🧭 Meet Claude Burns of Office Libations
In this episode of What It Takes: business owners tell all, Jamie Seeker interviews Claude Burns, the visionary founder and CEO of Office Libations — a fast-growing workplace hospitality company that’s transforming how companies support and engage their teams.
Claude’s story starts in the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. After leaving the military, he earned an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, launched craft beverage brands like Noble Brewer and Ale Tales, and ultimately created Office Libations, which has been recognized on the INC 5000 list three years in a row.
Through a blend of structure, empathy, and service, Claude Burns built Office Libations into a company that delivers more than just snacks — it delivers culture.
🔑 What You’ll Learn from Claude Burns, Office Libations Founder
Claude opens up about:
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How military leadership shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
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Creating Office Libations and why the office still matters
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Pivoting during the pandemic and coming back stronger
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Supporting veteran founders through Bunker Labs
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What it takes to lead with both mission and heart
🎧 Looking for another inspiring veteran founder story? Check out out here
💬 Quotes from Claude Burns, Office Libations CEO
“Culture is in the small things — the coffee that’s waiting, the snack that feels personal. That’s what makes people feel cared for.”
“You don’t grow just by selling more — you grow by serving better.”
“The military taught me that mission comes first — but taking care of your people makes the mission possible.”
📋 Interview Highlights
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Military to Marketplace: How Claude transitioned from the Navy to launching his own companies
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The Birth of Office Libations: Solving a real-world problem with a human-centered solution
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The Power of Culture: How snacks and beverages can create connection
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Scaling Smart: National growth, the INC 5000, and the importance of systems
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Giving Back: Claude’s work mentoring veterans through Bunker Labs
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Jamie’s Signature Question:
👉 “Claude, what does it take to be a business owner?”
📌 Why This Matters
As remote work continues to shift, Claude Burns of Office Libations shows how intentional workplace hospitality can bring teams together. Whether you’re a startup founder, HR leader, or culture builder, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insight into how thoughtful leadership drives impact.
🎧 Listen Now
🔗 Stream the full episode here
📱 Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Claude Burns is proof that values-driven leadership, paired with smart execution, can turn a niche idea into a nationally recognized brand. Office Libations isn’t just about snacks — it’s about building connection and care in the workplace. From his service in the military to his entrepreneurial success, Claude embodies what it takes to lead with purpose.
