This week, Bud and Magic Mike take you behind the scenes of their recent ride-alongs in the Northeast — where they found high-GP wins, nostalgic furniture, and yes… a bodega cat guarding the shelf.

From spotting real-time Beatbox opportunities in the wild to creatively reworking cooler space (hello, shelf theft from the NA section), this episode is packed with field-ready insights. We also talk distributor branding, smarter displays, and why “velocity” might be your new favorite word.

Plus:

🤖 What happens when a robot stalks your OOS shelf space

🐈‍⬛ Lessons from New York bodegas (and unexpected cow tails)

💰 Poppy’s billion-dollar exit to Pepsi – and what it means for NA brand contracts

🧋 Why Arizona Hard Tea is winning the tea game, and what package size matters

Whether you're repping a route, setting the strategy, or just looking for some laughs with your Friday beer, this one's for you.

Chapters

00:00 Kickoff and St. Patrick's Day Adventures

03:23 Innovations in Inventory Management

06:24 Market Insights and Sales Strategies

12:15 Branding and Community Engagement

15:20 Industry Acquisitions and Market Trends

21:26 Emerging Products in the Beverage Market

Listen, learn, and always check the bottom shelf for extra space.

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

📸 Follow us on LinkedIn for clips, updates, and more real-world sales stories.

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

Finished Product Loss (FPL) is an unavoidable reality in beer distribution, but how much of it is truly unavoidable? In this episode of Tapped In Sales, Bud and Mikey break down the key drivers behind FPL, from breakage and out-of-code returns to inefficient tracking processes. They share real-world insights on how wholesalers can tighten up their operations, reduce waste, and ultimately protect their profitability.

From best practices for tracking and accountability to the hidden costs of returning beer, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for sales reps, operations managers, and distributor leadership. Plus, hear Mikey’s take on Irish dancing, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and why you should really pay attention to what's coming back on your trucks.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🍀 The key reason codes you should be tracking in both the warehouse and trade

🍀 How to implement an effective check-in process for returned product

🍀 Why close-to-code beer matters more than most distributors realize

🍀 The role of sales reps in managing FPL—and how to hold them accountable

🍀 How poor inventory management can silently crush your margins

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day traditions at the Hall household (yes, there’s corned beef and dancing involved)

Why This Matters:Most distributors track FPL, but few actually use that data to drive change. If you're looking to cut unnecessary costs and create a more efficient operation, this episode will give you the playbook to get started.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating St. Patrick's Day Traditions

04:44 Understanding Finished Product Loss (FPL)

12:51 Best Practices for Product Returns

16:24 Human Element in FPL Management

24:46 Understanding Close to Code Products

27:03 The Importance of Tracking Breakage

29:05 Warehouse Reason Codes and Their Impact

31:15 Forecasting and Order Management

35:19 Tariffs Update

38:30 Celebrating St. Patrick's Day and Closing Thoughts

41:05 New Chapter

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

The beer industry is facing some serious turbulence, and we're here to break it all down. In this episode, Bud and Mikey tackle the latest market shifts, from tariffs shaking up imports to energy drink drama and distributors navigating unpredictable trends.

What’s Inside This Episode?

🍺 Tariffs & Their Impact – What do the new 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports mean for the industry? Will Constellation (and others) eat the cost, or will we see a price increase shake up the market?

⚡ Energy Drink Wars – AB’s massive 5x GP distributor termination on 1st Phorm Energy and what it means for wholesalers. Plus, the return of Jack Owok with AI Energy—because of course, he’s back.

📉 Artificial Growth vs. Real Sales – From RTDs to non-alc, how much of the category’s ‘growth’ is legit? Mikey shares his insights on the industry’s biggest mirage.

📊 Beer Sales Pulse Check – BPI numbers are flashing warning signs, but is it time to panic? We break down the latest trends and what they actually mean for distributors in 2025.

🏔️ Road Warrior Adventures – Bud and Mikey share their latest travels, including Best Western dining surprises, getting lost in the mountains.

Tapped In Takeaways✅ The tariff situation could trigger earlier-than-usual price increases—but not right away.

✅ Energy drink brands continue to cycle through wholesalers—will First Form finally stick?

✅ Sales data shows a tough February, but don’t hit the panic button yet.

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Week Recap

04:11 Market Insights and Sales Strategies

08:06 Impact of Tariffs on the Beer Industry

14:24 AB's Energy Drink Strategy

21:10 Artificial Growth in Beverage Sales

25:59 BPI and Market Trends

31:44 Social Factors Affecting Beer Sales

34:34 New Chapter

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of the game!

📢 Like what you hear? Subscribe, share with your team, and tag us with your thoughts!

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

🍻 Listen up and welcome back! This week, Bud and Mikey sit down with Hunter Jerome, Capitan of Culture at Jerome Distributing, to explore the power of beer as a social connector. From the tradition of Bock Poking 🔥 to the growing issue of social disconnection, they dive into how beer can help bring people together in an increasingly digital world.

What’s on Tap in This Episode?

✅ Bock Poking 101 – The North Dakota beer ritual you didn’t know you needed 🔥🍺

✅ The Growing Disconnection – How digital distractions, social media, and shifting behaviors impact the beer industry 📉📱

✅ Beer as a Bridge – The role of beer in rebuilding community and relationships 🤝

✅ Leading by Example – How beer wholesalers can bring back the culture of getting together after work 🍻🏆

✅ Super Bowl Ads & Industry Trends – Why big beer brands are doubling down on the message of reconnection 📺

Final Final Final

🔥 Challenge: Call a friend, grab a beer, and reconnect! Whether it’s at a bar, a backyard fire, or your own version of a Bock Poking event, be intentional about community.

🎧 Enjoying Tapped In Sales? Hit that like, subscribe, and share button! Drop us a review and tag us on social when you’re out grabbing a beer with a friend.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Back Poking and Community Events

08:50 The Importance of Community Connection

14:33 Reinvigorating the Beer Industry Through Personal Connections

17:48 Leading by Example in Social Settings

25:54 The Stigma of Non-Drinking

27:49 The Role of Advertising in Connection

32:39 Encouraging Team Bonding

36:26 New Chapter

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

On this episode of Tapped In Sales, Bud and Mikey sit down with Lester Jones, Chief Economist and VP of Analytics at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), to break down the latest economic and demographic trends shaping the beer industry.

Lester shares why beer remains a staple in American culture despite shifting consumption patterns, how population migration is impacting distribution, and why beer needs to reclaim young consumers. We also dive into cross-category drinking habits, the impact of cannabis, and how consumer behavior is evolving post-COVID.

What’s on Tap:🍺 The rise of the "Omnibibulous" consumer – people who drink across categories

📊 Why more people are drinking beer—but differently than before

🏡 How migration trends are reshaping beer sales and brand performance

📉 The 21-24 age group challenge – why younger drinkers aren’t indexing like they used to

🚛 How distributor strategies need to evolve in high-growth states

🛒 Retail shifts: The role of Aldi, e-commerce, and on-premise experiences

🏗️ Plus, a wild idea—a bar with remote-controlled bulldozers?!

Lester reminds us: "Lift your head up. Look at the big picture. The consumer is still there—just engaging differently."

🎧 Listen in for industry insights, humor, and a data-driven look at the future of beer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beer Industry and Its Insights

04:23 Consumer Behavior and Omni-Bibulous Trends

10:21 The Impact of Cannabis on Alcohol Consumption

16:22 The Growing Population of Beer Drinkers

20:29 Reconnecting with Younger Consumers

24:10 Demographic Shifts and Future Opportunities

27:39 Understanding the Immigration and Economic Dynamics

30:33 Migration Trends and Their Impact on States

34:13 The Shift in Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics

41:18 The Future of Alcohol Consumption and Distribution

49:18 Innovative Drinking Experiences and Consumer Engagement

53:41 Exploring Unique Bar Concepts

56:03 The Digger Cafe Phenomenon

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Lester Jones - NBWA: America's Beer and Beverage Distributors

• Check out the Beer Purchasers' Index - NBWA: America's Beer and Beverage Distributors

  
  

📩 Have a question or topic for a future episode? Drop us a message!

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

🚨Big News at VXP! 🚨

In this episode ofTapped In Sales, we’re excited to introduceGeorge Kossl as the newVice President of Sales at VXP! 🎉

Many of you in the industry already know George—from his years of experience in beverage distribution tech, his leadership in sales strategy, or maybe even from his Jeep obsession. Now, he’s bringing that expertise tohelp distributors unlock profitability and efficiency with VXP.

We talk about:

✅ George’s background in beer tech and sales

✅ Why he joined VXP and how he sees the future of wholesaler success

✅ The biggest challenges in beer sales today—and how VXP is solving them

✅ Why now is the time to rethink your approach to incentives and profitability

If you’re looking todrive smarter sales, improve your team's performance, and boost your bottom line, this episode is for you.

💡 Want to connect with George? Reach out at[email protected] or call him at314-616-8564.

👉Listen now and see how VXP is helping beer distributors win!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Team Updates

03:17 George Kossl's Background and Experience

06:34 The Role of Technology in the Beverage Industry

12:12 Leadership and Team Involvement in Change

21:12 Empowering Sales Reps with Data

24:24 Building a Culture of Learning and Adaptation

34:59 Cultural Shifts in Business Practices

37:54 Understanding Profitability and Financial Literacy

41:02 The Importance of Financial Mindset

42:49 Embracing Change and Future Opportunities

===============

YouTube:Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast:Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts:Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

Super Bowl Monday might hit hard, but this episode is packed with big wins—both on and off the field. Bud and Mike dive into the biggest takeaways from Super Bowl LVIII, including the beer commercials that had distributors talking, a $1.4 billion gambling frenzy, and whether the real winner was the ads or the game itself.

But the real MVP? A Chicago-area sales rep named Jon, who turned a simple VXP rollout into a textbook case of how to driveincremental GP and volume like a pro. We break down how he used data to rework a grocery store display, maximize space, and create more profit—all while keeping the manager on board every step of the way.

Other highlights include:

🏈Super Bowl Beer Ads Breakdown – Which ones worked, which ones flopped, and what they mean for distributors.

📈Real Sales Wins – How top-performing reps are hacking VXP to boost GP and volume in the field.

🎰Big Money on the Big Game – The rise of sports betting and how consumer dollars are shifting.

🍻Why Beer Still Brings People Together – A look at how brands are leaning into community and lifestyle marketing.

🤔Miller Lite's Missed Opportunity? – Did they drop the ball by skipping a 50th-anniversary Super Bowl spot?

Plus, Mike dusts off a legendary piece of beer history—an originalBud Bowl VI storyboard—and shares why classic beer marketing still matters today.

⚡Enjoyed the episode? Smash that subscribe button, leave a review, and share this with a fellow beer industry pro! Want to come on the show? Shoot us a message!

Chapters

00:00 Super Bowl Reflections and Case of the Monday's

03:29 On-Site Training Insights

11:35 The Impact of Legal Gambling

13:40 Top Beer Commercials of the Super Bowl

25:11 Liquid Death and Brand Visibility

27:39 Celebrity Influence in Marketing

29:23 Missed Opportunities in Beer Marketing

36:05 Humor and Creativity in Ads

40:10 Retailer Relationships and Consumer Demand

#1 - Budweiser “First Delivery” 

Budweiser | Super Bowl LIX 'First Delivery' 30S - YouTube

#3 - Ultra “The Ultra Hustle” 

The ULTRA Hustle | Super Bowl LIX | Michelob ULTRA - YouTube

#4 - Stella “David & Dave 

Stella Artois | David & Dave: The Other David - YouTube

#7 - Bud Light “Big Men on Cul-De-Sac”

2025 BUD LIGHT SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL | BIG MEN ON CUL-DE-SAC | EASY TO DRINK, EASY TO ENJOY :60 - YouTube

#18 - Coors Light “Slow Monday” 

Coors Light - Slow Monday :30 - Big Game Commercial 2025 - YouTube

#36 - Liquid Death “Safe For Work” 

Liquid Death ‘Safe For Work’ Big Game Commercial

#46 - Poppi “Soda Thoughts” 

Soda Thoughts I poppi Super Bowl LIX 2025 Commercial - YouTube

===============

YouTube:Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast:Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts:Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

In this episode of Tapped In Sales, Bud and Mikey sit down with Joe Marcantel, COO of Daniel L. Jacob Distributing (DLJ) in Michigan. Joe shares DLJ's journey from struggling with internal profit tracking to transforming their sales strategy using VXP. We dive into how shifting the focus from volume to profitability empowered Joe’s team, sparked meaningful conversations, and boosted their bottom line—even in a challenging beer market.

Joe also talks about overcoming generational resistance to sharing financial data with reps, how VXP simplified goal-setting, and why understanding the "why" behind sales strategies changed everything for DLJ. Plus, stay tuned for some hilarious travel misadventures and a few stories about handsome Greg.

Key Takeaways:

🍺 Transparency Wins: Sharing data with reps helped them make smarter, profit-driven decisions.

📈 Volume vs. Profit: DLJ shifted from focusing solely on case volume to maximizing gross profit per case, leading to revenue growth even when sales volume was down.

🧰 Simplified Goal Setting: What used to take a week now takes an hour, thanks to VXP’s streamlined process for setting sales objectives.

📊 Visual Tools for Reps: Joe created charts showing how selling fewer cases of high-GP items like Cutwater or Neutral can out-earn bulk sales of Bud Light—making profitability easier to grasp.

🚀 Reps Take Ownership: With better data, reps began proactively finding profitable opportunities and pushing high-GP products without needing constant direction.

🛠 Merchandisers in the Mix: DLJ brought merchandisers into VXP to improve shelf stocking, reduce damages, and keep everyone accountable.

Bonus: Hear about Joe's 13-hour, 3-leg travel saga that’ll make you think twice about early morning flights and cracked windshields. ✈️😅

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Concerns for Mike

03:19 Joe's Background and Business Overview

06:22 Internal Tracking Challenges

09:17 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Sales

12:26 Shifting Focus to Revenue

15:19 Success Stories and Practical Changes

18:16 Engaging Senior Leaders and Team Buy-In

21:01 Incorporating Merchandisers into VXP

27:08 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for VXP

31:07 Sustainability and Profitability in the Beer Distribution Industry

31:20 Streamlining Goal Setting with VXP

34:20 Travel Tribulations: A Journey Back Home

Resources & Shoutouts:

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

🎙️ Episode OverviewWelcome back to Tapped In Sales, the podcast for beer distributors, by beer distributors! This week, Bud’s holding down the fort while Mikey’s been sidelined with a little snowboarding mishap—and by little, we mean a full-speed, helmet-tested, memory-erasing wipeout. 🏂💥 But don't worry, he's back (kind of), and we're diving into some big industry moves while keeping it light duty for Mikey’s sake.

Grab a cold one and settle in as we cover:

🏔️ Mikey’s Big Crash: What happens when you mix high speeds, a snowboard, and another rider? Spoiler: It’s not pretty. Hear how Mikey went from a black diamond run to memory lane (literally).

🍺 Bud’s Solo Road Trip: With Mikey out, Bud took to the road—meeting with clients across Chicago and Minnesota, talking shop, and making sure the VXP train keeps rolling.

🥃 Big Moves in the Booze Biz: Tito’s Vodka makes a major distributor switch to Reyes in California, shaking up the spirits landscape and leaving us all wondering what’s next for RNDC.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

🪖 Safety First: Helmets work, folks. Mikey's here to prove it.

💼 Stay Ready: When plans change, adaptability is key—whether it's sales strategy or airline mishaps.

🥂 Industry Shifts: Tito’s jumping ship to Reyes—what does it mean for the rest of the market?

💻 Tech-Free Recovery: Mikey’s doctor-ordered "no screen time" prescription—and how that played out (spoiler: not great).

⚠️ A lighter episode this week as we ease back into things, but we’ve got some big interviews lined up for next week, so stay tuned!

👉 Like what you're hearing? Smash that subscribe button and share with your fellow beverage pros.

Cheers! 🍻

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

Inside the BBD Beer Summit 2025

Welcome to another episode of Tapped In Sales! Join Bud and Mikey as they take you inside the 2025 Beer Business Daily Beer Summit and Wine & Spirits Summit, held in sunny Palm Beach, Florida. This year’s summit was packed with insights, trends, and bold predictions shaping the future of the beer and beverage industry.

🍺 Shifts in Premiumization: Discover how high GP items are leading the charge in a transforming market, and what it means for beer distributors.

🌊 The Rise of Pacifico: Why Bud thinks this iconic beer could be the “next Michelob Ultra.”

📦 Beyond Beer: Insights into RTDs, NABs, and crossover brands like Hard Mountain Dew and Zoa Energy—and why they’re shaking up the industry.

📉 Consumer Trends: How economic pressures are changing spending habits for households under $50k and what that means for distributors.

🌿 Delta 9 Debate: Hear the latest on cannabis beverages and the divergent strategies from AB, Tilray, and other major players.

Key Takeaways:

💰 Premiumization Pays Off: Learn how distributors and suppliers are driving profitability through high-margin products.

🥂 Opportunities in Alternative Formats: Why products like canned wine, NA beer, and RTDs are more than just a trend—they’re the future.

🏭 Big Players in the Spotlight: From Constellation Brands’ household strategies to Molson Coors’ innovation focus and AB’s partnership with First Form, the summit delivered major industry insights.

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!