Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS. A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com

Celebrate with us our 3rd anniversary with a special 30% off forever at maffeodrinks.com/anniversary  

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, I continue the conversation with Andrew Friedman, an ex-bar Owner (Liberty, Seattle, WA) and the brand builder behind Industry Spirits.

Andrew shares his journey from bar owner to brand owner, highlighting the importance of community, education, and strategic planning in the drinks industry.

The discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of creating a bartender-owned brand, the nuances of marketing and sales strategies, and the decision-making process behind scaling a business organically versus aiming for a large-scale buyout.

This episode, which includes anecdotes about industry dynamics and practical advice for aspiring brand creators, underscores the value of thoughtful growth and collaborative success in the beverage industry.

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast

00:26 The Value of Listener Feedback

01:37 Training and Collaboration in the Bar Industry

03:16 Challenges and Realities of Brand Promotion

05:44 From Bar Owner to Brand Owner

07:56 Building a Bartender-Owned Brand

09:09 Strategies for Brand Relevance

27:59 The Importance of Legacy and Scale

35:26 Wrapping Up and Contact Information

About The Host: Chris Maffeo

About The Guest: Andrew Friedman

This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations.

Celebrate with us our 3rd anniversary with a special 30% off forever at maffeodrinks.com/anniversary