S'well: Sarah Kauss In 2009, Sarah Kauss had a well-paying job in real estate development, but she was itching to do something more. On a hike in Tucson with her mom, she got an idea for a business while swigging warm water from a metal thermos: why not design a water bottle that kept cold things cold and hot things hot, but was also beautiful to look at? Just six years after launch, S'well reportedly made $100 million; but today, Sarah is especially focused on how the brand can help eliminate plastic waste around the world.

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S'well: Sarah Kauss

April 6, 202012:01 AM ET

S'well: Sarah Kauss

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In 2009, Sarah Kauss had a well-paying job in real estate development, but she was itching to do something more.

On a hike in Tucson with her mom, she got an idea for a business while swigging warm water from a metal thermos:

Why not design a water bottle that kept cold things cold and hot things hot, but was also beautiful to look at?

Just six years after launch, S'well reportedly made $100 million; but today, Sarah is especially focused on how the brand can help eliminate plastic waste around the world.

Special Series

How I Built This

For all new episodes, go to the How I Built This page on Wondery.com