Justin Mares

Justin Mares is an accomplished entrepreneur and venture partner known for his significant contributions to the food sector and technology startups. With a solid foundation in finance, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making him a leader in his field. As the founder of Kettle & Fire, Justin has spearheaded a movement towards high-quality, nutritious food options, focusing on delivering excellent bone broth products that cater to health-conscious consumers. Under his leadership, Kettle & Fire has earned a reputation for quality and innovation, positioning itself as a go-to brand in the health food market.

Prior to establishing Kettle & Fire, Justin served as a venture partner at Long Journey Ventures, where he played an instrumental role in identifying and nurturing promising startups. His experience extends to various co-founding positions at innovative companies such as Surely and Perfect Keto, where he utilized his entrepreneurial skills to launch products that resonate with consumers seeking healthier alternatives in their diets.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Justin has also contributed to the startup ecosystem as a co-author of the widely-respected book 'Traction,' which offers invaluable insights into marketing and growth strategies for businesses. Moreover, his earlier career saw him in diverse roles like the Director of Revenue at Exceptional Cloud Services and Course Creator and Marketer at AppSumo, where he honed his skills in revenue generation and digital marketing.

Justin's educational background is rooted in finance, having earned a BSBA from the University of Pittsburgh. His finance studies have equipped him with analytical skills essential for making strategic decisions that drive business growth. With this academic foundation and extensive professional experience, Justin possesses a unique blend of financial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit that has propelled numerous ventures to success.