more than 30 years. in his career smith has created and sold very two successful companies. tazo tea and stash tea. he's at it again with a you in company, stephen smith teamaker. >> is stephen smith working for you? >> it is -- >> smith is checking out his teas at zupan's markets, a local oregon chain. owner mark zupan remembers when smith first approached him about selling his latest brand. >> when smith contacted me, and i know steve, i said we don't need another tea in our stores. >> mike zupan said we need another tea like we need a hole in the head, something like this. this is a category that's crowded. i don't need more tea. >> zupan's response came as no surprise. >> i agree. the category's crowded. there's too many choices, too much stuff that doesn't sell. >> he says, you got to take a look at my tea and give me an opportunity. we did, we met with him. >> i convinced him to come in and taste tea with me. he didn't have any room on the shelf. he didn't think there was any