Meet Mark! Our Pop'D Proprietor

by Rachel Adshead December 7, 2020

Meet Mark. If you ever visited our website, you’ll know that he’s one of our co-founders and an “energy attorney turned POPrietor” which is so cool—you’ll read more about this later.

We finally got to ask our very own Mark Wieder some fun and insightful questions about Pop’D as well as some of his obstacles and wins during the entire Pop’D existence!

What was the first thing that gave you the idea of making Pop'D soda?

Oh man, I wish I could say it was my idea, but it was all Sophie! I had been connected with the Lancaster business community through Assets' Social Enterprise Pitch contest, a competition for business owners focused on helping people and the planet. I was working to support young entrepreneurs and wanted to expand this business concept by adding more Pop’D products to the menu (popcorn, popsicles, and pressed poptoast sandwiches) and opening a snack shack. When I told Sophie, she realized that people were gonna need a crisp, refreshing drink to wash down those munchies. So she went to work creating the most flavorful drinks she could!

Thus Pop’D was born!

We know that failure goes hand in hand with success, so what is one failure you've experienced?

Well, I've been fortunate—or unfortunate?— enough to make every classic entrepreneurial mistake and still be working on the same business. I've trusted people I shouldn't have trusted, tried to go at it alone, wasted money on things I shouldn't have wasted money on, and generally tried to move forward without doing my research. On the flip side, these learning experiences have helped create a more robust and innovative brand.

Maybe my biggest failure—or maybe it's a societal failure—is not celebrating the small wins and accomplishments enough. It's really easy to recognize a mistake. We dwell. We lose a client. We have a falling out with a friend. We get lectured from the boss. Why am I not celebrating my WINS? Wins often go overlooked and under-appreciated. And so I've been recognizing those wins, however small, acknowledging them, and sharing/celebrating when they happen.

Wins AND losses are so important and we’re proud of you, Mark!

Which Pop'd product is your favorite?

The Tummy Tamer!! It's so unique. And I swear it elevates my mood. There's no added sugar. It's spicy, but not too hot. Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm!! Gimme more.

P.S. If you like the Tummy Tamer, def try out the Smoky Mezcal Margarita recipe. It's one of my favorites, too.

What are some interesting facts about yourself that most people don't know?

I gave up my steady full-time job as an energy attorney to get things pop'n at a popcorn shop! I'm a Pennsylvania State Champion in Track & Field. Our team won the Team Championship for AAA Boys in 2004 and the gold in the 4x800 meter relay. (Shout out to that crew, our coaches, and Ryan Whiting who went on to become an Olympian.) In doing so, us four knuckleheads set school records in the 4x800 and the 4x400 meter relays, at least one of which I believe still stands almost 15 years later. I'm kinda peculiar and maybe a bit eccentric? I like analog film photography, (we can attest that Mark is an amazing photographer) tie dye, embroidery, cyanotype printing, and foraging plants. A female Tabby cat named Pumpkin Pie adopted me. She's a precious rescue kitty, and I love her.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Oh man. I think my super power would be helping fight anxiety and depression. Ha! That would be nice. ️

We love nothing more than getting up close and personal with the people who keep Pop’D poppin! Check out our blog about Mia, our social media manager, and stayed tuned for more fun Pop’D team blogs!