How Stateside Brands embodies a ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy

Fun is at the heart of Stateside Brands' day-to-day operations.

After all, as a consumer beverage brand, Stateside wants to live by it offerings.

"We make alcohol; people are usually having a good time when they're enjoying our products, so why can't we have a good time while we're making them," says Eddy McGehean, the company's vice president of human resources.

For Stateside, that looks like seasonal kickoff parties, team tailgating outings and paid-time off to enjoy city-wide celebrations like Super Bowl wins.

Based out of Philadelphia, Stateside Brands has put their "work hard, play hard" culture front and center as they rapidly scale up.

In the 11 years since the company was founded by Clement Pappas, Zach Pappas, Matt Quigley and Brian Quigley in 2015, Stateside has transformed from selling just one craft vodka product to launching an entire line of canned cocktails under the name Surfside. Now, Surfside cocktails are sold at big box retailers like Target and Walmart in all 50 states.

Putting culture first during times of expansion looks different for every company. But for Stateside, McGehean says it starts with ensuring every team member feels "safe, heard and respected."

"You just have to listen to…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/