We were lucky to catch up with Rob Nollenberger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rob, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up, I watched my mom move through life like a whirlwind of generosity, creativity, and grace. Whether she was cooking for us, creating custom bedazzled Gary Larsen “Far Side” birthday cards, or balancing her job at the local college with her private counseling practice at home, she led by example every step of the way. She showed me that hard work isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it. With kindness, respect, and a heart full of purpose, she taught me that true success comes from lifting others up while staying grounded in your own values.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the Communication, Experiential & Culture Director at Brew Dr. Kombucha, I’ve been with the company for 10 years and have had the honor of helping us grow into the 3rd largest kombucha brand in the U.S. I manage everything from customer service and social media to PR, experiential and field events, while also leading our volunteer efforts and crafting our annual impact report. What excites me the most is that we’re the only national kombucha company to be B Corp Certified, which reflects our commitment to not only crafting delicious tea but also taking care of our people, our communities, and our planet. It’s been an incredible journey, staying true to our values while watching our team and impact grow.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that made the biggest impact on my journey have been resilience, a commitment to lifelong learning, and empathy. First, don’t cut corners—success and your dreams will always require hard work, so embrace the challenges and setbacks as part of the process. Second, always look to learn and grow. The best leaders and innovators are the ones who stay curious and keep evolving. Lastly, treat people with kindness and respect—how you treat others defines you. Life’s too short to work with “brilliant jerks,” so surround yourself with people who inspire you. My advice? Stay humble, keep pushing yourself, and never lose sight of the human connections that make it all worthwhile.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Besides giving me this cool, long last name, the most impactful thing my parents did was instill in me the belief that life is an adventure and too short to spend doing anything other than what you love. They encouraged me to follow my passions and showed me that true fulfillment comes from pursuing work that excites and inspires you. That mindset has shaped how I approach both my career and personal life—embracing challenges, seeking out new experiences, and always finding joy in the journey.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
