David Fudge

INTEGRITY IN ACTION. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to authenticity, David Fudge has transformed his diverse experiences across media, fashion, and technology into a pioneering venture in the spirits industry.

Raised on a south Georgia farm in a tight-knit community of just 2,500 people, David’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of integrity and the importance of showing up for others. “One of my most important values is integrity—doing what you say you’re going to do and showing up for people,” David reflects. This principle has guided him through a dynamic career that spans media, fashion, and now, the spirits industry.

Growing up in a Southern Baptist family, David’s early life was steeped in tradition. He attended a small Christian school where his creative spirit began to emerge. Despite the conservative environment, David found ways to express himself, from acting in school plays to editing the yearbook. “I was the young, queer, creative one,” he recalls. His ambition to explore the world beyond his small town led him to Auburn University, where he studied Mass Communications and Business. It was there that David’s curiosity blossomed, particularly through his involvement in the University Program Council, which gave him hands-on experience in event production.

A pivotal moment in David’s early career came when he helped bring MTV’s Campus Invasion tour to Auburn. This experience opened the door to an internship at MTV, marking his first foray into New York City. “I was much more interested in the work than the academic part,” David admits. His internships at MTV and Miramax during college not only fueled his passion for media but also solidified his desire to work in the creative industries.

After graduating, David moved to New York without a job but armed with determination. He hustled through temp jobs and networking until he landed a position in MTV’s marketing department. “MTV was an amazing job for me because I was exposed to so many areas of the company,” David explains. This role allowed him to explore his interests in technology and innovation, laying the groundwork for his later ventures.

David’s career took him from MTV to Esquire, Amazon, and Bonobos, where he describes his experience as a “startup boot camp,” honing his skills in brand marketing and working in a fastpaced environment that encouraged creativity and innovation.

INCLUSIVE SPIRITS REVOLUTION. In 2019, leveraging his diverse experiences, David founded Aplós, a modern non-alcoholic spirits brand that is reimagining the cocktail experience for a new generation. Aplós offers functional, plant-based, non-alcoholic spirits that provide the sophistication of a traditional cocktail without the negative effects of alcohol. “We wanted to create a product and a brand that elevated non-alcoholic spirits to the same level as the world’s great traditional alcohol spirits,” David explains. Partnering with renowned mixologist Lynnette Marrero, David and his co-founder Emily Onkey have crafted a brand that resonates with those seeking a more mindful drinking experience.

David’s LGBTQIA+ identity has played a significant role in shaping Aplós’ ethos of inclusivity and authenticity. “My experience in other companies informed how we approach culture at Aplós, both internally and externally,” David says. The company’s commitment to creating an inclusive space extends to its diverse team and customer base. “It’s about making people feel included, whether they want to have alcohol or not, and ensuring they can be themselves,” he adds.

As Aplós continues to expand, David offers this advice to aspiring LGBTQIA+ founders: “Stay curious and just take the first step. Follow your curiosity in a way that feels authentic to you. There are tons of people out there who will support you—you just have to go out and find them.”