Early Life
Mike Repole was born in Middle Village, Queens, New York City, to Italian immigrant parents. Growing up in a working-class family, he was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from St. John's University with a degree in Sports Administration.
Rise to Success
Repole's career began at Mistic Beverages and then Crystal Geyser Water Company, before co-founding Energy Brands (Glaceau), which produced Vitaminwater and Smartwater. The company was sold to Coca-Cola in 2007 for $4.1 billion. In 2011, he co-founded BODYARMOR SuperDrink, which gained significant market share and attracted investments, including one from Kobe Bryant. Coca-Cola fully acquired BodyArmor in November 2021 for $5.6 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Repole's strategies included identifying market gaps for healthier alternatives in the beverage industry and building brands with strong athlete partnerships. He focused on creating innovative products and establishing a strong brand presence. He also co-founded Impact Capital, a private equity group, and acquired a majority stake in NoBull.
Philanthropy
Through the Nonna's Garden Foundation, established in 2006 in honor of his grandmother, Repole has donated over $7 million to cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). In November 2021, the foundation made a $50 million gift to MSK. The MSK Commack building was renamed the MSK Commack Nonna's Garden Foundation Center in recognition.
