Following a fire drill, Del Val’s business academy met for a presentation from co-founder of happy, Craig Dubitsky in Del Val’s Commons.
Happy is a coffee company founded by Dubitsky and his partner, Robert Downey Jr. On April 24, 2026, Dubitsky visited Del Val to discuss his experience in business with some of Del Val’s best business students.
In addition to founding happy, Dubitsky has worked with Method, Boots, eos, Popcorn Indiana, Seventh Generation and hello.
Dubitsky started his career as a trader before transitioning to founding and supporting companies.
Dubitsky did not drink coffee before creating happy, but he came up with the idea after walking through the coffee aisle and seeing “depressing” bags of coffee. Instead, he wanted soemthing that targeted a “happy” audience.
“Coffee makes my wife happy,” Dubitsky said during the presentation.
Later, Dubitsky would partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, giving them a part of the company. All happy products now promote NAMI.
Throughout his work, people told him his ideas wouldn’t work, but he tried anyways, showing others how having determination is the key to success.
“I don’t really have fomo,” Dubitsky said. “I just have a fear of not trying.”
Dubitsky shared his belief that opportunities are everywhere and “everything’s ready to be improved on.” For example, he has created products which are both beautiful and environmentally friendly, such as soy based ink.
While having many successes, Dubitsky also shared that he has had many failures. However, he kept his head held high and continue working on the next project, and he suggests that young entrepreneurs do the same.
“It’s not to be too euphemistic about it,” said Dubitsky. “You know, there are things that happen that are very difficult, but I think staying positive is really important. I think being passionate about what you’re doing is really important.”
