Grady Laird

Grady Laird is the President and Co-founder of Grady's Cold Brew, a company he started in 2011 that specializes in New Orleans-style cold brew coffee.12 As one of the pioneers in the cold brew coffee industry, Laird helped establish Grady's as one of the first companies to bottle cold-brewed iced coffee in the United States.2

Professional Background

Before founding Grady's Cold Brew, Laird had a diverse career in media and publishing:

• He worked as a freelance production editor for several magazines, including GQ, Men's Vogue, Details, Harper's Bazaar, and Condé Nast Traveler.23
• Laird wrote a grooming column for GQ.com called "Beauty Tested, Beast Approved".2

Education

Grady Laird holds a BA in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising from the University of Missouri–Columbia.2

Entrepreneurial Journey

Laird started Grady's Cold Brew with about $10,000, initially selling cold brew at food markets like Brooklyn's Smorgasburg.1 The company has since grown significantly:

• Grady's Cold Brew has generated $35 million in sales over the last decade with consistent year-over-year growth since 2011.2
• The company's products are now sold throughout the United States and internationally, from small businesses to major retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart.1

Expertise and Recognition

Laird has become a sought-after expert in the cold brew coffee industry:

• He has been featured in various media outlets, including NY1, Vice, Bon Appétit, New York Magazine, and Women's Health.2
• In 2021, Grady's Cold Brew moved into a new 15,000 sq. ft. brewery in the Bronx.2

As a serial entrepreneur, Laird is passionate about bringing good ideas to fruition. He currently resides in Pelham, NY, with his two sons.2