At Nutrabolt, we’re known for our growth mindset — and we strive to offer unique learning opportunities to our teammates! This year, Nutrabolt sent four teammates to South by Southwest (SXSW), and challenged them to create a remarkable experience of their own.  

SXSW, a spectacular destination for global professionals — has brought tech, film, music, education, and culture into one place since 1987. The 10-day event features music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, networking opportunities, and more.  

Teammate Randi S. at the C4 Smart House activation.

Randi S. on our Legal team received a Platinum Badge from Nutrabolt. She said that while all sessions she attended were amazing, one of her favorites was, ‘Building a Brand Through Community,’ with actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. This session focused on the importance of connecting genuinely with customers.

“As a brand and company, you have to truly believe in your story. Today, consumers have so many choices that are easily accessible, and they rightly choose genuine brands with teams that believe in their story,” Randi said. “I think this is where Nutrabolt is doing a great job. Our team truly believes in our company’s mission, cares about our customers, and we ensure we build our teams around our core values.” 

Teammates Brent J., Kallie J., and Michael J., volunteer to help Nutrabolt’s Field Marketing team with SXSW activations.

Passion for the mission is one of Nutrabolt’s six core values. Brent J. on our People team consistently exemplifies this core value through his willingness to help any team who needs it! Brent said his all-time favorite moment from this year’s festival was volunteering to help the Field Marketing team at different activation sites throughout the city. 

“It was really cool to experience what teammates from a different department do. I got to meet teammates I have not met in person yet, and this helped me build stronger working relationships and make new friends!,” he said. “The whole experience was really fun, and I can’t wait to do it again!” 

Over the years, SXSW has established itself as one of the best festivals to attend in the country, and a place for creative people to achieve their goals. When asked to describe SXSW to someone that’s never been — VyVy N. on our Compliance team called it, “ELECTRIC!” 

“SXSW is unlike any other festival you’ll ever go to. The coolest thing to witness is almost two weeks of the entire city turning into a pop-up,” VyVy said. “You could walk by a Royal Blue Grocery or drive by a parking lot, and you’ll see performances happening everywhere!” 

Actress Kerry Washington speaks at SXSW about her role in the Hulu show, Unprisoned, and talks about an upcoming show based on families with incarcerated family members. This is a topic not often seen in Hollywood, but one that impacts millions of Americans.

Because there is so much to do and see, it’s important to prepare ahead of time and identify the sessions, screenings, and performances that are most important to you. But, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone! After all, SXSW proves “the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.” 

As the brand that fuels makers, creators, doers, and entrepreneurs, SXSW was the perfect opportunity for C4 Smart Energy to launch its new look and flavors to consumers. Catherine M., on our Commercial team, called the C4 Smart House activation, “the best C4 event to date.”

“The C4 Smart House was buzzing with energy the moment you walked in the door. Our Partnerships and PR team did a phenomenal job inviting influencers, media, and notable attendees from the consumer packaged goods industry,” Catherine said. “It’s always a good sign when your influential guests are the last to leave an event!” 

Whether C4 Smart House attendees were longtime consumers, or just discovering the brand, our team aimed to leave all guests feeling educated, celebrated, and inspired. With this in mind, Nutrabolt teammates were asked to share something they learned, something they celebrated, and something that inspired them from their own SXSW experience.  

Brent J., learned that he loves discovering the sound of new artists, and revisiting old favorites.

Macklemore puts on an energizing performance at SXSW!

“While attending SXSW, I discovered new musicians and some new songs that I will have on repeat for awhile,” Brent said. “JVKE had some cool songs, and I learned how much I really like him as an artist. I also relearned how awesome of a performer Macklemore is. I highly recommend going to one of his shows — he will not disappoint!” 

For 10 days, C4 Smart Energy fueled creativity in Austin, and distributed over 157,000 cans of C4 Smart Energy. This incredible achievement is one that Randi S. celebrated, and felt inspired by! 

“We were quite literally EVERYWHERE — on every banner, in every conference, and nearly every person’s hand throughout the event,” she said. “Seeing the public reaction to the massive effort and teamwork that went into planning Smart House inspired me. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things we accomplish in the next year and beyond!”