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Issue #05 • February 2025

The Art of Staying Local While Scaling

FEATURED ESSAY

How Juiceland grew to 22 locations without losing its Austin soul

Founder Matt Shook shares the unconventional playbook that kept the brand rooted in community even as it expanded across Texas.

Matt Shook
Matt Shook
Founder & CEO, Juiceland
15 min read
THIS MONTH
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subscribers opened this issue
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Featured businesses
64
Tips shared
REAL AUSTIN STORIES

Featured Business Spotlights

Juiceland
22 locations • Austin, TX
Est. 2009

What started as a single juice truck in 2009 has become one of Austin's most beloved wellness brands. Founder Matt Shook kept the company values intact while growing to 22 locations across Texas.

KEY INSIGHT FROM MATT

“We only expand when we can find the right people who love our mission as much as we do. No shortcuts.”

Community-first hiring
Local produce partnerships
Zero waste initiatives
Lick Honest Ice Creams
4 scoop shops • Austin, TX
Est. 2011

Chad Palmatier turned a passion for honest ingredients into a cult-favorite ice cream brand. Every flavor tells a story — from Texas honey to local pecan praline.

KEY INSIGHT FROM CHAD

“We treat our scoop shops like community hubs, not just retail. Events, live music, and local collabs keep us connected.”

Seasonal local flavors
Neighborhood events
Ingredient transparency
PRACTICAL ADVICE

3 Growth Lessons from Austin Founders

Hire slow, fire fast — but with heart

Matt Shook of Juiceland waits 3+ interviews before any offer. “Culture is everything when you scale.”

— Issue #05

Turn customers into your marketing team

Lick's most powerful growth channel is still word-of-mouth. They reward superfans with free pints and early flavor access.

— Issue #05

Measure what actually matters

Instead of chasing vanity metrics, track “community love” — repeat visits, event attendance, and referral rates.

— Issue #05
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE

Past Issues

View all issues
JANUARY 2025
The Power of Micro-Communities
Spotlight: Epoch Coffee
Issue #04 • 12 pages
DECEMBER 2024
Bootstrapping vs. Raising Capital
Spotlight: Lick Honest Ice Creams
Issue #03 • 14 pages
NOVEMBER 2024
Finding Your First 100 Customers
Spotlight: Via 313 Pizza
Issue #02 • 11 pages
OCTOBER 2024
The Austin Advantage: Why Location Matters
Spotlight: Bouldin Creek Cafe
Issue #01 • 9 pages
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