Why do so many beer and liquor sales jobs treat employees like prisoners? In this episode, Fred and Alan expose how traditional distributors lock salespeople into strict routes, GPS tracking, and micromanagement that kills freedom. They introduce a new independent model with Alt THC and Icepic Vodka that lets you build your own accounts, keep ownership, and create an income stream on your terms. If you’ve ever wanted to break free from corporate sales restrictions and sell innovative products like natural hemp beverages with zero solvents and bold culinary flavors, this conversation shows you exactly how. Tune in now.

Discover how Nine Stones Spa stays fully booked without worrying about competition. In this episode, you’ll learn the neighborhood strategy that keeps them thriving, the power of genuine community relationships, and why prioritizing team culture and authentic service experiences leads to long-term success. Hear how the new owner plans to expand services with retreats, sound healing, and wellness pop-ups, while staying true to what makes Nine Stones special. If you’re an entrepreneur, spa owner, or anyone building a service-based business, this conversation will inspire you to focus on what really matters to grow sustainably.

In this episode of Having a Beer with Fred, Don Campbell talks about how he built a career in music without giving up control. He shares how growing up in a musical family shaped him, what it took to go full-time, and why treating music like a business matters. Don also talks about giving back through his Flotilla to Fight Cancer concert, which has raised over $100,000. If you’re thinking about turning your passion into work or want to hear what it really takes to stay in the game, this is a good one. Simple, honest, and worth your time.

Alexander Prie turned his passion for raves into a business and is transforming Portland’s event scene one party at a time. From underground DIY shows to full-scale immersive experiences, we talk creative entrepreneurship, music culture, and how Hive Events is reviving nightlife in New England. He even threw a rave in a brewery just for us.

What does it take to thrive in one of the most volatile industries in America? In today’s episode of Having a Beer with Fred, we sit down with Bobby, a hospitality veteran who’s managed everything from beach bars in Florida to ice-cold taverns in Maine. He shares the unfiltered playbook that kept his venues alive—through staffing chaos, busted pipes, and post-pandemic burnout. This isn’t just a story of resilience—it’s a strategy session for every bar, restaurant, and event venue trying to keep their edge. Grab a drink, because this is hospitality advice you won’t hear anywhere else.

From washing dishes to running one of Bangor’s busiest restaurants, Charles shares how growing up in a family-owned bar led him to discover his passion for cooking and ultimately leadership. In this episode of Having a Beer with Fran, we explore the highs and challenges of restaurant life, the thrill of concert season, and the importance of loving what you do. With 80 staff, 300 guests at a time, and a Mug Club of 150, this is more than food. It’s community, pressure, and passion in motion.

In this episode of Having a Beer with Fred, we visit the team at Sea Dog Brewing Co. in North Conway to chat about what makes this mountain town pub such a beloved local spot. General Manager Heather Milbourne and Head Chef Adam Hiles share insights on seasonal challenges, community favorites like fish tacos and Cajun pasta, and exciting summer updates including outdoor dining and live music. We also talk Mug Club loyalty, Shipyard Radio 207, and the push to bring back the business lunch. It’s a down-to-earth conversation about passion, people, and pouring the perfect pint.

What started as a simple $2 bill turned into a personal brand, a sales strategy, and a way to give back. Steve Rehman, a national window executive with a passion for connection, shares how a quirky idea became a calling card in business and philanthropy. From sauna meetings to surprise donations, this conversation is full of unexpected ways relationships can scale impact. If you care about personal branding, smart sales tactics, or purpose-driven business, this one’s for you.

How do you actually get a city to back your business? In this episode, former Portland mayor George Campbell shares the real strategies that open doors at city hall. From navigating local politics to reshaping entire communities, George breaks down what works, what fails, and why relationships matter more than ever. Entrepreneurs, developers, and public leaders will get a rare look into the playbook used to unlock major urban projects.

Ex-Navy captain Dean DeMont lost his marriage, properties, and fledgling hospitality empire when divorce and a Gulf-coast hurricane struck in the same year. Camping on a 13-berth charter boat, he clawed back—quitting cigarettes, rebuilding docks, and transforming Marine 13 into Treasure Island’s go-to outfit for dolphin cruises, offshore fishing, and sunset hops. Dean shares how birdsong, loyal friends, and relentless kindness revived his mental health, why captains make unlikely therapists, and how he now mentors others fighting depression—with salt water, small goals, and second chances.