Why Small Businesses Matter in Fairfield County: KAO Distribution
Why Small Businesses Matter
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Meet Guy Fortt co-owner of KAO Distribution.
Why did you start your business?
KAO Distribution LLC, owned by the four Fortt siblings, distributes Eleven86 Real Artesian Ultra Premium Water. This product comes from their parent company, co-owned by their parents and based in Autaugaville, Alabama.
MRaines is the esteemed manufacturer of Eleven86 Real Artesian Water, a distinguished premium bottled water company and one of the foremost Black-owned artesian water enterprises in the United States. Eleven86 Real Artesian Ultra Premium Water is the only artesian water brand in the U.S. market that is both sourced and bottled domestically in Alabama. KAO Distribution's Northeast strategy for distributing Eleven86 water is based on a comprehensive approach that addresses accessibility, affordability, and community impact. The company recognizes the importance of clean and quality water for overall well-being and aims to make a positive difference in the lives of residents and businesses.
What makes your product [Eleven86 Real Artesian Water ]unique?
Here's why Eleven86 Real Artesian Water stands out: Local Pride: As a dedicated State of Connecticut enterprise, we are devoted to bringing the finest artesian water directly from our owned source(Alabama Aqauifer) to your bottle. Stringent Quality Assurance: Your well-being and contentment are our utmost concerns. Our water is thoroughly tested for turbidity twice weekly, and pH levels are verified daily in-house. Furthermore, samples are examined in a state lab twice a month to ensure adherence to regulations.
Exceptional Purity and Taste: Eleven86 Real Artesian Water is an ultra-premium brand known for its refreshing taste and naturally balanced 6.9 pH. Free from chemicals, preservatives, additives, metals, toxins, or fillers, our water promises only pure, refreshing hydration and no BPA.
Endorsed by Professionals: Trusted by several prominent professional athletes, our water is recognized for its quality and performance-enhancing benefits, making it the preferred choice for those who demand the best.
Availability: The water is available in over 1,000 stores in Alabama, 150 in Texas, and 395 Winn-Dixies throughout the Southeast. It's also the official state water of Alabama. The brand has been instrumental in revitalizing a town of 1,000 residents by creating new jobs and infrastructure.
What is your mission for KAO-Distribution?
Our job with KAO-Distribution is to bring water to the Northeast and make it a household name. We currently have a contract with Brightview Landscape at JFK Airport. This month, we are meeting with Amazon for their fulfillment centers in the Northeast, JFK Airport T1, T8, and T6. We also have a meeting with UNFI Natural Foods, a major distributor for their chain of ShopRite Stores and other branded name stores. Choose Eleven86 Real Artesian Water, where purity meets excellence. Refresh your world with a taste as refreshing as nature intended.
Do you use any local businesses to support KAO Distribution? Can you name them?
Yes! Currently, we have Juice Kings in Stamford, Ford Motors in Stamford and several home delivery add-ons
Have you reimagined your business?
I would love to! Cash flow is crucial for any business. The focus is on improving our cash flow by reducing expenses, negotiating better payment terms with suppliers, and increasing sales. One consideration is offering discounts for early payments or incentives for referrals. Whatever we need to do to improve, we are on it!
Visit KAO Distribution’s website https://www.kaodistribution.com/
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @kaodistribution
Questions? Email guy@kaodistribution.com
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!