Josh Taekman is an American entrepreneur who has built an impressive net worth of approximately $20 million through multiple successful business ventures. He is the founder and CEO of Vitalize Labs, makers of the popular natural energy drink EBOOST. In addition to EBOOST, Taekman has led several other companies to prosperity over his 30+ year career.
From Small Business Owner to Serial Entrepreneur
Taekman‘s passion for business and marketing started early. After graduating from Monte Vista High School in his hometown of Danville, California, he went on to earn a marketing degree from San Diego State University in 1991. Shortly after, in his early 20s, Taekman launched his first small business – a boat cleaning and detailing company in San Diego.
His big break came in 1996 when Taekman co-founded Bad Boy Entertainment with industry mogul Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs. As Vice President of Marketing, Taekman helped propel the company into a multi-million dollar record label and management firm with chart-topping artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans.
"I‘ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for building brands." – Josh Taekman
After four successful years at Bad Boy Entertainment, Taekman took on another marketing role as President of Buzztone, a NYC-based ad agency specializing in experiential campaigns for major brands. There he led campaigns for clients like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Nokia.
But Taekman‘s biggest venture was yet to come.
Vitalize Labs: The Rise of EBOOST
In 2007, Taekman founded Vitalize Labs and launched EBOOST. Made with all-natural ingredients like green tea extract and vitamins, EBOOST was one of the first "clean" energy drink alternatives.
Within two years, EBOOST was generating over $5 million in annual sales. By 2011, revenues exceeded $10 million. As of 2022, EBOOST remains one of the top-selling natural energy drinks on the market.
Vitalize Labs‘ rapid growth is attributed to Taekman‘s strategic leadership and ability to build strong distribution networks. EBOOST is now sold in over 10,000 retail locations nationwide.
EBOOST‘s sales volume has steadily climbed over the past decade. [Source: Vitalize Labs]
Other Ventures
In addition to his core businesses, Taekman has invested in and advised multiple startups across health/wellness, technology, consumer products, and more.
He co-founded Column Health, a digital wellness platform, and backed beverage brand Sofi Spritz. Taekman also serves as an active angel investor and strategic advisor for several young companies and startups.
"I look for passionate founders solving real problems that consumers care about."
Key Takeaways from Taekman‘s Journey
Josh Taekman‘s career path and list of accomplishments offer several lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Start small and build up. Taekman began as a one-person operation running a boat cleaning business. Over decades he systematically built larger and larger companies.
Leverage partnerships. Joining forces with other experts like Sean Combs gave Taekman the resources and connections to thrive in entertainment and marketing.
Spot emerging consumer needs. Taekman identified the growing demand for healthy energy drinks before most and created a powerful new brand with EBOOST.
Don‘t be afraid to pivot. When his ad agency Buzztone ran its course, Taekman moved on to his next major project, Vitalize Labs.
Remain passionate and persistent. Through ups and downs, Taekman never lost his entrepreneurial spirit. His passion is a key ingredient in his success.
Conclusion
Thanks to a diverse set of thriving businesses, Josh Taekman has accumulated an impressive net worth of approximately $20 million. The growth of his latest venture Vitalize Labs demonstrates Taekman‘s marketing savvy and ability to build brands that consumers love. If EBOOST continues its upward trajectory, Taekman‘s fortune could rise even higher in the years ahead. His journey highlights the rewards that come from lifelong dedication and an enterprising spirit.
