From an English major at Denison to the CEO of TÖST, a non-alcoholic beverage company, Brooks Addington ’94 has built a career rooted in entrepreneurship, communication, and community.
At Denison, Addington embraced campus life in and out of the classroom — joining a fraternity, serving as president of club lacrosse, and discovering the power of writing. One of his academic goals was simple: “I’m going to go learn how to write,” he said. “I wanted to really learn how to communicate effectively through writing.”
After Denison, he began his career in Thailand teaching English. Addington eventually moved home to Chicago, but missed Asia and soon found his way back. For 14 years, he worked in Tokyo, building his finance and entrepreneurial skills.
When approached to consult with TÖST, Addington immediately recognized the opportunity. It was a natural fit when he later stepped into a leadership role for the company. “I was always sort of entrepreneurial and doing different things,” he said.
As the idea behind TÖST evolved, it became increasingly focused on bringing people together and creating connection. “There needed to be something sophisticated, elevated, and affordable, that people felt good about drinking when they didn’t want to drink,” said Addington. He sought to make his product feel inclusive, bringing people together around a welcoming beverage.
Today, as CEO of TÖST, he puts his Denison-honed communication skills to work daily. “I write dozens and dozens of emails every day — investor emails, customer emails, and vendor emails. If you can communicate effectively, you’re going to put yourself in a stronger position.”
Addington remains deeply grateful for his time at Denison and the practical value of his liberal arts education. “I received great friendships and great memories. But beyond all that, honestly, I really did feel like my education was a real winner for me,” he said. “Denison produces well-rounded thinkers who get things done.”
Addington has been fortunate to work with and meet fellow Denisonians in the beverage industry, experiencing firsthand that the Denison network fosters lasting relationships. “There’s sort of an immediate respect, trust, and connection that you have with somebody,” he said.
That mindset continues to guide his commitment to leadership and entrepreneurship.