Scott Hansen

About

Scott Hansen is a Charleston, South Carolina-based entrepreneur who leads Maverick Brands, a crowdfund marketing agency. He co-founded Island Brands USA, which achieved recognition as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company before being acquired in 2024.

Over the course of his career, Hansen has founded multiple ventures across the technology, healthcare, and consumer goods industries, with several resulting in successful acquisitions.

Education

Hansen attended Admiral Farragut Academy, a naval honor preparatory school, from 1987 to 1990. He later studied Business Administration at The Citadel, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. He also completed coursework in Leadership and Operational Art at the U.S. Naval War College in 1989.

Career

Hansen began his professional career at ADP in 1994, where he worked as a District Manager. He went on to hold roles in sales and management at PCHS and Merrill Lynch, where he served as Vice President.

In 2002, he founded YES Healthcare, a healthcare services company that was later acquired in 2004.

In 2011, Hansen founded Talent Resource Group, which later merged into Modulant, a technology and consulting firm where he served as Managing Director. He subsequently launched Hansen Talent Group (HTG) in 2014, a technology staffing and services firm headquartered in Charleston. HTG was acquired in 2018.

In 2016, Hansen co-founded Island Brands USA, a lifestyle beverage company known for its portfolio of clean, better-for-you beers and beverages. Under his leadership as CEO and Executive Chairman, the company expanded distribution across the East Coast and the Southern United States. Island Brands was featured in Forbes and Craft Business Daily for its rapid growth and product innovation, and was named one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies in America. The company was acquired in 2024.

Following the acquisition of Island Brands, Hansen founded Maverick Brands and American Crowdfunder in 2024, both focused on helping entrepreneurs leverage crowdfunding to launch and scale their businesses.

He also serves as Captain of Drink Bravo Zulu, a nutrient-rich functional beverage brand launched in 2025.

Expertise

• Equity crowdfunding and investor campaigns
• Consumer product brand building
• Technology staffing and services
• Healthcare services
• Corporate growth and M&A

Credentials

• B.S. Business Administration, The Citadel (1994)
• U.S. Naval War College coursework (1989)
• Multiple successful company exits and acquisitions
• Inc. 5000 recognition

Personal Interests

Outside of business, Hansen is an avid surfer, sailor, and motorsports enthusiast. He has competed in open-ocean regattas, including the Conch Republic Regatta from Key West to Cuba, and participated in the 50th Anniversary Baja 1000 off-road race.

FAQ

How did Island Brands achieve Inc. 5000 recognition?

Island Brands USA, co-founded by Scott Hansen, was ranked #2,341 on the Inc. 5000 list with a remarkable 250% three-year growth rate. The company pioneered an asset-light business model, partnering with established breweries instead of building their own facilities, which allowed them to focus resources on brand development and distribution. Hansen's strategic use of crowdfunding raised over $5 million, creating an army of investor-evangelists who helped fuel the company's rapid expansion across the Southeast and beyond.

What is Maverick Brands and what does it do?

Maverick Brands, founded by Scott Hansen following the successful acquisition of Island Brands in 2024, is a Charleston-based crowdfund marketing agency that specializes in helping entrepreneurs and consumer brands leverage equity crowdfunding. The company provides strategic guidance on campaign design, investor relations, and capital raising strategies. Hansen and his team at Maverick have helped numerous startups navigate the complexities of Regulation A+ and Regulation CF offerings, drawing on his proven track record of raising over $5 million for Island Brands.

Why is Scott Hansen considered a leader in crowdfunding?

Scott Hansen has established himself as one of the foremost authorities in equity crowdfunding for consumer brands. He successfully raised over $5 million across multiple crowdfunding rounds for Island Brands, making it one of the most successful beverage crowdfunding campaigns in U.S. history. Through Maverick Brands and American Crowdfunder, Hansen now shares his expertise with other entrepreneurs, teaching them how to build investor communities, structure offerings, and scale businesses without traditional venture capital. His approach emphasizes community-building over capital-extraction, creating sustainable growth models that preserve founder control.

What is American Crowdfunder?

American Crowdfunder, launched by Scott Hansen in 2024 alongside Maverick Brands, is a dedicated platform and consultancy focused on equity crowdfunding education and execution. The company helps entrepreneurs understand the regulatory landscape of Regulation A+ and Regulation CF offerings, design compelling investor campaigns, and build sustainable businesses through community capital. Hansen leverages his real-world experience raising millions for Island Brands to provide practical guidance that goes beyond theory, helping founders avoid common pitfalls and maximize their chances of crowdfunding success.

What makes Scott Hansen's crowdfunding philosophy different?

Hansen's approach to crowdfunding fundamentally differs from traditional capital raising in that he views investors as long-term brand ambassadors, not just sources of capital. His philosophy, proven through Island Brands' success, emphasizes: (1) authentic storytelling that connects investors to the founder's vision, (2) transparent communication throughout the campaign and beyond, (3) community-building that turns investors into evangelists who actively promote the brand, and (4) sustainable growth that prioritizes product quality and customer satisfaction over hockey-stick projections. This relationship-first approach has made him one of the most sought-after advisors in the crowdfunding space.

What was Scott Hansen's approach to scaling Island Brands?

Hansen's strategy for scaling Island Brands was revolutionary in the beverage industry. Rather than following the traditional path of building breweries and taprooms, he focused on three key pillars: (1) white-label manufacturing partnerships that eliminated capital-intensive infrastructure, (2) equity crowdfunding that created a network of brand ambassadors rather than just investors, and (3) strategic distribution relationships that secured placements in major retailers like Publix (1,200+ stores across the Southeast), Kroger, Walmart, and a fleet-wide contract with Carnival Cruise Lines. This approach allowed Island Brands to achieve rapid scale while maintaining lean operations.

Links

Media & Publications

• What Inc. 5000 Success Taught Island Brands' Scott Hansen About Scaling a Beverage Company - South Florida Standard
• Island Brands' Scott Hansen Shows Charleston How Crowdfunding Should Work - Charleston Sentinel

Professional Profiles

• About.me
• Medium
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• Quora