421: Celebrating 10 Years of Black Apple Cider with Leo Orpin

421: Celebrating 10 Years of Black Apple Cider with Leo Orpin

Author: Startup Junkie July 7, 2025 Duration: 34:37

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley welcomed back Leo Orpin, co-founder of Black Apple, as the cidery approaches its tenth anniversary. Leo shared the remarkable journey of building Arkansas’s first (and still only) cidery, revealing how the brand’s steady, strategic growth and willingness to “fail fast” have fueled its success.


From humble beginnings as a homebrewing hobby between friends, Black Apple’s story is one of grit, creativity, and timing. Leo reflects on early years marked by rapid scaling, boundless optimism, and a bit of ignorance that, in hindsight, helped fuel their boldness. Yet, the biggest challenges were yet to come, including the impact of COVID-19, which hit just as Black Apple was preparing for explosive growth and even debuting at a major cider expo in France.


Furthermore, Leo describes their post-pandemic evolution: adapting to changing supply chains, embracing market feedback, and expanding both their downtown Springdale taproom—now a full bar and local hotspot—and their reach into Oklahoma and Kansas.


Transparency, quality, and creativity set Black Apple apart. Their team experiments relentlessly with flavors—sometimes producing wild successes like strawberry dill pickle cider! And Leo’s advice to his younger self? “Slow down,” invest in data, and be patient with risks. For entrepreneurs and cider lovers alike, this episode is a testament to resilience, community-building, and the sweet rewards of authentic innovation. Cheers to ten years, Black Apple!


Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(06:45) Adapting in Post-Covid Business Landscape

(12:20) Springdale's Organic Downtown Revitalization

(16:54) Cider Transparency for Celiac Safety

(26:05) Regional Cider Flavor Trends

(29:19) Diversified Market Resilience

(32:21) The Importance of Investing in Data

(33:30) Closing Thoughts


Links

Daniel Koonce

Caleb Talley

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Leo Orpin

Black Apple


Hosted by Jeff Amerine and the practical minds at Startup Junkie Consulting, The Startup Junkies Podcast digs into the real work of building a company. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct conversation on the stages every founder faces. You'll hear discussions on moving from a raw idea to a proven concept, the intricacies of strategic planning, and the daily grind of scaling operations. Episodes tackle leadership under pressure, effective marketing without a massive budget, and even the long-game considerations of exit strategies. The core of the podcast is built on conversations with those who have been in the trenches-seasoned business owners, resilient entrepreneurs, and specialists who offer actionable advice. The focus is consistently on tangible value, providing insights that can be applied directly to your own challenges. Tune in for a grounded perspective that aims to help you navigate each critical decision, pushing your venture forward one practical step at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who prefers honest talk about business growth over empty inspiration.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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