Biography of Kristina Smith: Founder and CEO of Hiccup -Entrepreneur
Biography of Kristina Smith:
Passion for Running Meets Sustainability
Kristina Smith, an avid marathon runner, found herself
increasingly frustrated by the sheer amount of waste generated at races. With
thousands of runners discarding single-use cups at aid stations, the
environmental impact was undeniable. Determined to find a solution, she
envisioned a reusable cup service that could replace disposable cups without
disrupting the race experience.
A Background in the Marine Industry
Before launching Hiccup, Kristina had an entirely different
career. She grew up in Marne, Michigan, and after high school, she joined the
United States Coast Guard. Her six years of service led her to earn both a
captain's license and an engineering license. She went on to work in the
civilian marine industry, holding well-paying jobs that required her to spend
long periods at sea.
The Struggle to Balance Running and Work
Although she was successful in her maritime career, Kristina
faced a personal challenge—her job made it difficult to maintain a consistent
running schedule. With a work rotation of seven days on and seven days off, her
training was often disrupted. This frustration sparked her desire to transition
to a land-based job that would allow her to pursue her passion for running.
The Eureka Moment on a Plane
The idea for Hiccup struck Kristina during a flight home
from the California International Marathon. Unable to sleep, she kept accepting
drinks from the beverage cart and soon found herself with a stack of six cups.
Realizing they would end up in a landfill, she did some quick math. With nearly
180 passengers on the plane, even if each person used just one cup, the waste
was staggering. When she applied the same logic to her marathon
experience—where 9,000 runners used an estimated 150,000 cups in just six hours—it
became clear that a major environmental issue was at hand.
Finding a Solution
Determined to make a change, Kristina researched existing
reusable cup services but found none designed for the running industry. She
envisioned a model similar to rental services in the wedding industry, where
glassware and dishes are collected, washed, and reused. Encouraged by a local
race director’s positive response to her idea, she decided to move forward with
her concept, even though the COVID-19 pandemic briefly delayed her plans.
The Birth of Hiccup
In February 2020, Kristina officially launched Hiccup. The
company provides reusable 8-ounce silicone cups to races, ensuring that runners
can grab a cup, drink from it, and discard it just as they would with a
disposable cup. Unlike other eco-friendly race initiatives that require runners
to carry their own cups, Hiccup maintains the convenience of single-use cups
while eliminating waste.
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How Hiccup Works
Hiccup operates as a full-service solution for race
organizers. The team delivers cups to aid stations before a race, provides
collection bins, and retrieves used cups once the event is over. The company
also handles transportation and washing, ensuring that the cups are ready for
the next event.
Efficient Cleaning and Logistics
The company has developed a highly efficient washing
process. Cups are first soaked in soap and disinfectant, then run through
commercial dishwashers before being sanitized in 180-degree water. Hiccup has
even created a patent-pending dishwashing machine that can clean 1,500 cups per
cycle using just 30 gallons of water, making the process both thorough and
sustainable.
Building a Nationwide Presence
Hiccup now operates from three hubs—Tampa, Florida; Grand
Rapids, Michigan; and Willits, California—serving races across the United
States. The company has built an inventory of 50,000 cups, allowing it to
accommodate large-scale events without compromising on service quality.
Making a Measurable Impact
Since its launch, Hiccup has prevented more than 700,400
cups from entering landfills and recycling facilities. By offering a reusable
alternative, the company is helping race organizers reduce their environmental
footprint while maintaining a seamless race-day experience for runners.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a business was not without its hurdles. Kristina
left a stable, well-paying career to pursue an untested idea, and the COVID-19
pandemic delayed her initial plans. However, her persistence paid off as she
built partnerships with major marathons and proved that a sustainable
alternative to disposable cups was not only possible but practical.
Recognizing the Bigger Picture
Beyond its immediate impact on waste reduction, Hiccup is
part of a larger movement towards sustainability in the running industry. By
demonstrating that reusable solutions can be convenient and cost-effective,
Kristina hopes to inspire other sectors to adopt similar waste-reduction
strategies.
A Runner’s Vision Turned Reality
Kristina’s journey from a Coast Guard officer to an
entrepreneur is a testament to her passion and determination. What began as a
simple observation on a plane has grown into a company that is making a
tangible difference in the world of running.
Looking to the Future
As more races adopt Hiccup’s model, Kristina envisions
expanding her operations and introducing additional sustainable solutions. Her
ultimate goal is to make disposable race-day cups a thing of the past, ensuring
that future generations of runners can compete without contributing to
unnecessary waste.
Timeline for story
2000s – Kristina joins the U.S. Coast Guard and earns
captain’s and engineering licenses.
2010s – Works in the civilian marine industry but struggles
to balance running with her job.
December 2019 – Gets the idea for Hiccup on a plane after
the California International Marathon.
February 2020 – Officially launches Hiccup, but COVID-19
delays initial plans.
2021 – Hiccup begins operations, partnering with race
organizers.
2022 – Expands to three hubs in Tampa, Grand Rapids, and
Willits.
2023 – Reaches milestone of preventing over 700,400
disposable cups from being discarded.
Future – Plans to expand and introduce more sustainable
race-day solutions.
