In this episode of Group Y LIVE, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dustin Hinz, the CMO of Firestone Walker. We delved into his fascinating journey from the music industry to the beer business, exploring his early passion for music and how it shaped his career. Dustin shared his experiences working at Guitar Center and Ernie Ball Music Man, where he developed a love for marketing and storytelling.

We discussed the evolution of content creation in marketing, particularly during the early days of social media and YouTube. Dustin recounted memorable projects, including a groundbreaking collaboration with Slash from Guns N' Roses, which marked the beginning of their foray into video content. He emphasized the importance of creating engaging experiences for audiences and the challenges of conveying ROI to stakeholders in a creative industry.

Transitioning to the beer industry, Dustin explained how he leveraged his marketing expertise to build the Firestone Walker brand, particularly focusing on 805. He highlighted the unique lifestyle aspects of the brand, which draws inspiration from California's diverse culture, including action sports and music. We also touched on the complexities of navigating alcohol laws and the importance of responsible marketing.

Dustin shared insights into the competitive craft beer landscape, emphasizing the significance of brand storytelling and community engagement. He detailed the strategic partnership with the World Surf League, which allowed Firestone Walker to connect with athletes and create meaningful content that resonates with their audience.

Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the intersection of music, marketing, and the beverage industry, showcasing how passion and creativity can drive brand success.