Ryan Everton is the founder and CEO at TURN, a San Francisco headquartered company pioneering reusable cup solutions for major events and fast-food chains.
From growing up on a farm and selling meat pies at boarding school during the tuck shop prohibition — to tackling global plastic waste, building infrastructure to wash a million cups at a time (literally) … Ryan's journey embodies Kiwi ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.
In this episode, we explore:
TURN's origins as “Globelet” .. and ideation journey through the Otago University “Audacious” business competition.
The journey from landing his first festival customers, through to partnering with Live Nation and rolling out across 36 festivals on the same contract… now on to Starbucks, Chick-fil-A.
How TURN achieves >90% cup return rates at events - building loyalty programs, rolling out powerful incentive mechanics.
Navigating the pandemic - seeing it as an opportunity to take stock, invest in R&D and rebranding, automating washing infrastructure, come out swinging on the other side.
Riding regulatory tailwinds — coming California restrictions on single-use plastics, and how they’re positioning themselves to ride them.
Unlearning classic Kiwi habits to lead a global team.
Why grit is an important founder trait, and where he thinks it comes from (hint: back on the farm).
Philosophical reflections on purpose, success, and leaving a legacy
Where to find Ryan online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryaneverton/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/Valueroad
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