Smearcase founders Joe Rotondo (Left) and Drew DiSpirito (Right)
What do sustainable denim and ice cream have in common?
NYC-based entrepreneurs Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirito met while both living in NYC and they both had that entrepreneurial itch early on – Joe ran a sustainable denim company and Drew ran an athleisure company. Through the years they would often meet to discuss their companies and one day Joe mentioned his idea for a cottage-cheese based ice cream. Drew was all in on the idea and the two partnered and started Smearcase, the first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen.
Joe and Drew launched the brand about a year ago after training for a marathon and identifying a market gap for high-protein ice cream.
According to Joe, “I think clothing brands are such a good way to start your entrepreneurial journey. You learn there is so much that goes into it from ideation, creativity and operations to learning how to actually bring the idea to live.” Joe’s career has also included e-commerce, brand strategy and he is a certified personal trainer.
Smearcase is a finalist in the 6th annual Real California Milk Excelerator program. This year’s competition is centered on health and wellness and the program is brought to you by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), in partnership with VentureFuel.
To learn more about Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirto, please visit https://eatsmearcase.com
