CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WZZM) - Two West Michigan men who recently lost their jobs are hoping to turn their hobby of mixing drinks into a successful business. They're calling the vodka-based, tropical creation, "Sharkwater".
"It seemed to roll off the tongue. It was one of those, in the shower, brainstorm moments. That's how it came together", says Jeff DeYoung.
He and his good friend Don Rodgers came up with the idea two years ago, but are just now putting the plan into motion. "It's a learning process. It's a risk. A risk we're willing to take", says Don.
The timing couldn't be better. Both men are unemployed. Don was laid-off and Jeff recently took a buyout. "For the business portion, yes it allows us the time to get out and promote and get the product on the shelves."
The idea came when Jeff and Don and their two wives started mixing drinks and serving them to their friends. "And once we got feedback, which was 100% positive, we thought's let's see what we can do."
The men found a distillery in Temperance, Michigan that was interested in bottling the blue concoction. "Sharkwater" is a tropical mix with a "bite". Most liqueur's are 30-proof. This one is 40- proof. "It was yummy, it was delicious", says Jeff.
The men are now in the process of marketing the product nationwide. It's set to hit the shelves in about a month. The hope is to turn Sharkwater into a profitable full-time job.
As soon as Sharkwater is available for purchase, the information will be put on the Sharkwater's website.
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