In this engaging conversation, Mallory Patton, co-founder of St. Spritz, shares her journey from learning about the beverage industry to launching a successful direct-to-consumer brand. The discussion covers the challenges of distribution, the impact of influencer marketing, and the importance of product positioning in a competitive market. Mallory emphasizes the brand's commitment to quality ingredients and its unique identity as a true spritz in a can, distinct from hard seltzers. The conversation also touches on future innovations and the brand's expansion plans. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intersection of AI and emotional artistry, the excitement of launching a brand nationally at Target, and the strategic focus on retail success. They discuss the challenges of direct-to-consumer sales, the importance of community and brand ambassadors, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The conversation wraps up with insights on adapting to market changes and the future aspirations of the brand.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Cullen, former bassist of Bad Company, shares his journey from rock star to culinary expert and wine entrepreneur. He discusses his passion for cooking, the unique in-home dining experiences he offers, and the challenges of navigating the wine industry, including tariffs. Paul also highlights his philanthropic efforts through the Paul Cares Foundation, which supports young adults in the culinary arts. The conversation culminates in a musical performance, showcasing Paul's enduring love for music.

In this engaging conversation, Adam Callinan shares his entrepreneurial journey, including his experience on Shark Tank with his product, Bottle Keeper. He discusses the challenges and successes of building his business, the acquisition by Arctic Outdoors, and the lessons learned from failure and resilience. Adam also introduces his new tech venture, Pentane, which aims to help businesses optimize their operations through data analysis. In this conversation, Adam Callinan discusses the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of tracking financials and utilizing tools like Pentane for business growth. He shares insights on starting from scratch, the significance of understanding revenue models, and the necessity of integrating accounting tools for efficiency. The discussion also highlights the value of clarity and guidance in making business decisions, as well as the importance of embracing failure and taking action in the entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of the Drink Up podcast, Adam Smith and Ryan Halleman discuss Ryan's extensive background in procurement and supply chain, leading to the formation of Apex Group 360. They explore the importance of understanding client needs, the value of expertise in brand development, and the significance of feasibility studies in market research. The conversation emphasizes democratizing access to consulting services for emerging brands and the collaborative nature of the consulting industry. In this conversation, Ryan Halleman and Adam Smith discuss the importance of networking and free work in the consulting industry, the value of engaging with potential clients, and the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference. They explore trends in the beverage industry, including cost optimization and consumer preferences for product labeling. The discussion emphasizes the significance of local brands and the potential for market expansion, encouraging listeners to seek out solutions that fit their needs without feeling overwhelmed by costs.

The conversation revolves around the experiences and insights gained from Expo West, a major trade show for the food and beverage industry. The hosts discuss the scale of the event, the variety of brands present, the importance of networking, and the opportunities for smaller brands to connect with buyers and investors. They also touch on the significance of awards, trends in beverages, challenges in product development, and the educational components of the event. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences and insights from Expo West, focusing on networking strategies, key takeaways from the event, and the challenges faced by new brands in the food and beverage industry. They emphasize the importance of building connections, the need for affordable opportunities for emerging brands, and the potential for creating support networks to help these brands succeed in a competitive marketplace.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Soudant shares his extensive experience in the beverage industry, discussing the importance of storytelling, understanding market trends, and the role of distributors and buyers. The discussion emphasizes the need for brands to focus on local markets, prepare thoroughly for buyer meetings, and leverage social media effectively. Brian also highlights the significance of persistence and strategic planning in achieving success in the competitive beverage landscape.

In this conversation, Adam Smith, Sam Anderson, and Gabriel Spiller discuss the complexities of the food and beverage industry, focusing on the search process, the importance of operations and procurement, and the need for a supportive community for startups. They explore how technology can streamline these processes and the interconnectedness of various business pillars. Gabe shares insights about his company, Pick Your Packer, and how it aims to facilitate connections within the industry. In this conversation, Gabriel W C Spiller discusses the complexities of the food industry, focusing on the need for a comprehensive search tool that connects various players in the market. He emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs, building a community, and managing expectations in the search process. The discussion also touches on the value of subscription models, the role of feedback in product development, and the potential for creating enjoyable experiences in what is often a cumbersome industry. Gabriel shares insights on the power of the food and beverage sector and the importance of collaboration and networking within it.

In this engaging podcast episode, Samuel Anderson and Adam Smith welcome Brandon Crockett, who shares his extensive journey through the e-commerce and marketing landscape, particularly in the alcohol industry. Brandon discusses his various roles, from working with Coca-Cola to launching his consultancy, Rogan Rye. He emphasizes the importance of digital marketing and e-commerce strategies for new brands, highlighting the need for creative approaches to drive consumer engagement and conversion rates. In this conversation, Brandon from Rogue & Rye discusses various strategies for engaging customers and optimizing e-commerce for brands in the alcohol industry. He emphasizes the importance of unique offerings, leveraging data for market expansion, and the necessity of a solid go-to-market strategy. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by new brands in e-commerce and the significance of building relationships within the industry. Brandon shares insights on how to navigate these challenges and the role of digital marketing in driving brand success.

In this engaging conversation, Samuel Anderson and Samantha discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the unique qualities of Oryx Desert Salt from the Kalahari Desert, and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. Samantha shares insights on the importance of sustainability, community impact, and the challenges of building a brand. They also explore the significance of slowing down in a fast-paced world and the power of networking on LinkedIn. In this engaging conversation, Samuel Anderson and Samantha discuss the authenticity of live interactions, the journey of building a successful business, and the importance of quality ingredients in food products. They explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the significance of salt in health, and the power of intention and gratitude in life. Samantha shares her experiences in scaling her business, navigating the Amazon marketplace, and her vision for the future of her brand, Oryx Desert Salt.

In this episode of Drink Up, hosts Sam Anderson and Adam Smith welcome Marshall Lebovits, an expert in asset-based lending. The conversation explores the intricacies of financing for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and startup companies, emphasizing the importance of understanding different funding options, the role of financial statements, and the significance of networking in the industry. Marshall shares insights on navigating early-stage financing, the differences between lifestyle businesses and growth-oriented ventures, and the value of building relationships with trusted advisors. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing funding and the strategies they can employ to overcome these obstacles. In this engaging conversation, Sam Anderson, Marshall Lebovits, and Adam Smith delve into the nuances of building authentic communities versus associations, the importance of networking, and the role of co-packers in the food and beverage industry. They explore innovative financing solutions for startups, emphasizing the need for wise capital management and informed financial decisions. The discussion wraps up with valuable insights and resources for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of funding and growth in their businesses.