[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 177 (Thursday, October 7, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S6997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING CLEAR CUT PHOCUS, LLC

  Mr. PAUL. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week, I recognize an 
outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Clear Cut Phocus, LLC of Louisville, KY, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  Growing up in Louisville, John Mittel dreamed of being a doctor. As a 
competitive swimmer, he developed an interest in health and fitness. 
John's passion for innovation and engineering led him to the University 
of Louisville, where he earned a bachelor of science in industrial 
engineering. John then enrolled at the University of Louisville School 
of Medicine to pursue his childhood dream. Like many students, John 
relied on coffee, energy drinks, and soda for a caffeine boost. One 
night, during a late-night study session, John thought, Why not just 
put caffeine in water? Over the next 2 years, he worked with his 
mentor, Tom O'Grady, to turn that idea into a business. They spent most 
of 2016 developing their brand and fine-tuning the Phocus formula, 
launching their product in 2017. After graduating from medical school 
in 2018, John deferred his residency in ophthalmology to continue 
building his company.
  Today, Phocus is a thriving small business providing consumers 
nationwide a healthy alternative to the traditional energy drink. 
Headquartered in Louisville, Phocus recently celebrated its fourth 
anniversary. To date, Phocus has developed 11 flavors of sparkling and 
regular water infused with caffeine extracted from green tea, 
electrolytes, and the amino acid L-theanine. Unlike traditional energy 
drinks, Phocus beverages have zero calories and are free of sweeteners, 
sodium, and additives. Phocus beverages are available at several 
regional and national retailers and are featured in over 200 corporate 
offices across America. In 2020, Phocus Cola was named the Best New 
Product at BevNET's Best of 2020 Awards.
  Like many small business owners, John and Tom are actively involved 
in their community. Locally, Phocus regularly supports community 
organizations, including the Louisville City Football Club's youth 
soccer clinics and the American Junior Golf Association's Justin Thomas 
Junior Championship. During the holiday season, Phocus has teamed up 
with ESPN Louisville for its ``Cram the Van'' toy and clothing drive 
for children in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated 
200,000 cans of Phocus to 472 hospitals and healthcare facilities 
across 40 States. In May of 2021, their ``Buy One. Gift One. A Case for 
Teachers.'' program donated cases of Phocus to teachers nationwide in 
recognition of Teacher Appreciation Month. Phocus's community 
involvement, success, and products have been profiled in local and 
national outlets, including WDRB, WAVE3, Louisville Courier-Journal, 
Louisville Business Journal, MarketWatch, Fox News, and CNBC.
  Clear Cut Phocus, LLC is a remarkable example of the resilience and 
adaptability of locally owned small businesses. Small businesses, like 
Phocus, form the heart of towns across Kentucky and play a critical 
role in Kentucky's beverage industry. Congratulations to John, Tom, and 
the entire team at Phocus. I wish them the best of luck, and I look 
forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky, and 
beyond.

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