Over a year ago, Ross happened to stop by our store in Brooklyn while myself (Nick, Co-Founder) and my brother Tim (Founder) happened to be hanging out behind the desk. We immediately got to chatting with Ross and his lovely partner, and as the fairytale goes - a friendship was born. Ross is a very accomplished entrepreneur (Forbes 30 under 30 with his first company, Daring Foods), and gave us a little hint back then about a brand that he was building as his second act. The details were slim, but we were excited from the jump.

Fast forward to yesterday, and Ross just launched Cadence™ in the US - a new take on hydration beverages. We were lucky enough to guinea pig about 500 cans in our office over the past month... and let's just say, our team is addicted. 

Ross is an extremely inspiring human, so we were fortunate enough to chat with him for this interview. Let's jump in...

Let’s start with a two-part hard-hitter. Who are you? 

I'm Ross McKay, an entrepreneur deeply committed to three pillars: family, work, and training. My family—my wife, daughter, and dog—anchors me with love and motivation. In business, I'm driven by a passion for innovation and excellence, transitioning from co-founding Daring to launching Cadence™. Training, particularly in running and fitness, keeps me disciplined and focused, reflecting the principles of perseverance and resilience that shape my approach to life and entrepreneurship.

So you’ve reached some really high-high’s in the world of entrepreneurship with Daring and are now starting from scratch again with the launch of Cadence. Do you have any life philosophies that you live by? What motivates you professionally?

I live by the philosophy that continuous improvement and resilience are key to success. Professionally, I'm driven by the challenge of creating products that exceed expectations in quality and impact. Solving problems and pushing boundaries motivates me daily. At Cadence, our tagline 'Inspired by the rhythm of daily discipline' embodies how consistency in training and entrepreneurship leads to success and growth

Talk to us about your athletic background… 

I've always been deeply involved in sports, particularly tennis at a high level during my upbringing. Alongside tennis, I also participated in swimming, rugby, and golf. It wasn't until later in life that I started to take my athletic endeavors more seriously - a little late perhaps../

And how has that experience as a former high-level athlete helped inform the way you operate as an entrepreneur?

My background as a former high-level athlete deeply influences my approach as an entrepreneur. The dedication and hard work ethic ingrained from my athletic career drive my commitment to business success. Equally important is the ability to be nimble, with fast feet, and adapt strategies when necessary—skills honed through years of competitive sports. These qualities—hard work, agility, and adaptability—are crucial to my entrepreneurial journey.

You recently became a new dad. Has that experience shifted your perspective at all yet in terms of the way you look at life and business? 

Becoming a new dad has definitely shifted my perspective. It's added a new dimension to how I approach life and business. I now prioritize balancing work and family time more intentionally. This new role has also deepened my sense of responsibility, not just at home but also in how I lead and innovate with my team. It's a motivating factor that fuels my drive to create meaningful impact both personally and professionally

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Tell us about Cadence™… you could have gone in any number of directions after your experience with Daring. How and why did you land on launching a hydration beverage?

Cadence™came about because I asked myself a straightforward question: if I could do anything in the world, where could I make a real impact and fuel my passion? With my background in fitness and a strong drive for performance supplementation, the idea of creating a best-in-class hydration beverage just clicked. It was about combining my personal dedication with a clear opportunity in the market—to deliver a product that not only enhances workouts but also supports recovery in a way that sets new standards.

What sets the beverage apart, and how would you advise athletes to integrate it into their routines?

Cadence™ stands out by offering a hydration beverage meticulously crafted with scientifically-backed ingredients to enhance athletic performance and aid in recovery. It's designed for athletes and health enthusiasts looking to optimize hydration levels effectively. Athletes are encouraged to incorporate Cadence™ into their routines for pre-workout preparation, during exercise to replenish electrolytes, and post-workout for recovery support, helping maintain peak performance and muscle function.

What are you most excited about, both in your day-to-day as you get back into being an early stage founder, and as you look ahead to the future of the brand?

I thrive in the startup phase—it's where we shape and execute our vision with minimal barriers. This stage is all about creativity, agility, and the freedom to innovate. We can pivot quickly, refine strategies based on immediate feedback, and seize opportunities in the market. Transitioning from managing a large team with specialized departments to now operating as a small, agile, and scrappy team at Cadence™ is genuinely exciting. It allows us to be nimble, deeply engaged, and fully committed to every aspect of our business journey

What do you for yourself in these early chaotic days to avoid burnout and keep a consistent momentum with yourself personally and for the business as a whole?

In these early chaotic days, I prioritize avoiding unnecessary meetings and events to conserve energy for recovery and maintain momentum. Focusing on essential tasks and delegating effectively allows me to balance work with personal well-being. Consistent training remains a cornerstone, and I often unwind in the evenings with sauna sessions and ice to clear the mind. 

I also make a point to reserve weekends for family time, keeping work to a minimum unless absolutely necessary. 

Any advice for aspiring former (or current) athlete entrepreneurs?

Build focus and discipline: Channel the intense focus and discipline you cultivated as an athlete into your entrepreneurial pursuits. Set clear goals, prioritize tasks that align with your vision, and stay committed to your main objectives without getting distracted by numerous side roads.

Finally - any running goals this year and beyond? Races? 

My running goals include participating in the Berlin Marathon and the NYC Marathon this year. 

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A big thanks to Ross. Be sure to grab yourself some Cadence™. And big plug. If you're a member, there's a new membership to get Cadence™ in your portal + you get one free can per day at our Bleecker Street store as a member ;)