Burch Ekener

Juice it Up • Bristol Warner Marketplace • Santa Ana, CA

Every entrepreneur needs a plan, and Burch Ekener, a self-proclaimed super planner, had a very good one when he decided to open his own Juice it Up location at Bristol Warner Marketplace. His intention was to map out every possible future step and scenario, and he tried to do just that. But the more he planned, the more he discovered he couldn’t plan for everything. Like every entrepreneur before him, he had to press the start button on his business with countless unknowns ahead of him.

Despite the unknowns, Juice it Up took off, and Ekener learned to let go. “You need to be prepared for and okay with a certain amount of errors in your plan,” he says. Owning a business has offered Burch a feeling of control and responsibility, but also an appreciation for the ups and downs that inevitably come with the territory. He has kept a steady course by sticking to several core values: integrity and honesty, putting the customer first, and requiring his team to be respectful, fun-loving and personally accountable.

For Ekener, financial independence is only part of the reason he loves what he does. Leading and nurturing his team, and engaging in the community by giving back have both provided some of his most fulfilling moments. Seeing satisfied customers who come regularly also gives Burch a daily dose of satisfaction. He strives to provide a delightful and fun experience while serving healthy, refreshing fare, and he optimizes his place in the community by organizing fundraising events for schools, healthcare facilities and community service establishments.

Burch has a true appreciation for his partnership with NewMark Merrill. He sees them as a crucial part of his success. “NewMark Merrill has been invaluable,” says Burch. “They take care of business—maintaining the look, feel and welcoming atmosphere of the shopping center, and providing security and safety measures.” Burch also participates in center-wide marketing opportunities and events led by NewMark Merrill. Not coincidentally, he now owns a second business—also located at a NewMark Merrill property.

Today Juice it Up stands as a thriving business with a vision for the future. “Because of the abundance of healthy and active locals in the area, Santa Ana is the perfect place for Juice It Up’s diverse menu of delicious smoothies, juices and bowls. We love partnering with our community, and are always excited to fuel our neighbors’ busy lives, and support their wellness goals,” said Burch.

Burch has some sage advice for those hoping to launch a business of their own: “Have an open mind and be flexible—you never know when and from where growth will come. Be patient. Developing good relationships and teaming up with the right people takes time but yields big dividends in the long run.”