In this first episode of 2025, Bud and Mikey explore the themes shaping the beer distribution industry for the year ahead. With insights from VXP’s deep involvement in managing over 100 million cases annually, they discuss agility, resilience, and strategies to rebuild profitability in a challenging landscape.

Link to VXP 2025 Annual Letter

🌍 Cultural Shifts and Market Trends:Dive into key challenges like declining alcohol consumption, competition for discretionary income, and alternative consumer behaviors like online gambling. Hear about the regulatory uncertainty around THC and what it means for wholesalers.

🚀 Agility in Action:Explore how top wholesalers are adapting to shifting market dynamics, prioritizing profitability, and exploring new opportunities. From driving incrementality to embracing emerging beverage categories like THC-infused drinks, learn how to stay ahead.

💰 Why Profitability Matters:With rising costs and shifting consumer habits, Bud and Mikey explain how focusing on gross profit per case can transform your business and keep your team motivated.

🛡️ Building Resilience for 2025:Bud and Mikey talk about right-sizing operations, re-evaluating service levels, and fostering strong leadership. Discover why efficient routing, labor optimization, and leadership transitions are critical for thriving this year.

⚾ Rebuilding in the Aggregate:Inspired by Moneyball, learn how distributors can creatively leverage existing infrastructure to expand revenue streams—whether it’s through salty snacks, energy drinks, or other complementary products.

This episode is full of practical advice, real-world examples, and strategic insights to help beer distributors tackle 2025 with confidence. Whether you’re optimizing operations, exploring new revenue streams, or addressing profitability goals, Bud and Mikey deliver the guidance you need.

Chapters

00:00 New Year, New Beginnings

04:34 VXP Annual Letter what is driving change

09:14 The Impact of Discretionary Spending

12:07 Profitability and Operational Efficiency

15:08 Agility and Resilience in Business

19:17 Transforming the Mood: From Doom Loop to Growth

20:12 Building Resiliency for 2025

21:39 Optimizing Operations: Routing and Efficiency

24:32 Fighting the Clock: Time Management in Delivery

25:52 Rebuilding in the Aggregate: Lessons from Moneyball

30:12 Creativity in Sales: Expanding Beyond Beer

32:37 Owning Your Destiny: Aligning with Partners

34:37 Looking Ahead: Setting Expectations for 2025

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About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

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