hint-water
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Kara Goldin Put the Question Mark in a Bottle
She knew how to build an online shopping business. She knew almost nothing about bottling water. That gap became Kara Goldin's advantage - and Hint's operating system.
Hint Inc.
Hint Inc. makes unsweetened, fruit-infused water with zero sugar, zero sweeteners, and zero calories. Founded in San Francisco in 2005 by Kara Goldin, Hint grew from a personal health experiment into the #1 unsweetened flavored still water brand in the U.S. The company sells over 25 flavors through major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, and Costco, as well as directly through its website — where DTC now represents more than 50% of revenue. With $91M+ raised and an annual revenue of approximately $143M, Hint has quietly built one of the most compelling better-for-you beverage brands in America.
Michael Pengue
Michael J. Pengue is the Chief Executive Officer of Hint Inc., the San Francisco-based maker of unsweetened fruit-infused water that pioneered the better-for-you flavored water category. With more than 30 years in the beverage industry, Pengue has led multibillion-dollar businesses at Nestlé Waters North America, helped orchestrate the $1.65 billion sale of Bai Brands to Dr Pepper Snapple, and built ZOA Energy into the fastest-growing energy drink in the US before its acquisition by Molson Coors. Appointed CEO of Hint in November 2024, he is leading a comprehensive 2026 brand relaunch designed to reframe hydration as desire rather than discipline.