Bamboo Water will be launching in Big Bee convenience stores across the city this summer, but it’s how they got there that’s the interesting story.

Vincent Villanis of Ontario Bamboo was a finalist in LiON’S LAIR 2012 and, through the exposure of the competition and gala, actually met his current business partner: Rami Reda.

Rami is well-known in the Hamilton community and is the owner of CanGlobal Traders Inc., which includes Big Bee convenience stores. He was also a Lion on the judging panel for the 2012 LiON’S LAIR pitches. He was impressed with Ontario Bamboo and approached Vincent after his pitch with an offer to help.

Rami became the official advisor for Ontario Bamboo product Bamboo Water, bringing his expertise and connections to the table and agreeing to help with distribution. The two have been working hard together for the past couple years and Bamboo Water is on track to be in stores soon, officially launching this June!