Bottled Up

Morgan Wheeler is a planner, so a daughter arriving three weeks early wasn't part of the plan. Amy was born March 17, 2022, and was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Three days later she was flown to Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson for intestinal surgery, and a heart repair in New Orleans followed that August. Morgan was Allen Beverages' marketing manager at the time. She and her husband, Tyler, went looking for other parents right away. They announced Amy's birth on World Down Syndrome Day, 3/21, and the families who answered are now some of their closest friends. Today Amy's four and runs everywhere, and Morgan serves on the board of the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society The conversation starts in the beverage business. Morgan learned the trade riding routes for Brown Bottling in Jackson and stocking walk-in coolers at 5 AM, and she still can't walk past a store cooler without checking how it's faced. Then she walks through the months after Amy's birth: the follow-ups, getting into Mississippi's First Steps program for speech, physical and occupational therapy, and why the smallest milestones got the biggest celebrations. She also explains the Buddy Walk, the society's biggest fundraiser of the year. It's a short loop, not a 5K, and every buddy gets a trophy or medal at the finish. This year's walk is Saturday, October 17, at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport, with the walk at noon. Register for The 2026 Buddy Walk at gcdss.org.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Start therapies early Morgan's first piece of advice to any parent of a child with Down syndrome, or any different ability, is early intervention. In Mississippi, children under three can get speech, physical and occupational therapy through the state's First Steps program. Amy started once she was cleared after heart surgery, took her first steps a little after two, and hasn't slowed down since.

2. Other parents are the best resource The Wheelers left the hospital with pamphlets and books, but Morgan says they've learned the most from other parents. One post on World Down Syndrome Day connected them with families in Gulfport and Biloxi who are now close friends. One of those friends is the reason they found First Steps.

3. The Buddy Walk is a celebration, not a race The walk is one short loop. The day is built around games, face painting, crafts and team tents like Amy's Army. It's open to all ages and abilities, and it's the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society's biggest fundraiser of the year. This year it's Saturday, October 17, at Centennial Plaza, with the walk at noon.

Show Overview

00:00 Welcome and Morgan Wheeler's introduction

00:56 Meeting Tyler at Gulfport High after Katrina

02:06 Working with Andrew's wife, Carmen, at BCBG

03:37 Landing at Brown Bottling in Jackson

04:24 How the beverage business changes the way you shop

07:41 How soda brands end up in movies

08:46 Joining Allen Beverages in 2018

10:16 Teaching customers what Allen Beverages sells

11:05 Alani Nu, Poppi and brands changing hands

13:41 Amy's birth and Down syndrome diagnosis

14:49 A helicopter flight to Batson in Jackson

15:26 Three weeks in the NICU and a heart defect at six weeks

16:27 Heart surgery in New Orleans

17:57 Checking one thing at a time

19:59 Announcing Amy on World Down Syndrome Day

21:29 The good side of social media

23:03 Life after heart surgery

23:50 Early intervention through First Steps

25:25 Start therapies as early as you can

26:33 Getting involved with the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society

27:24 Three girls under seven

28:17 What the Buddy Walk is

29:56 October 17 at Centennial Plaza

31:37 A workplace that really is family

33:23 Where to sign up

33:39 Advice for parents starting out

34:59 Walk times and the awards ceremony

Betsy Harris was born healthy in October 2023. By four months her parents had noticed one leg looked different, and the answer seemed simple: a completely dislocated hip nobody caught at birth. She was casted, she started physical therapy, and the milestones still didn't come. At fourteen months her orthopedic surgeon suggested genetic testing. The results took until August, and the neurologist in New Orleans came back with congenital muscular dystrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder affecting nerves, muscles and brain. She didn't know of another child anywhere with Betsy's specific mutation. Amanda Harris works in medicine and had never heard of it. Within two months, she and Tyler had started a nonprofit.

Tyler and Amanda walk Andrew through what happens after a diagnosis with no treatment behind it. They explain how a few hundred emails built Betsy a medical team running from Boston Children's to the University of Iowa, how researchers at Atrium Health are breeding mice with Betsy's exact mutation so a therapy can finally be tested, and how Facebook groups led them to about ten families worldwide, including a mother in Ireland who'd been alone with this for five years. They also talk about the elephant sound Betsy makes when she's happy, which other CMD kids make too, and which became the logo. Their first Elephant Run at Jones Park raised over $70,000. The inaugural Fight CMD Golf Classic is November 16 at Windance Country Club in Gulfport, with registration at fightcmd.org under Get Involved.

3 Key Takeaways

1. The Delayed Diagnosis

A dislocated hip caught at four months looked like the whole explanation, and it cost them time. Betsy was casted, treated and put in therapy, and the missed milestones got written off as a consequence of the hip. It took until fourteen months and a surgeon's suggestion of genetic testing to find out something else was going on.

2. Nobody Is Coming

Pharmaceutical companies don't develop drugs for ultra-rare disease, so the Harrises were told plainly that there was nothing available, no one knew how long Betsy would live, and the only certainty was that it would get worse. That's the moment the nonprofit starts. Fight CMD exists because the alternative was waiting.

3. The Community Is the Research Budget

Over $70,000 came in at a first-year 5K, from a Gulf Coast town where fifty-plus businesses signed on. That money is what funds the mouse model at Atrium Health, and the mouse model is what makes testing a therapy possible. If it works, it's the first therapeutic approach ever attempted for this form of CMD.

Show Overview

00:29 What CMD actually is

00:57 A healthy baby and the milestones that don't come

01:34 One leg looks different at four months

02:05 A dislocated hip nobody caught at birth

02:58 The surgeon suggests genetic testing

04:46 Waiting on results until mid August

05:11 The diagnosis in New Orleans

05:59 A local nonprofit points them forward

06:35 Why nobody develops drugs for ultra rare disease

07:29 Time is not on Betsy's side

08:30 Raising a child who is nonverbal

09:41 Getting the best team we could get

11:14 Boston Children's sends them to Iowa

12:44 The world's guru has no case like it

14:47 Why it had to be these two parents

16:39 Building mice with Betsy's mutation

18:57 Where the elephant came from

19:59 Finding ten families around the world

21:21 A fifteen year old and a sixteen year old

23:11 Swallowing, feeding tubes, and quality of life

24:20 Toward a full gene replacement

25:23 A turnout the timing guy had never seen

27:38 Second annual Elephant 5K, May 15, 2027

27:54 The Golf Classic, November 16

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Lindsey Binion, a rebranding strategist and owner of Lindsey Binion Creatives. Lindsey shares her journey from being an artsy kid in Mobile to running her own branding business. They discuss the process of rebranding Andrew Allen's company, Allen Beverages, and explore how branding is more than just a logo. It is about knowing your company's identity and communicating it clearly. Lindsey explains the importance of consistency and strategy in branding, and they touch on how AI tools can help but cannot replace the creativity and personal touch of a human designer. The episode also dives into how businesses can stand out, evolve, and connect with their audience through thoughtful brand strategy.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Branding Is More Than a Logo Andrew Allen and Lindsey Binion emphasize that branding runs much deeper than a visual logo. It encompasses a company's values, personality, messaging, and the overall customer experience. Lindsey describes how she helps businesses uncover what makes them unique and communicate it consistently across all touchpoints so the brand resonates with both current and future customers.

2. The Importance of Customization in Branding The process of developing the Allen Beverages logo shows the value of a tailored approach. Lindsey walks through the in-depth steps involved, including vision boards and multiple logo iterations, demonstrating that a brand should reflect the company's unique strengths and local identity. The result is a suite of strategic assets distinctly aligned with what Allen Beverages stands for.

3. AI Is a Tool, Not a Substitute for Strategy While AI and platforms like ChatGPT make design tools more accessible, both speakers agree these solutions lack the human insight required for authentic, differentiated brands. Lindsey points out that AI can help with implementation, but true differentiation and effective branding come from intentional, human-led strategy and creativity that cannot be replaced by automated tools.

In this heartfelt episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Glenn Haggerty, Chief Development Officer and managing partner of Gulf Islands Water Park. Glenn shares how his sports-focused upbringing in New Orleans, with three older brothers and a competitive drive shaped on the baseball field at LSU, laid the foundation for his leadership style. From managing a Kinkos store to navigating the unique world of water parks, he offers an honest look at the highs, lows and splashes of building and running a successful seasonal attraction. Listeners will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories about overcoming challenges, embracing technology, fostering strong teams, and creating lasting family memories. Glenn also shares practical visitor tips, like the best days to attend for fewer crowds and better value, along with how to purchase tickets and stay connected with Gulf Islands and Blue Bayou Water Park.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Transferable Leadership Skills

Glenn Haggerty explains how his competitive upbringing and college baseball experience at LSU taught him essential skills in teamwork, discipline, and motivation. These lessons have directly shaped his management approach, from his early days at Kinkos to leading a dynamic water park team.

2. Evolving Water Park Business Model

Running a water park requires sharp business strategy. Glenn discusses how Gulf Islands has embraced modern tools like dynamic pricing, robust e-commerce, and active social media management. These innovations help maximize value for guests, streamline operations, and keep the park ahead in a weather-dependent, seasonal industry.

3. Community and Guest Experience Focus

At its heart, the park is about people. Glenn and his team are deeply committed to serving their local community by providing first jobs for young people and creating a safe, joyful space where families can unplug, connect, and build cherished summer memories together.

Show Overview

00:00 Growing up with older brothers and friends

05:52 Balancing academics and athletics

09:11 Transitioning into corporate store management

10:12 Leadership and team dynamics

13:13 Challenges of management

16:24 Setting healthy workplace boundaries

20:13 The life-changing call that led to water parks

25:21 Building Gulf Islands Water Park

26:15 When a lease signing fell through

29:29 Traveling between Chicago and New Orleans

34:31 Implementing technology to enhance the guest experience

38:40 Creating unforgettable water park moments

41:52 Promoting Blue Bayou's first year

43:19 Marketing ideas and business insights

On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Peek, Market Equipment Manager at Allen Beverages. Mike shares his journey growing up across several Southern states, where he learned the value of hard work early on. From tending plants in nurseries to mastering skills in machine shops and hospital maintenance, he built a strong technical foundation that eventually led him to Allen Beverages.

He opens up about the importance of quality service, the everyday challenges of keeping equipment running smoothly, and the real rewards that come from leading a team. Mike also highlights the family-oriented, team-driven culture at Allen Beverages and why doing things right the first time matters so much, both for his crew and their customers. This conversation gives a genuine look at the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the beverages flowing and customers coming back happy.

3 Key Takeaways 1. Diverse and Evolving Career Path

Mike Peek walked a varied road to get where he is today, starting in plant nurseries, then working as a machinist, moving into industrial maintenance, and later handling hospital refrigeration and maintenance before stepping into his current role as market equipment manager. His willingness to keep learning and adapting has been the key to his success, with each chapter building skills for the next.

2. Focus on Team Development and Customer Service

As a leader, Mike stresses the importance of building a confident, capable team and delivering outstanding customer service. He invests heavily in training, sets high standards for installs and maintenance, and works hard to reduce repeat service calls while boosting customer satisfaction.

3. The Role of Leadership and Workplace Culture

Both Andrew and Mike highlight the power of a supportive, family-like environment at Allen Beverages. Mike focuses on open communication, building trust, and empowering his team to take initiative while learning to delegate. That kind of culture leads to better motivation, stronger retention, and a shared commitment to exceptional service.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen interviews Will Sams, owner and head chef at Pearl restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. Will Sams shares his journey from working his first deli job in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, to cooking in New Orleans and Orange Beach. He explains how he developed Pearl's seafood-focused menu, sources fresh ingredients from local and regional suppliers, and maintains a family atmosphere at his small but popular restaurant. He also talks about the challenges of building a business, keeping quality high, and retaining employees. The episode wraps up with recommendations for first-time Pearl diners and where to find the restaurant online.

3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Diverse Culinary Journey and Education

Will Sams shared his path from his beginnings at Bulldog Deli in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through finishing his business degree at Southern Miss while working nights in restaurants, to attending and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His hands-on experience, including working both front and back of house during school, built the foundation for his later success. 2. The Importance of Adaptability and Understanding Local Markets

Throughout his career, Will Sams highlighted the significance of adapting to customer needs and local demographics. While building menus for restaurants like Playa, he learned to balance creative themes with customer expectations, such as including well-loved staples like burgers even in themed spaces, and always considering what will actually sell. 3. Community and Relationships Drive Business Success

Will Sams emphasized the role of strong relationships, both with local ingredient purveyors and with staff, in the ongoing success of his restaurant, Pearl. He described leveraging existing relationships with suppliers for quality ingredients and running a hands-on, supportive, and family-like work environment to retain employees and provide great customer experiences.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen interviews Reform Pilates studio owners Brandon Pike and Christina Pike. Christina shares her journey from nursing to running three Pilates studios on the Gulf Coast, beginning with nutrition coaching before expanding into fitness instruction. Brandon explains his role handling business operations and design, while Christina leads client relationships and classes. The conversation covers the studios' growth, how they balance client experience with expanding capacity, and the importance of building a supportive, tight-knit instructor team. They also discuss their approach to competition, why each location offers different fitness modalities, and their organic, passion-driven business philosophy. The episode closes with advice for listeners who want to join classes and a look ahead at what's next for their family and business.

3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Organic Business Growth Fueled by Passion and Community Needs

Christina Pike and Brandon Pike described how their Pilates business started organically and unintentionally. Christina Pike began by helping friends with nutrition and accountability coaching, something that sprang from her own background in nursing and love of fitness. Her transition into opening a Pilates studio was driven not by a grand business plan but by client requests and her own desire to continue helping people. Their growth to multiple locations came from responding to community demand, referrals, and staying attentive to what their clients wanted, rather than aiming for rapid expansion.

2. Intentional Culture Centered on Relationships and Experience

The Pikes put heavy emphasis on building a welcoming, intimate, and relationship-driven environment at their studios. Class sizes are deliberately kept small to maintain an individualized and friendly feel, allowing instructors to truly get to know and support their clients. Brandon Pike stressed how this atmosphere drives strong retention and sets them apart from bigger, impersonal studios. They also emphasized the positive, non-competitive culture among instructors, which, in turn, supports a happy, supportive client community.

3. Adaptation, Balance, and Staying True to Core Values

The growth of their business, from one-on-ones to three studios, required adapting and trusting the opportunities that came their way. However, Christina Pike emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions from industry competition or trendy new fitness offerings. Instead, they focus on delivering what they do best and staying true to their vision and core values. Future expansion will only happen if it fits with these principles and their ability to maintain quality, rather than chasing growth for growth's sake.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Clay Tyler and Ryan Meisch, co-founders of CTR Response, a digital ad agency in Southern Alabama. Ryan Meisch, originally from Illinois, shares how he moved from film school to advertising, driven by a desire for better career options. Clay Tyler talks about growing up in rural Alabama, his fascination with technology, and his journey into digital marketing. The two explain how they met, teamed up, and eventually launched CTR Response right before the pandemic hit. Together, they break down how digital advertising has changed, the importance of transparency and data, and how they've helped local businesses compete with big agencies using cutting-edge tools. If you want to understand digital marketing from the ground up, and hear some great entrepreneurial stories, this episode is for you.

3 Episode Key Takeaways The Power of Complementary Partnerships

The origin story of CTR Response highlights how Ryan Meisch and Clay Tyler brought together complementary skill sets, Ryan's business and sales background and Clay's technical expertise. This "yin and yang" dynamic is emphasized throughout their journey, showing how their collaboration filled each other's gaps and ultimately laid the groundwork for their agency's success.

The Shift from Traditional to Digital Advertising

Both guests reflect on their careers, starting in traditional media (like TV and radio), and on how they witnessed the rapid evolution and growth of digital advertising. Ryan Meisch shared how he was initially more drawn to digital because of its transparency and measurable results, a clear advantage over traditional channels. Their story illustrates the broader industry transformation and how adapting to digital trends unlocked new opportunities for both themselves and their clients.

Advertising Education Before Implementation

A major part of CTR's philosophy is their focus on educating clients before jumping into execution. Clay Tyler explains that helping clients truly understand what digital advertising is (and isn't) empowers them to make better decisions and sets realistic expectations. This "education before implementation" approach aims to build trust and long-term relationships, and it's one of the key differentiators they bring to their boutique agency.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Lisa Engel, Director of Sponsorship and Marketing for Classic Company, about her journey into equestrian sports and event marketing. Lisa Engel shares how she went from growing up on a family farm in New Jersey to running major show jumping events across the Gulf Coast, including the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. She explains what makes show jumping unique, the variety of events at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, and how the community gets involved. They discuss her career pivots from corporate America to full-time horse show management, balancing family life, and the passion behind these events. Listeners also get tips on attending the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, which runs from February 12th to March 22nd and is free and open to the public. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Deep Roots in Equestrian Sports: Lisa Engel has a lifelong connection to horses and equestrian events, starting from her childhood in New Jersey. Her family was not originally horse people, but after getting a free (unbroken) pony, riding became a central activity. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion that shaped her career and continues to drive her involvement in equestrian events. 2. Versatile Experience and Unique Skillset: Lisa Engel has worked in almost every role within the horse show world, from competitor to barn owner, trainer, and event producer. She also brings marketing and corporate experience to her current role as Director of Sponsorship and Marketing for Classic Company. This combination allows her to effectively bridge the gap between sponsors, vendors, and the riding community, something she believes is key to her success and "staying power" in the industry. 3. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is a Community Hub: The Gulf Coast Classic horse show in Gulfport, Mississippi, is a major event running for six weeks, welcoming riders of all levels—from beginners to Olympic athletes. The event is open to the public with free admission, offering family-friendly experiences and a chance to witness world-class show jumping in a unique setting. Lisa Engel emphasized how the local community has become invested in the event, creating lasting traditions and connections between competitors and spectators.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Brooke Million O'Donnell, owner of Millimedia, to discuss her journey in advertising, family business legacies, and the ever-changing world of marketing. Brooke shares how her grandmother founded Millimedia, her own unique career path (including time in the Virgin Islands), and her role helping both small and large companies boost their visibility. They talk about the shift from traditional to digital advertising, best practices for building a strong online presence, and how tools like AI are changing the industry. Brooke also offers advice to local businesses on how to get started with marketing. Tune in for great stories, practical tips, and lessons on adapting to new technology while staying true to your roots.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. The Importance of Evolving in Marketing and Advertising Brooke Million O'Donnell and Andrew Allen discuss how both of their family businesses have had to adapt to rapid industry changes, especially over the past 15 years. Transitioning from traditional methods (like dropping off tapes for TV ads) to emphasizing digital marketing, content creation, and maintaining an online presence has been crucial for their continued success.

2. Family Legacy and Personal Growth Shape Business Values Both speakers reflect on their roots as third-generation owners in their respective companies. Brooke Million O'Donnell shares how her grandmother's pioneering spirit in media, combined with her father's experience in marketing, inspired her path. Their shared experiences in family businesses highlight the value of commitment, adaptability, and a deep sense of responsibility to employees and the community.

3. Staying Ahead with Innovation and Best Practices Throughout the episode, Brooke Million O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of businesses of all sizes keeping up with digital trends—such as updating websites, using social media, and tracking analytics. She underscores that agencies like Millimedia provide comprehensive services to help local businesses compete and remain visible in a digital-first world, and she encourages even small business owners to prioritize having a strong online presence.