LIFT UP LOCAL 030
Written by Pamela Patton
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
Love in a bottle
Roland Troutman’s dream began 13 years ago with a bottle of water.
There’s no exact reason Troutman wanted to own a bottled water company; it’s just something he wanted to do. But the dream took hold in 2005 when he twisted the top off a bottle of water, took a drink, and was surprised by a mouthful of grit.
“I said to my grandad, ‘I wish I had a well. I’d sell bottled water that’s better than this.’” His Granddad replied, ‘Well, why don’t you?’ And his journey began.
“It took me 13 years to execute my plan, including locking down a reliable supplier with excellent standards, obtaining the proper line of credit, package design, food and beverage commission approval, etc. During those 13 years, I also worked on perfecting my sales technique while working in the automotive field. I also wrote two business books, as well as several songs that I recorded and distributed, and became a husband.”
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
When it all came together, Troutman had 50 cases of water—and nowhere to sell it. So he started knocking on doors.
One of his first stops on his door-to-door journey was the Marathon gas station near his Lansing home. “I explained to the manager what I was trying to accomplish and my goal of donating ten percent of profits to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The owner agreed to give our new company a chance.”
Unknown to Troutman, the manager of the Capital City Meijer Market in downtown Lansing regularly stopped at that same Marathon gas station, and Troutman’s bottled water caught his eye. He, too, was intrigued by Troutman’s mission, so arrangements were made for Troutman to attend a vendor showcase organized by the Michigan Economic Development Center. Through this meeting, came an agreement for a partnership with Capital City Market, Woodward Corner Market, and Rivertown Market.
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
Bottled Love—And a Mission
When Troutman was trying to develop a name for his product, he wanted one that embodied love. “I wanted to use profits to embody the gift of love. Water comes from God, and God is love. I was playing with the name ‘amore’ or ‘adore.’ My wife Jane combined the two words to come up with the name Amadore Beverages.”
You’re probably wondering why donating to mental health awareness is dear to Troutman and Amadore Beverages. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we are passionate about spreading this message throughout the communities in our great state. Mental health issues have touched our families, friends, co-workers and customers; we have heard too many stories from grieving loved ones that have lost someone due to mental health issues not being treated and we want to make a difference in any way that we can.”
Amadore Beverages has several partnerships with local organizations in Lansing, Saginaw and Detroit, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, CASA for Kids, ePIFanyNow of Lansing with Bob Hoffman of Fox 47, and All Four One Detroit. By partnering with these organizations, Amadore continues to donate a portion of their profits and several hours of their time.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we are passionate about spreading this message throughout the communities in our great state.””
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
A Soda With Natural Ingredients
Amadore Beverages was doing so well and growing the brand through the natural spring water and the alkaline water, Troutman decided to take on soda, or what we like to say in Michigan “pop.” Troutman started with one flavor and continued to branch out into eight flavors and is showing no signs of stopping there. “It’s no secret that kids love pop, although it’s challenging because most soda contains excessive sugar. One 12-ounce can of popluar soda brands can contain up to 77 grams of sugar. Amadore soda contains half because they are made with cane sugar and naturally carbonated water, not high fructose corn syrup, which can lead to health problems in children. I worked with a specialist to develop the recipe and the flavors, but I had to go out of state to find a manufacturer that made it according to my specifications.” As a result, Amadore flavored sodas contain only 44 grams of pure cane sugar per 12-ounce bottle, yet only 150 calories and no caffeine.
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
The first flavor was Bangin’ Strawberry, then came Delightful Grape. “We continue to add flavors that can’t be found anywhere else. The current eight flavors include Bangin’ Strawberry, Delightful Grape, Wild Apple Mania, Blue Raspberry, Dancin’ Vanilla Cream, OG Orange, Rappin’ Root Beer and Ginger Beer.”
The soda flavors are a hit with kids, but adults have discovered them, too. “Adults mix them with vodka and other alcohols to create unique cocktails. We’ve also heard that our Ginger Beer makes a great Moscow Mule!” In addition to the water and pop, during the fall and winter, Amadore Beverages also sells hot cocoa; a hot cup can be found at the Detroit Eastern Market every weekend. With the launch of more natural soda flavors, Troutman also launched an alkaline water ionized with an alkaline pH of 9.5+ and packaged in an aluminum bottle. “Alkaline water has a higher pH level than plain tap water. Proponents say that it can neutralize acid in your bloodstream. Some say that alkaline water can help in the fight against cancer-causing carcinogens and heart disease. The aluminum bottle is resealable and lighter than glass, making it great to take to the gym or on a run.”
📷 courtesy of Amber Rose Photography
Troutman continues to develop beverages that are more natural compared to other sodas. “We are creating a soda line that is dye-free and all-natural. We understand certain dyes and sugar can affect behaviors in some children, and we would love for all children to be able to enjoy our soda.
What’s next for Amadore Beverages? “I would love to see Amadore Beverages on the shelves of all the Meijer Supercenters right next to the competition. Amadore Beverages is extremely grateful to the small stores and markets that allowed us to start this business.”
No matter how large Amadore becomes, Troutman will continue to support mental health causes. “I want Amadore to be known for two things: A great line of products and a mission rooted in philanthropy. I know we’re going to do both.”