Meet Trea Feist

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trea Feist. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with TREA below.

Hi TREA, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Great question as there is a handful of reasons.

First and foremost is my faith in God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. I believe everything is guided by faith and that this gives me a profound sense of purpose and the ability to endure hardships and I would whole heartedly say this is a major source of my resilience.

Secondly, I would say it is the Texas grit and Military mindset as I am Texas-born and raised combined with my Army background has instilled on me a “Never give up” mentality. This mentality along with God’s grace has ushered me through the hard times when there seemed to be no hope.

Lastly, I can contribute to being a bit proud of being the underdog in the fight as I have built one of the smallest funded Vodka brands in the market, yet still competing with BIG BIG players. I launched this brand with $150,000 in May 2020 height of covid. Most brands spend this every month or 2 on marketing and operations. Instead of being discouraged I took it as fuel to prove that underdog’s CAN WIN!!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Trea Feist, founder of Dank Vodka, a premium brand driven by passion, resilience, and faith. As a Texas-born Army veteran and seasoned bartender, I’ve poured my industry experience into crafting a vodka that redefines quality and transforms the consumer experience into something truly exceptional.

Dank Vodka is a groundbreaking spirit, being the first to infuse terpenes—natural aromatic compounds found in citrus fruits—to achieve a smooth, clean, and versatile flavor profile. Unlike brands that rely on synthetic additives, we prioritize authenticity by using real citrus zest oils and reverse osmosis water. This approach results in a refined, crisp taste perfect for sipping, mixing, or shooting straight. Each sip offers an elevated experience for vodka enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Our signature bottle design, a perfectly symmetrical diamond shape, symbolizes precision, craftsmanship, and sophistication. This design choice reflects our brand’s dedication to quality and elegance. Every detail—from the terpene infusion to the luxurious packaging—was meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable experience inside and out.

Currently, Dank Vodka is sold in Total Wine stores across Texas and Florida, 75 Spec’s stores in Texas, and 50+ independent retailers. Our distribution continues to grow as we strive to increase to a dozen more states by 2026. This ambitious goal will be achieved through increased tastings, strategic store placements, and stronger brand visibility. Our emphasis on visibility and customer engagement is a driving force in our expansion plan.

Dank Vodka’s story is deeply personal. As one of the smallest funded brands in the market, I’ve faced obstacles head-on with faith, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. My journey has included sleeping in my car, building personal relationships with store managers, and pushing past every “no” to create opportunities. These experiences have shaped our brand’s core message: “Stand strong.”

Dank Vodka is more than a spirit—it’s a symbol of determination, originality, and excellence. We aim to inspire others by showing that no challenge is insurmountable with faith, hard work, and resilience.

For those seeking a smooth, elevated vodka experience, Dank Vodka stands apart from the rest.

For those looking for inspiration, I hope my journey reminds them that with faith, perseverance, and vision, anything is possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I’ve identified three key qualities that have been most impactful to my growth and success: belief in yourself, market knowledge, and networking.

First and foremost, belief in yourself is essential. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, no one else will. Confidence in your vision and mission fuels your persistence, even when things get tough. This unwavering belief becomes the foundation of every pitch, every meeting, and every decision you make.

Secondly, understanding your market is critical. You need to know your industry inside and out, recognize what sets your product apart, and develop a clear strategy for how you’ll stand out from the competition. Equally important is knowing how to sell your product. No matter how great your product is, if you can’t effectively communicate its value, it’s going to be a tough road. Identifying the unique qualities of your brand and crafting a story around it will help you break through the noise.

Finally, the power of networking cannot be overstated. The old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” holds more truth than most people realize. Building a strong network opens doors that you may not even know exist. From industry connections to potential investors, every relationship you cultivate can become a catalyst for growth. Networking requires effort, patience, and humility, but it’s an investment that always pays dividends.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: believe in yourself fiercely, become a student of your market, and network like your future depends on it—because it does. Develop these three qualities, and you’ll be equipped to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve your goals.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m actively seeking partners and collaborators—most importantly, investors—to take Dank Vodka to the next level. Our brand has built strong momentum despite being one of the smallest funded spirits on the market. We’ve fought through five years of challenges with grit, passion, and persistence. Now, we’re ready for the next chapter.

Dank Vodka has unparalleled potential for growth, and we’re not just talking about store shelves. We’ve established connections with major TV shows like Yellowstone, cinematic movies, and high-profile events such as nationwide celebrity gatherings, award shows, and major sporting events. The foundation is in place—what’s missing is the capital to seize these opportunities at full scale.

Our track record speaks for itself. While we’re a premium brand priced nearly double that of Tito’s, we’ve still managed to outsell them in stores where we’ve had the resources to hire in-store reps. This proves that with the right support, we’re capable of taking significant market share from even the most established brands.

We’re seeking strategic investors who see the opportunity in a product that’s truly unique. Our use of terpenes and our distinctive diamond-shaped bottle give us a competitive edge in an industry crowded with “me-too” brands. Investors will be joining a company poised for exponential growth as we scale up distribution, hire additional sales reps, and amplify brand visibility.

Beyond investors, we’re also looking to collaborate with business and legal firms, neighborhood and community groups, magazines, podcasts, bar/restaurant owners, and liquor store owners. These partnerships can help us strengthen brand awareness and deepen market penetration.

If you’re an investor looking for a rare opportunity to be part of something truly disruptive in the spirits industry, or if you’re a business looking to partner with a premium, fast-growing vodka brand, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us directly, and let’s discuss how we can grow together and bring Dank Vodka to its full potential.

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