Former NFL player to Entrepreneur and Co Founder of SipTale | Paul Perkins

In this week’s episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurship: Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former NFL running back *Paul Perkins* — an athlete who took the discipline, grit, and preparation he learned on the field and channeled it into a bold entrepreneurial venture: **SipTale**, a fast-rising canned cocktail brand redefining the category with a non-carbonated twist.

SipTale didn’t emerge from a mastermind retreat — it was built through trial, testing, failed batches, new ideas, and an unwavering willingness to keep going. Paul opens up about the reality behind the launch, the influence of his football background, and the mindset required to stand out in a crowded alcohol market.

This conversation goes deeper than business. Paul shares why he’s passionate about creating experiences that bring people together, avoiding the negative stories often attached to the industry, and helping others along the way. His honesty, work ethic, and grounded perspective make this a powerful episode for any current or former athlete exploring life beyond the game.

This episode uncovers the themes that shape Paul’s entrepreneurial journey:

reinvention, resilience, ownership, and building with purpose.


*What You’ll Learn in This Episode*

🍹 *Building a Better Cocktail:* Why SipTale chose non-carbonated canned cocktails — and how they launched with standout flavors like *Strawberry Margarita* and *Lemon Sidecar.*
💼 *Translating NFL Discipline to Business:* How the habits Paul built as an athlete fuel his entrepreneurial focus today.
🔎 *Standing Out in a Crowded Market:* What it takes to differentiate a product in a saturated space and why marketing matters more than most people think.
📱 *The Power of Social Media:* How Paul uses online platforms to build community, connect with customers, and grow SipTale’s presence in the Arizona market.
🤝 *Mission Over Hype:* Why protecting people, avoiding “sad stories,” and helping others succeed are core parts of SipTale’s purpose.
🔄 *The Entrepreneurial Mindset:* How embracing different perspectives — including his brother’s — pushes the business forward with more clarity and creativity.



About Paul Perkins

*Paul Perkins* is an ex-NFL athlete who has carried the discipline and resilience he developed on the field directly into entrepreneurship. Alongside his brother, he founded **SipTale**, a canned cocktail company rooted in innovation, authenticity, and the mission to bring people together through unforgettable drink experiences.

🔗 *Connect with Paul & SipTale*

Instagram: *@SipTale*

Facebook: *SipTale*

TikTok: *@SipTale*

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Special Invitation from the Guest

SipTale is rapidly growing across Arizona — and Paul wants people to experience it firsthand.
👉 If you’re in Arizona, come try SipTale and taste the new standard in the canned cocktail space.


At Alumni Direct, we’re committed to helping former athletes build meaningful community long after the game ends.

If you’re navigating transition, building a business, or searching for a circle that understands your journey — this is your place.

👉 *Join a community built for athletes, creators, and leaders:*

https://www.alumnidirect.com/

Because no athlete should have to navigate their next chapter alone.