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📢I talk🎙️with Erica Duecy about her foray into the beverage industry from a wonderful career at Conde Naste Publications. She now has The Business of Drinks Consulting and Podcast. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Sound Bites

"It's not just an email list anymore."
"We need to help raise up women leaders."
"Customization is a growing trend."

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/lB65un5P0Sg

Highlights include:
🍷 Authentic storytelling and branding.
📊 Data-driven marketing strategies for drinks professionals.
🌟 How wine brands can engage millennials and Gen Z consumers.
🥤 Exploring functional beverages, RTDs, and non-alcoholic trends.

Summary

🍷✨ Let’s dive into the ever-changing world of drinks, where journalism, data, and consumer trends collide! 🎙️ Erica takes us on her journey from studying anthropology to shaping stories as a journalist. She spills the tea (or wine!) on her publishing adventures and how she created SevenFifty Daily, the go-to trade publication for the drinks biz. 📰🍾

Erica and Jessie dig into all the juicy details: why authentic storytelling matters, how the wine industry is tackling big challenges, and why brands must keep up with the tastes of younger generations. 🥂🍇

They also chat about the coolest trends shaking up the industry—like innovative packaging, beverages tailored to you, and the rise of premium non-alcoholic options. 🥤✨ Plus, they highlight the power of mentorship for women in wine 🍷💪 and peek into the crystal ball for 2025, sharing how brands can stay ahead by planning smart and staying adaptable. 💡🌟

This convo is a must-listen for anyone thirsty for insight into the future of wine and beverages! 🥳📈

Batonnage Forum Advising Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow!
https://www.batonnageforum.com/

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📢I talk🎙️with Stephanie Bricken about her foray into creating a Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternative, Seraphim Social Beverage.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Seraphim are celestial beings that appear in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature. They are often depicted as having wings and serving as guardians of God's throne.

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/3Nxb4tWmX2g

🌟✨ Here's the Scoop! ✨🌟

🎤 I chat with Stephanie Bricken, founder & CEO of Seraphim Social Beverage, about her inspiring journey from fashion design to crafting non-alcoholic wine alternatives. 🍷❌ Stephanie spills the tea on meditation, travel, family, and trusting your instincts—showing how mindfulness connects to entrepreneurship. 🧘‍♀️🌍💡

🌿 Stephanie dives into her passion for holistic health and sustainability, highlighting the innovative ingredients in her blends and the energy behind her production process. 💚⚡ She uses a rare production process with crystals and music to add joy to each bottle. It's joy with every molecule and supported by science! She loves building a business that aligns with her values, and the rave reviews from customers keep her going! 🙌💬

🍹 We also explore the fun side of non-alcoholic beverages, with tasting tips, pairing ideas, and how these drinks elevate social experiences. Cheers to flavor, community, and a bright 2025 for their brand! 🥂✨

So much inspiration packed into one convo—worth a listen! 🎧🔥

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📢I talk🎙️with Julie Milroy, Erica Duecy, Caitlyn LuBell and Katharine Jerkens about the Beverage Industry Recap of 2024 in Part 2! We discuss 2024 Surprises and Outlook for 2025 in Part 2.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/UmlhEfTYOTU

Beer Distribution is Evolving

1. Beer Distributors moving into Wine, Spirits, RTD's & Sake Sales
2. Younger Consumers the base doesn't matter: Liquor, Malt, Wine
3. Moved past the Post Base world in 2024
   • Consumers are not beer, wine or liquor drinker (RTD's) drove that
4. RTD's Taking share from beer, #1 RTD is Gallo's High Noon
5. Sake - It is closer to beer than wine as it's brewed. 
6. Beer & RTD worlds continue to merge

Surprises of 2024

1. Companies Hiring Managers need to be open-minded and innovative about hiring
   • They say the #1 most important thing is people but have no hiring process
2. Marketing Opportunity for High Net-Worth Women
3. Wine RTD's Growing into 2030
4. How surprised we were no real forecasting in 2024 or into 2025
5. Alcohol companies haven't hit the mark in advertising to women
6. E-commerce only just a few years before COVID-19, and lots of growth
7. Compliance rules to know on DTC is challenging still figuring it out
8. Getting companies and brands into the Digital Game
9. 30% of the Marketing Budget should be on digital
10. Quick rise in CBD and THC's

Summary 

We discussed a shift towards alternative distribution models, particularly the growing influence of ready-to-drink (RTD) products. We emphasized the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning in order to succeed in a competitive market. 

We also discuss the importance of hiring practices, the potential of targeting high-net-worth women, and the necessity of digital transformation in the industry. 

We emphasize the need for experiential marketing to engage consumers and the surprising insights gained from their experiences in the field. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, focusing on emerging trends in e-commerce, the rise of non-alcoholic and functional beverages, and the impact of economic challenges. 

In 2025, we emphasize the importance of health and wellness in consumer choices and the need for brands to adapt to changing market dynamics. Additionally, we highlight the empowerment of women in the industry and the collaborative efforts to support each other in navigating these changes.

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📢I talk🎙️with Julie Milroy, Erica Duecy, Caitlyn LuBell and Katharine Jerkens about the Beverage Industry Recap of 2024 in Part 1! Next week we will discuss 2024 Surprises and Outlook for 2025 in Part 2.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/nIHS6gXmr_A

I love this conversation. There is so much valuable content in this podcast! I was super stoked to gather these C-Suite Ladies from all around the industry to discuss 2024 and how 2024 was a reset year and evolving consumer culture around alcohol.

We end this episode with a tribute to Icon and Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver. She and her team have charted a road untaken with Uncle Nearest and she received nods of respect from our panelists. Congratulations Fawn on all your success with Uncle Nearest!

Some Major Talking Points:

2024 "A Reset Year"
1) A Start to a Major Correction (much like the post-financial crisis) 
2) Cultural Shift, Younger Consumers "Year of Flavors"
3) Price drop and margin but not seeing a volume increase 
4) Too many Brands and not enough Distributors
5) In Younger generations alcohol is culturally less important

And So many more topics uncovered!
*Raising Money Key to Starting a Brand
*Need $3-$5Mill to start a brand
*Stay Away from California!

Summary

Industry experts reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented in 2024. They explore cultural shifts in alcohol consumption, the impact of celebrity brands, and the complexities of distribution in a competitive market. 

The panelists share insights on consumer behavior, market trends, and the necessity for brands to adapt to changing dynamics. The conversation delves into the complexities of distribution in the spirits industry, highlighting the challenges faced by new brands and the evolving landscape post-pandemic. 

We discuss the rise of entrepreneurship, the importance of adequate funding, and the shift towards alternative distribution models, particularly the growing influence of ready-to-drink (RTD) products. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning in order to succeed in a competitive market.

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📢Hello Thirsty Thursdays' Peeps!! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Happy Holiday Season. Yesterday was Christmas🎅 and today is the first day of Hanukkah✡️! New Years 🎇 is just around the corner!🥂 

I wanted to say thank you to all that were on the podcast and all those we are still in process to get on the podcast!

I reflect on a personally tough year, despite it being the YEAR OF THE DRAGON🐉  of which I was told that is a very sought after sign and is associated with success. Let's hope that comes true in 2025! 🙏   

My family had a rough year in 2024 so that was a challenge. However, the podcast is still continuing on strong and I have some great updates for 2025! 👏 😁 

I'm also for the first time announcing CrossRoads Solutions Hub. You can check it out here! https://innovatecrs.com/
 
I have a Sales Division and a Hub Division!

Sales: Military, Export, Cruiselines and Duty Free
Hub: Central "Hub" for businesses to use all data points to make better decisions faster. It's super cool and I cannot wait to tell you all about it.

So much exciting news to come in 2025! 💥👍 😊 

All The Best to You and Your Families & Have a Wonderful Holiday Season! 😘💫  

Jessie Ott

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📢I talk🎙️with   Ben Salisbury, President and Founder of Wine Sales Stimulator!  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 Watch on YouTube!

My very first guest nearly 2 years ago! I will always be so grateful! Thank you, Ben!

Ben and his team help small to mid-sized companies navigate these difficult times via new methodologies and technologies. He shares his lifelong journey starting in the restaurant industry through exponential growth at Glazers and then his supplier days as VP of National Accounts for both Ste Michelle Wine Estates and Constellation Brands. These experiences gave him the skillset to start his own company, Salisbury Creative Group and his Wine Sales Stimulator course.  

Mentors
Don Pratt Glazers, Glen Yaffa, SMWE, Lattie Wise Seagrams & then VIBE
David Colmer (TGIFridays buyer), www.NancyFlorence.com

Paradigm Shift to Develop Scalable Skills for the Future of Growth
1. Digital Lead Generation, 2. Proper Use of Email Marketing, 3. Social Selling

Books Ben Recommends
Sales
Daniel Pink's To Sell is Human
Jeff Thull Mastering the Complex Sale
Tom Stanfill unReceptive
The Complete Guide to Accelerating Sales Force Performance

Time Management
Steven Covey The 7 Daily Habits
Tim Ferris The 4 Hour WorkWeek

Marketing
Donald Miller Building a Story Brand

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📢I talk🎙️with  Mara Smith, Founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Mara is by far the most educated woman I've interviewed in our industry. She's not only a big Chicago law firm lawyer, she is also a CPA! 🎓🎓💃 🎇

She took the most amazing path from A to Z in building a tequila brand. If you want to build a brand, she's has an amazing path for you to follow!

She jumped all in from the beginning and entered and won WSWA's best tequila and mezcal category. She's well known in the Press, she even has a feature in Forbes. She's using PR to help promote her brand and has been on many TV news segments and podcasts. She's also very active in women-led initiatives helping other women.

We explore Mara's journey from a successful career in law and corporate strategy to entrepreneurship.  We talk about the importance of adaptability, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the evolving landscape of the beverage industry. She highlights the importance of quality, research, and innovative production methods, including the unique aging process in rosé wine barrels.

Entrepreneurs wanting to start a new brand must know the importance of hitting the 4 P's in today's market: Positioning, Product, Packaging, and Purpose. Also of note is the significance of packaging and branding in a crowded market. You're tequila MUST STAND APART to gain attention.

She shares her experiences, challenges, and insights as she navigated her career transitions and the inspiration behind her tequila brand. She has a strong commitment to creating a product that authentically caters to female consumers as 54% of the tequila market are women.

We then delve into the world of tequila, exploring unique flavors, food pairings, and the challenges of navigating the spirits industry as a newcomer.

Mara shares the importance of community and mentorship, and the hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs in securing funding and distribution. We end our time  discussing the future outlook for the spirits market and the balance of personal life and work as a founder.

I've never tasted anything like these tequilas. Plus they are Additive Free!

Luna Blanco
Rests in American Oak 1-2 weeks - very aromatic

Rosa Reposado
is the same blanco but goes straight into French  rose barrels 2 to 3 months
Has herbal vs citrus and unique berries. It has a lot of character and drink on ice.
Lighter than an aged repo and has mixed ages in the bottle.

Special Reserve Anejo
Offered online - Perfect Holiday Gift!🎁
Double Wine Barrel Aged Overproof at 44% ABV
Rose

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📢I talk🎙️with  Taylor Foxman, Founder and CEO of The Industry Collective.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

She is 40 UNDER 40 Beverage Alcohol VC Advisor, Rolling Stone Culture Committee Member and Entrepreneur Media Contributor.

Taylor takes us through her amazing journey about her career, why she didn’t get her MBA, her marriage, mentors and resources that have helped her get to where she is today. One mentor, in particular, helped her take the leap into the cannabis world as VP of Communications and Media, for Parallel, one of the largest privately-held cannabis companies in the US.

Taylor wakes up every morning and sets her intentions by writing down how thankful she is and the goals she wants in life. She manifests everything she wants and has found this process key to navigating her career and reaching her plans and purpose.

Currently, at The Industry Collective, she is a strategic advisor to CEOs of 40 beverage companies worldwide from the early stages through the late stage of growth. Her primary focus is working with beverage owners from underrepresented communities.

Taylor was an amazing guest with TONS of great advice and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thank you for listening and be sure subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!

Books 

Mark Manson, The Settle Art of Not Giving a F*UK
Robin Sharma The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
Sheryl Sandberg Lean In
Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People
Chris Voss, Never Split the Difference 

Other Recommended Resources

Calm for Medita

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📢I talk🎙️with Mika Shino Founder & CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies from Bethesda, MD. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

If you haven't tried these yet, you are missing out. She shares her amazing story how a Whole Foods buyers' instincts kick-started this brand and how Mika with her PR philosophy landed her on the cover of Inc Magazine within two years as Inc Female Founder 2024!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 📽 🎞 
https://youtu.be/v-jW5OSs_sw

Summary

Mika Shino shares her journey from Kyoto, Japan, to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her brand, Issei Mochi Gummies. 

She discusses her cultural influences, experiences at the UN in Paris, France, and the challenges of creating a healthier candy option for children. Mika emphasizes the importance of food in brain development, the philosophy of jazz in business, and her commitment to customer engagement through personal touches in her branding.

The conversation highlights her dedication to quality and the continuous evolution of her product. In this engaging conversation, Mika shares her journey of launching a product with Whole Foods, the challenges of manufacturing, and the importance of building relationships in the industry. 

She discusses the pivotal moment at Expo West, her upcoming launches with Target, and the innovative flavors she is developing. Mika also opens up about the struggles of being a small business owner, the recognition she has received, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of starting without fear of failure.

AWARDS 2024
Inc. Magazine 2024 #2 Female Founders List
Most Innovative New Product 2024 Small Business Innovator
2024 Stevie Award Best Female Entrepreneur
World Food Innovation Award Best Snack 2024

#IsseiMochiGummies #fnbinnovation #ThirstyThursdays 

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📢 HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!! "Special Segment Launch: Military Veterans in Civilian Life!"

📢I talk🎙️with Eric Martindale Founder & CEO of Elite Commerce Group in the Greater Philly area. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Learn how to leverage Amazon to Sell Retail and Learn tricks for CPG on Instacart!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 📽 🎞 
https://youtu.be/TMlJ2JeZ-Co

Learn how Eric transitioned from Executive Officer of the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion to Founder and CEO of a game-changing technology for CPG companies selling online.

We discussed his transition from military to civilian life, the impact of elections on military operations, and the importance of discipline. 

Eric shares his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, his journey into entrepreneurship, and how he navigates the Amazon marketplace with his agency. 

Eric discusses various aspects of retail media, focusing on strategies for increasing product turns in stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. They explore the significance of digital marketing in the beverage industry, the role of demos, and the challenges of mistrust in retail media reporting. 

Eric shares insights on the transition from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of creating a new identity and the realities of job searching for veterans. The discussion concludes with reflections on how military experience shapes leadership in business.

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