments. I was like, you know, this would be a good opportunity to jump in. And, now we're 500 plus members, something I've now recently delegated a lot because we've we're doing this rotation where we can, you know, have new people be represented at, feel like they have a voice as well. So we have new president and vice presidents. So a lot of the responsibilities have been delegated. What is the company. What does it do? It's a nonprofit. It's, it's before you. We just want to, you know, bring, sense of community, integrate the culture of our, you know, background to the domestic culture here and, you know, identify as something unique in our own, because I think that's what's been long overdue. Again, I'm I'm native and I have a lot of background here, but I'm native from Charlotte. I've grew up here most of my life, and it's one of those things I have never, had the opportunity or privilege to just had a, you know, a group of my culture or people from, South Central America gathered together outside of, you know, going out to bars and stuff like that. But now is is was another opportunity in sports. And I was like, this is perfect. Let's let's do it. You know, so now that I delegating that my next focus is now going into the any beverages. So and a space nonalcoholic and that's just something I'll start you know provide more information of soon hopefully in the next month or so. So what's that brand. What cycle? Okay, so the brand, the brand is going to be called Altura. So the idea of this brand is to bring something what currently exists today. Right. Everybody knows about alcohol, beer, wines, different things that give you that social buzz are seeking this brand. What I'm hoping to do here is not only just be another alternative that we're currently seeing in the market now, but also just bring it to my community and I'd love to see you know them to understand, you know, there are other ways. Are there other things that you can do that you're not going to feel the side effects that you could with alcohol, the, the, you know, hangovers tab, you know, sometimes when you overdo it and your liver, other other, you know, side effects that everybody's known about the alcohol. So this would be a nice alternative that I think it's the market starting to take really well. And, we'd like to introduce it to, to new, communities like my own. So what's your rollout plan for that product? Are you going to bring it to the market? Yeah, I'm hoping to bring it first here in our city in Charlotte. The product is being produced here locally in the state. And hopefully to start out with a lot of activations again. Activations. What you mean by that. Just doing events, going to have, you know, friends that have locations around the city that are open to the idea, you know, just trying to bring community together. Again. It's just something I've learned with the other ventures that, you know, was part of. And I think that's something that can easily carry over with how you roll something out like this. As well. So just community based. So to start out with that and then, you know, you'd learn, grow, go from there. So you keep repeating this word community. What is community to you. Community. Community I think I would say is people who are like minded, people who, you know, share the same values as you, people that feel represented and feeling at home. And again, I think that's something I felt like at least from my cultural background, lacked here in the city, because there wasn't many places you can go where you can find that sense of community. Now again, our our community, our Latin culture here has been growing pretty exponentially. And now we're finding things. You're fighting owners that are Latinos. You're starting to see new cuisines come into our city. I think recently there was an article and, Axios right where they were naming you as what, like the number one? yeah. Cuisine spot. And that happens to be, Peruvian. So really proud of that. And then there's also another Latin cuisine coming up soon. So it's just it's just beautiful to see. And I just wanted to be part of that because again, this I feel like this is my home. I've grew up here. And I want to put, you know, some aspect of myself here. What do you think is the key to bringing a community together and bringing people together? I think the biggest thing is people have to identify with your product, your brand, your idea. If that's not the first thing you tackle, then it's just one of those hard things to gather people together. A lot of things like the soccer world, people relate because they know how they've done it in their countries, when they when they're like when they go to the stadium, how they become fans, what's the traditions? What are the things that you do prior to games or during games? And a lot of those are our shared commonalities. No matter what country you're from, especially in South and Central America. And that's the first thing we've noticed when we were building this group out. So I think that's one of those strong points that you, you harness, when you're trying to build community and you're trying to, you know, build that out as far as the brand or whatever you're trying to do. So you say that it has a lot of Latin influence and influence from, the Latin culture. Yeah. What are kind of the, the, the unique twist that you guys have put on your specific community, that make it different from other communities, like what are the main values that you would say represent your community? Yeah. So at least for the city, perspective, we're bringing a lot of cultural, things that we do for matches here in Charlotte. So that was the first thing that stood us out. there's amongst the others, existing supporter groups, is that we our core is, you know, the music, the chance, the the style of how we we want to fan within the field and outside the field and how people gathered together, even outside of games. I mean, me growing up again here, is a big missing piece in my culture as well, because I didn't get to experience that. A lot of the people who were coming from, you know, the other countries and now making this their home. So it was really cool to see, us trade ideas and understanding and cultures because I think that was the point really, is to to identify with what you've brought from your company or your culture to what you want to integrate here domestically. So that's I think that's what makes this different. So. So what are your day to day responsibilities? Well, when I, when I was there as a as a vice president for the first two years, I was really trying to, keep, keep a strong foundation, right for my responsibility at the beginning was trying to build some type of structure where people can, be able to be able to, like, take over those roles whenever that individual can no longer do it. So, for instance, like we needed to make sure we had a treasury, right? Sure. Like there's some type of structure to keep documentations, all the collaborations work that we do. Like there needs to be, some type of template or a way to a standardization to in order for this to continue to succeed. So that was kind of like my first responsibilities meeting operational model, operational understanding how to create like membership, programs and like what did the memberships get like. And you work this collaboratively, right? You bring in the ideas that you learn from your, your job or other businesses you have. But at the end of the day, in order for that to continue to proceed and like, improve or even like be well-received, you have to get insights from other people and what they may think would work best or not. You know, you know as much as you do and until you open yourself up. So those are the kind of things that you do as far as responsibilities. When we first started this as a vice president and then obviously just show presence all the time, show presence and everything you do and bring value to those people that are actually paying memberships for your, for your group, and just make an impact for your community. Don't you? And so when what is your strategy? And this is something that I am not very good at. you say you come from more of an operational background. how do you take, like, the strategy of the company and the goals of the company in the big picture goals and implement those operationally into, actionable executable plans in the day to day? Yeah. well, and to be sincere, with at least the, the, before you, it was trial and error, man. Like some people receive some type of structure but to a certain limit. Right. Like and again, culturally, you see that and how we do things. as far as like structuring when things happen that sometimes it takes a lot for people to be accepting of. So you just got to know what works and what doesn't. And when you start seeing things that do receive well, then just continue to build on that. And that's kind of that's what I would say is how we would, you know, the destruction of we did do you see that there are are there differences between business in the Latin culture versus, oh, yeah, 100%. I mean, there's there's things that you do with good intentions, right? I mean, there's things that we from a risk adverse standpoint, right, is I think I feel like our culture here in the States is what we try to do with everything we do. Right. But sometimes that could be taken personally or just be looked at so different from like the Latin culture. And you just got to understand, like, hey, look at both perspectives. Are you doing way too much? Then you need to are you going too far to the TI? Because then again, sometimes that pushes people back from wanting to do anything at all. So you just got to know how to balance things. And that's what that's that was the biggest, I'd say learning lesson. Like as we continue to build this, this, group up. So how did you get into this? Like what was the, introduction into your and then on to the journey with it. Yeah. So I had a buddy, name, career. I give him a career, he, buddy of mine for years, I known him since college. he was actually told by another friend of ours, the Kingo, who wanted to start a supporters group because he saw that there wasn't really something that was speaking to the South American culture. And he just, you know, he's always known, I guess, my type of work or how I was. And he was just like, hey, look, you know, starting something out, would you like to be a part of it? I was like, dude, of course 100%. I'm a huge soccer fanatic, but I saw it as an opportunity to also learn about other cultures within, like, you know, the community that I'm part of and why not? So that's how I got started, buddy of mine here. And then I looked at all the responsibilities that we wanted to do, and I was just like, you know, take on the operational standpoint. Like, I feel like I have a better sense of that and I'll learn from everything else that comes through. So. So is that are you still working on that project today or not as much or not? Not as involved? Again, I've delegated a lot of responsibilities. Fortunately, again, we had a really huge, you know, well, responsive community building. I mean, again, it's not only Central and South American representations that we have. I mean, a lot of people love what we do. And domestically also we have people that help us out. So I was able to delegate a lot of things. Right now, currently I'm more of a supporter role. Like I talked directly both to the president, vice president that we currently have today. And anything that we've we had lessons learned. I mean, we don't want them to create the same mistakes. So we just, you know, let them know we have sessions once a week or whenever they want to just contact us. They can and give them, give them my advice so that they can continue to grow. So where does the rest of your focus go now? Day to day? My already you freed up some time. Yeah, I've freed up a lot of time now and I wanted to again, find a way to that can be more impactful. I feel like there's a lot of opportunities here in our city, and that's kind of where this, networking group started. but I also saw an opportunity with the beverage space. I mean, I really I'm starting to lean in towards that because, I feel like there's a there's a potential future to it. I think it's it's addressing a long, long, long time need. I mean, at least for my instance, you know, sometimes you want to go socialize, you want to have alcohol because, you know, sometimes the pitfalls with with the hangovers and all that. So, that's kind of now I'm transitioning more on that to focus on, man. Have you ran into any adversity building this company or not yet? I feel like I'm in the beginning stages of it all again. It's a whole new thing. when I first started. Also support in blue 48 and and and the build up and all that, you don't know what you're getting yourself into. And, sometimes you're just. Sometimes there's just a lot. And you're like, well, you know that you keep asking yourself like, why? But then you remember your why and you're like, okay, this is this is, you know, the passion that I have for my community, passion for this sport. And you keep pushing through. I think that's the same thing that may happen here. I, I'm starting to grow a really good, fan of, like, hey, there's other things that I can be, you know, taking over for socializing, you know, why not? Like, I'm sorry. I'm starting to really understand the market better, and, think I'm going through that, you know, same process that I did with before. Yeah. What, lessons did you learn from euphoria that you're applying now to this new business venture? Oh, man, it's a good question. just be a little bit more cautious. Again. It's it's good to be flexible, but I know what's tried and true, at least for me, with structure and just to continue to have that along the way. it's a very operational mindset. Yes. Something something I'm known that has worked for me for years. So yeah, I just just continue to just be cautious about what I open myself up to and then just, just continue to work for with something that's been tried and true. Yeah. And so you said like finding your why. What is your why? The why. That's again, I feel like a lot of first like a lot of people will ask themselves that sometime in their life. And the why is just because of what keeps you up at night or makes you go to makes you want to wake up early. I think that's a key, that I've learned, at least in my life, to say, hey, like, there's something I'm shooting for, something I'm working towards. And once you find that it's just a bit of an addiction and just, you know, it's just it's hard to stop. Like, you just want to always, constantly work for it. So that's kind of the itch when you find your why, you get that itch and you want to continue to to, you know, put your effort into that. Well, how do you define success? What is success for you? Success is is wherever you're you're happy spaces and and you know, you're pushing to always grow and progress. I think that's kind of what is it for you though? Like specifically like if you look around the room and you see this, what, what? And you look and you see these specific variables, what will it be that will make you feel like you are successful? For me, success would be, just have more time, you know, to do other things outside of work. I mean, I, I was I have a family as well. I have a two year old and, I've been married with my wife for five years, and I want to continue to find more time with my family. I think that's the end of the goal. being able to, I'd say, not depend on other people to an extent, just be able to build something on your own. Really. That's kind of what I would say would be the, the ultimate goal there. How do you balance family life and business life? it's tough man. There's, days you just try to, you know, break out. You say, hey, you know, on, you know, Wednesdays or Thursdays are days that I have to build, you know, work on this or have meetings for that. You just got to be able to schedule. I mean, again, just some some type of process. You guys can work together where she would have her days on my days, and we can do stuff together as well. What kind of advice would you give to someone who maybe is not as organized, to get their life. Well, I'd say that's me. I mean sometimes I feel like I'm a disorganized mess and, and I'd say most people that know me directly would think the same. Once again, I think once you find the Y or once you find interest in things, I think it becomes a lot easier to build some type of structure. I did learn a couple things back in the day, during my work work, like in the office, everything that I worked, there's like this, this four squared thing that you put together and you put things like you've completed and things that you want to complete, and then just, you know, give your time frame or when you want to, complete things. So like having some type of structure and that sense, I think will help you progress and being more organized, just being consistent in what you do. So are there any habits that you have instilled in your day to day life that have resulted in, you being more productive or happier? Yeah. I mean, again, I think, you know, growing up, I would say I'd try to stay structured, but there's things you just learn along the way as like as, as long as I was continue to develop that and grow that thing that makes my life a lot easier just to continue to find ways to be more effective or efficient. And, have structure in your day day. What's something that you didn't know when you first ventured down this path that you wish you knew, that, you know, now, honestly, there's just what that what I learned are you talking about from, like, the, the blue 40 days or just in general? Just in general. Like, what have you learned along your, like, through your life that you wish you knew, like a couple of years ago? You know, what's next biggest that you've picked up on or biggest insight that's like been beneficial to you that you wish you knew before? Yeah, I'd say, you know, in the younger years you carry a lot of what others say, which is kind of silly now that you get a little bit older, you see, you know, when you're focused and you want to do things that you actually like, not everybody's going to be on the same page, man. Some friends that you had in the past will will align to it, but some some won't. And they may be your closest friends. And so like, I think that was a kind of a big revealing moment when it when I knew it really didn't matter what other think about what I'm going after, what I'm doing, because at the end of the day, they're not doing it. I mean, someone who's who's build a business would never judge you for just starting one small thing here and there and going bad or not, they've gone through the same things. I mean, an athlete won't judge you for training every day because they've gone through it. So like people who have reached those levels, you know, they have a different perspective and they see what you've done because they've done it themselves. So you just got to be open to that. You got to be open to things and people that will judge you and just keep moving forward because it's something you you want. How do you separate yourself from the emotion of that judgment and, and keep plummeting forward despite what other people think? It's tough, and I'm sure a lot of people struggle with it. I've struggled with it when I was younger. I want to attribute the ability to do that is because I when I was younger, I did referee soccer as well. I saw different aspects of the sport, but my dad got me really into it, really young. I think around 13, 14 years old to start refereeing there. You learn so many things, behavioral things like, and you got to be able to think quick on your feet like it's insane. And so like those things you do carry with yourself in life. And I think that's what made it easier for me to be able to understand, okay, all the things that I went through, they're like, how do you make it applicable? Yeah. Like people are going to have emotions high, like they yet to know how to like you work through that in order to get through the next, you know, point that you're trying to get to. So what behavioral things did you learn? I, I do like yeah. So again, in sports, right. When you're, when you're making a call, you got to know why you're making that call. Yeah I know how to like people are going to be tuned out. You're you're going to know how to deal with that. And then the the actual person, they want to understand exactly what happened in play. So you got to be able to articulate exactly what happened, make quick, sound decisions, but enough for them to to understand it emotionally, especially if they're level headed. And then usually those individuals that you're talking to, those are the captains. Those are the guys that actually talk to their teammates and then things can cool off. I mean, it doesn't work like that every single time. But those are the I think things that I've learned from a behavioral standpoint, like sounds just like running a business. Yeah, exactly. So these, these small little things that happen in life, man. Like sometimes you start realizing, oh, you know, this is things that I've experienced and things I want to continue doing and see kind of what your full potential may be from it. You know. So so before we wrap up here, like, what would you what would be like some final advice that you would give to someone listening to this that maybe wants to journey into entrepreneurship or chase their passions or do something different than they're doing right now. That's not as fulfilling for them. Yeah. I mean, dude, you're hitting every single point in that flight. Yeah, I think you summarized exactly what I've been going through. But dude, yeah, I think it's first understanding not to care what others really think. Man. If there's something really you care about and you're driven to do, just go for it. You'll have your support system. There's good people out there that are back, and I think that's really another strong base to to have. I mean, I'm fortunate we have a really strong circle while I go through the good and sometimes the bad, you know, and internally, externally all that. So I'd say I'd say that man like that. I think that's the biggest life lesson for me is just not caring and then being consistent. And I think I doubt they'll push a lot further to what you want to do and what your passions are. Well appreciate it. Is there, if anyone wants to, like, reach out to you, ask me any questions, or even, like, join one of your communities. Where can they find it? Cool. Yeah. So from a community standpoint, CLT connects again. That's we just had our first event this past week or so. Connect with us there. If you're really interested in the networking aspect, if you have more questions directly with me, the things that I've done, things I've experienced, you know, the things that we just talked about. You can find me on Instagram at Underscore dCarrasco. So that's Carrasco, that's my personal Instagram. So if you guys want to follow me there, I'd rather. Well, I appreciate you coming out. Yeah. Thank you for having me, man. Yeah. So yeah. Of course do. All right guys. Well, that concludes this episode of Shakin’ Hands. I'm your host, Jack Moran. If you like what you heard today, please continue listening. And if you got any questions, suggestions that you want for guests or questions that you want to be asked, don't hesitate to reach out. But, otherwise, we'll see you next time. Thanks. Appreciate. Thank you.