Ben Janszen incorporated his Rollinsville based company, Yerba Cha in 2019 with a group of friends.
Janszen explains, “Yerba Cha came from the need to have a product in the market that wasn’t just blocking the ‘tired’ receptors in the brain (coffee). The idea was conceived while having a bit too much fun around a fire in upper dream canyon area.”
Janszen, a barista, felt himself and saw in others that coffee did not give sustainable energy. Yerba speeds up metabolic processes, without sugar and additives.
Janszen’s story is a journey. Studying design at Bowling Green State University in Ohio spurred his enthusiasm for artwork and videography. He has designed the website, can designs, and advertising as the voice of the company. The journey began when Janszen worked at Whole Foods in 2012. Later, he learned to negotiate and protect his client’s interests while selling real estate. He experienced a quarter life crisis and sold everything including his house and his crotch rocket. Janszen moved west to study Buddhism and yoga at Boulder’s Naropa.
“It was at Naropa that I learned if I could train my mind, I could conquer anything. In my head it felt like Hogwarts. That campus showed me a lot about the magic of life and how to tap into my natural abilities that we all have if we cultivate them,” says Janszen.
Yerba Cha uses simple, high end, quality ingredients to make a “better for you” energy drink. Functional ingredients, mushrooms and adaptogens balance the body and brain through the regulation of blood sugar and the central nervous system. “Truly the future of preventative health,” as stated by Janszen. “All disease starts in the gut and the gut is controlled by your blood sugar.”
Janszen’s business advice states, “Your business will grow just as fast as you do.” What he really loves are the positive messages on social platforms. Customers even relate they are off medications and were able to pass a test because they were fueled by a Yerba Cha. “You can’t put a price on that.”
Starting October 17, Yerba Cha is available on the west coast and most of Colorado. Google, Netflix and Microsoft choose it as their “energy” drink. Company growth has been exponential in 2022 and keeps going, with over 200 locations, soon to be 1000 due to a new strategic partnership. “We are growing faster than weed in Rollinsville!” Janszen laughs.
Janszen feels “we have an amazing network of vendors, suppliers and shareholders who have gone above and beyond to help make this dream a reality.” His advice to those starting a business is, “Learn to fail forward. Being able to fail and move forward is just as important as being able to succeed.”
Seven employees currently work for Yerba Cha. Company leadership includes entrepreneurs who have been successful in their own businesses. Their unique talents help with direction and solving challenges, but when the day is done Janszen is the one steering the ship.
“Yerba Cha is successful today because of the support of friends and family and hard work. We wouldn’t have funded this idea without the help of many and we wouldn’t have a product without my ruthless work ethic.”
Yerba Cha is destined to retrain the world on the concept of what a true energy drink should be.
Yerba Cha’s physical location is 41 Main Street, Rollinsville. To shop products and get more information visit the website at http://yerbacha.com.
Sponsored by Gilpin County, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
