From sports bars to bar ownership, Jacki walks us through her journey in the industry and the importance of hospitality. As she said "You have the power to turn someone's bad day around with just a smile and a drink.”. We couldn’t agree more!

•••••••

In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Jacki Schromm, co-owner of recently opened Donna’s in Houston, TX. In this episode, we talk about her start in the industry from Florida, Boston, to Houston and now bar ownership. We dive into hospitality, Speed Rack, cocktail competitions, regional taste differences, community importance, bar ownership, menu flips, and staff mentoring. This one is not to be missed!

Special Guests:

• Jacki Schromm @houstonlibations of Donna’s Houston @donnashouston

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to the Jacki for recording with us in her bar!

From Banking to a Family Business in Zero Proof Spirits. We dive head first into the world of Cut Above Zero Proof where inclusivity is key!

•••••••

In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Andrew Solis of Cut Above Zero Proof. We caught him right after a production run of their Zero Proof Gin. In this episode, we talk about his start outside hospitality and the transition to business ownership with his wife Blanca and motivations that drive Cut Above. From tasting thousands of blends to create their brand and the intricacy of mixing/tasting zero proof spirits, Andrew walks us through it all.

Special Guests:

Andrew Soliz @andrewraulsolis of Cut Above Zero Proof @drinkcutabove

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to the Cut Above Team and Andrew for recording with us!

Your brand is important! Authenticity and trust are key. Don’t gatekeep to hinder your own image and growth in this ever changing industry. This extends into brands and brand marketing.

•••••••

In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Pam Wiznitzer and Jonathan Pogash from the Cocktail Guru. We caught them during their pop up and seminar hosted at Julep with Alba Huerta. In this episode, we talk about the the Cocktail Guru, working with brands, authenticity, the issue of gatekeeping, and personal branding. 

Special Guests:

• Pam Wiznitzer @pamwiz
• Jonathan Pogash @jonathanpogashofficial

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to Alba and Julep for allowing us to record!

It’s more than just drinks. It’s hospitality first! Being consistent is key, As Lauren said "consistency creates credibility".

In this week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by: Lauren Trickett, National Brand Ambassador - Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum and Belle de Brillet and guest host: Tiffany Kirk - Bartender/Bar Mom at The Toasted Coconut and Road to Nowhere. It this episode, we dive intro what makes hospitality, mentorship, and balance. In addition to their backgrounds, Arizona Cocktail Weekend, rum, and brands. 

Special Guests:

• Lauren Trickett @mixittrickett
• Tiffany Kirk @ambitiousimbiber

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Brought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

Fashion, Bartending, and Branding - Diving headfirst into the hustle of Kyle Marvé

In this week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by Kyle Marvé, one of two National Ambassadors for Remy Martin Cognac. We talk about his start in the industry from Fashion to Bartending School. We also discuss the rapid movement of the industry, a brief intro into the dynamics of regional tastes, the history and process of Remy Martin and Cognac, Bartender Talent Academy, and Industry Events. (Did you know he was on a reality TV show?)

Special Guests:

• Kyle Marvé @remymarve @kylemarve

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Brought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

A journey from Culinary School to Trade Advocacy, Will Brooks chats with us about his journey in the industry, agency work, and the story of Herradura. 

This week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by another of our close friends, Will Brooks, Global Brand Ambassador for Herradura Tequila. He shares his insights on this start in culinary and his steps toward becoming a global brand ambassador, having to evolve in a changing market, cocktails, Arizona Cocktail Weekend (His first time!) and of course the story of Herradura Tequila. 

Special Guests:

• Will Brooks @cuppateaquila

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Brought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

From Marketing to Magazine: Ryan Foley Discusses the Legacy of Bartender Magazine, The Industry, and the Power of Networking

In this week's episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by one of our close friends, Ryan Foley; publisher of Bartender Magazine. He shares his insights on carrying forward his family’s legacy, the evolving landscape of the cocktail industry, and the importance of community and networking for bartenders. We talked about the Fuzzy Navel created by his Dad Ray Foley, Arizona Cocktail Weekend, magazine publishing, and how collaborations are shaping future opportunities.

Special Guests:

• Ryan Foley @rfollers

Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by Patrick Abalos (@mixmanpatrick)

This series is brought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

Embarking on Hospitality and Community with Yacht Club in Denver.

Join us for this episode in partnership with Bartender Magazine as we chat with Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges from Yacht Club as they share their inspiring journey into hospitality, from early passions to creating a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood bar in Denver. We discuss how their roots in southern hospitality shaped who they are, the innovative concept development of Yacht Club, their most recent restaurant Le Rougarou, and advice on opening a bar.

Special Guests:

• Mary Allison Wright @eatdrinkbemaryandmclain
• McLain Hedges @yesterdayswine
• Yacht Club: @yachtclubbar
• Le Rougarou: @lerougarou

Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Brought to you by Bartender Magazine. Catch their cover feature on the Fall 2025 edition!

Join us for our Season Two launch! We were joined by Cesar Sandoval, National Brand Ambassador for Casa Lumbre Spirits. We talked through Caesar’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming a national brand ambassador for Casa Lumbre Spirits and his passion for hospitality and the industry.

Special Guest: Cesar Sandoval

IG: @saysar

Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us for our season one extended finale as we chat with Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender and Owner of Maison Ferrand as he discusses his background in building Maison Ferrand and where he started, his techniques in his spirit productions, new product innovations, and more. Thank you for a great season one!

Special Guest: Alexandre Gabriel

IG: @alexandregabriel.masterblender

Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick