Metromint Blog

gardening is not a rational act

7/1/08
by Jon Weber, Creative Director

When my wife and I first bought our home over 10 years ago, I had little experience gardening. I have fond memories helping my mother turn the soil and tend to the vegetable plots we planted each year, but I had little knowledge of what was happening or the science behind it. All I knew was that I loved getting my hands dirty, and the idea of planting a seed and watching it grow and bare fruit.

The first year we owned the house I killed the front yard, so we needed to replant it. I did a lot of reading, and a lot of hard work went into ripping out the old stuff, replanting, mulching, and reconfiguring the watering system— but I loved it and my work paid off. Well, almost, since there were a number of plants that just didn’t make it no matter how hard I tried.

Next, I tackled the back yard. Knowing that I wasn’t up to the task on my own, I set a modest budget and I hired a landscape architect and a contractor. After approving the plans, I was presented with an estimate that was double the original budget. Instead of modifying the design, I ended up doing a lot of the work myself. From learning how to lay PVC, to digging drainage trenches, to pruning the rhodies, I had to learn a lot on the fly, but I had fun and ended up with what I wanted (with mixed results).

It’s a lot like the work we do at Metromint. Years ago, we planted a seed that had enormous potential. We watered and cared for it. Pulled out the weeds and replanted again. On a daily basis we are challenged with
addressing monumental tasks with modest budgets. If we can’t afford to hire someone to do a project, we end up doing it our selves. Before I started working at Metromint, I never designed a trade show booth, produced a 15-second spot, or even built a web site. But I read books, listened to smart people and implemented what I learned...again, with mixed results.

We have seen resounding growth. We’re now one of the top ten premium waters in the country. And with the introduction of our new enhanced water line, we’re looking for our brand to continue to blossom. Yes, it’s been hard work for everyone involved, but we do it because we love it.

summer hydration

6/11/08
by Rich Kerlin, Metromint Public Relations

I’ve been fortunate during my career to have promoted some pretty amazing ideas and innovations— from floating hotels to airplane internet service to Metromint water. If you’re a publicist, it’s always a big plus when you’re associated with a product that’s forging new territory AND connecting with fans. The rule of thumb is this: if it’s breaking new ground, whatever the product is, it will be newsworthy.

And with Metromint, it's true. I speak with reporters each and every day, and I hear it over and over and over again: Metromint’s different. What’s your secret? It’s great when something so simple can be viewed as such a big idea. But to me, it’s our simplicity that makes us so special. No bells and whistles – just mintwater.

Working in Palm Springs, where the summer heat can often rise to 110 degrees or more, I know firsthand the importance of hydration. That’s why this month we’re promoting the importance of staying hydrated during the hot summer months. We're offering fans and consumers tips about drinking that magic 64-ounces of water per day, drinking water throughout the day, and not relying on thirst as an indicator that you should drink more water. And since my dog, a big Rhodesian ridgeback named Wiser, and I live in one of the hottest places on earth, I follow those rules religiously! In fact, water’s never been so important to me.

I’ll never forget the first time I met the Metromint team in San Francisco. I remember coming away from my interview thinking these people are about big ideas, and it’s true. I have not worked with a nicer group of people— all with passion for the product and a lot of big ideas. It’s invigorating and contagious to be around this positive energy. And since I receive a lot of customer feedback directly from fans like you, I know that you feel the same way about Metromint. So keep your ideas coming. We appreciate them.

Orangemint is my favorite, followed by Cherrymint, our latest. You’ll find my refrigerator stocked full of those varieties throughout the summer. And I’ve noticed lately that when I have friends over to swim, a bottle of Metromint is the first thing they ask for. Of course, that’s after they get their big welcome smooch from Wiser.

Stay hydrated, think big and enjoy your summer!

creating the new

5/7/08
by Rio Miura, Founder of Metromint

When my eyes start opening wide and I start grinning after 10:00 pm, my husband Scott knows what is happening to me. "New ideas!” I don’t know why but I am always thinking about new products which are mostly related to food or beverage. I started to take notes of these ideas with my sketches for years and Metromint was one of them.

When I tried making the first Metromint, it was so funny. It happened at our kitchen one night….all of sudden I decided to put an Altoid in a glass of water, and then a big light hit! It was a moment that I will never forget. I am so excited about creating things— making a sand castle on the beach with my kids ( 6yr and 5yr) or new kinds of beverages for our business. Of course, the beverage making has more risk than the sandcastle making, but I have Scott. He covers various hurdles, letting me walk without having to worry about the challenges along the way— so I can still grin at 10:00pm. Scott and I are great team!

We recently became parents of #3. Baby Eri was born on March 14th at 4:44 am. It was such a fun time delivering Eri. I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the labor. And I am still thrilled doing all the work involved with having a new born in my life, and not enough sleep! Babies are a miracle & fascinating….I am so lucky to have one more chance to raise a person. Is this something to do with “creating?” Then yes, I love being a mom!