Last Chance To Apply To Become ‘Director Of Sweat Equity’ Sauna Hopper

There’s one more day left to apply to test out saunas across the United States for a Finnish-based, ready-to-drink cocktail company.

The Finnish Long Drink is looking to find its first-ever “director of sweat equity,” but you’d better apply by tomorrow. The official deadline to apply is August 29, 2025.

This “director of sweat equity” will tour the United States in search of the best Finnish-inspired saunas. “Saunas are booming in the U.S., but they’ve gotten a little too serious,” says Ere Manner, co-founder of The Long Drink Company. “Saunas, in Finland, are all about connection, laughter, and yes, sipping a Long Drink. We want to bring that spirit back with something fun.”

In Finland, there are 3 million saunas or one sauna for every 1.8 people, he says. Finland’s national drink is the Long Drink, which is a carbonated gin and grapefruit cocktail.

The chosen director of sweat equity will receive a $10,000 prize, a seven-day, all-expenses-paid travel experience, and a year’s supply of The Finnish Long Drink. They also will receive, Manner says, a “very official” director of sweat equity badge and serious sauna bragging rights.

To apply, applicants who are 21 years of age or older should apply here, where they will submit a brief questionnaire and a 60-second video. It is suggested that they be: comfortable on camera, including in a towel, and they should bring their authentic personality to every post and plunge they’ll take in this position. “Bonus points for anyone with Finnish roots, a love of cold plunges or prior content creation experience,” are included in the instructions.

Dozens of sauna hoppers have applied, but there’s still time to apply so long as applications are sent by tomorrow. “We built this for adventurous, social, content-savvy people, folks who love experiences and want a story to tell,” Manner says.

But this contest is attracting more than their original target audience. “It’s reaching beyond hardcore sauna fans,” he says. “Lifestyle seekers, creators and wellness enthusiasts are all leaning in.”

This contest has also “started a larger conversation around Finnish culture and the country itself.” Finland has been named the happiest country eight years in a row, according to the World Happiness Report. Finnish people report high levels of trust and satisfaction in their neighbors, government and institutions, as well as strong social supports and a connection to nature. Finland had an average score of 7.736 out of 10 in the report, which was released earlier this year.

“The sweatiest job in America”definitely has caught some attention,” Manner says, adding that the contest is gaining a lot of traction.

“Applicants are treating it like a once-in-a-lifetime gig which has been incredible to see,” he says. “We’re really excited to see what the winners experience is like once they set off on the sauna experience.”

This sauna experience will be a good chance to promote The Finnish Long Drink, which already in the top five of American ready-to-drink cocktails, Manner says. “Instead of telling people about Long Drink, we’re actually going to be able to show them,” he says. “Every sauna stop becomes a great opportunity for storytelling, introducing new people to Long Drink in a fun, cultural context that ties directly back to our roots.”