Mike Repole

Mike Repole (born January 21, 1969) is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and owner of Repole Stables, best known for co-founding Glaceau (maker of Vitaminwater), which sold to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion, and BODYARMOR SuperDrink, a sports drink manufacturer, which also sold to Coca-Cola for $5.6 billion. Personal life Repole was born on January 21, 1969, in Middle Village, Queens, New York City, to mother Annie Repole, a seamstress, and father Benny Repole, a waiter. Repole's parents, Italian immigrants, were devout Catholics. He grew up in Middle Village, and attended St. Margaret's Elementary and Holy Cross High School. Repole, the first in his family to go to college, went to St. John's University and graduated with a degree in Sports Administration. Repole lives on Long Island with his wife Maria and their daughter. Career Repole first began his career at Mistic Beverages. He later joined Crystal Geyser as Vice President of Sales. In 1999, Repole co-founded, with J. Darius Bikoff, Energy Brands, commonly known as Glaceau, which produced Smartwater and Vitaminwater, and which was credited with launching the enhanced water beverage vertical. The company grew quickly, netting $1 million in its first year, and growing to over $1 billion in sales by 2007, when it was the top-selling water brand in the US. In 2007, Coca-Cola bought the company for $4.1 billion.