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Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on 📽 YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 😁💃https://www.youtube.com/ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

📢I talk🎙️with Brian Rosen, Chairman of  Growth Beverage which owns 4 entities helping innovative brands accelerate through funding, incubation, and points of distribution in 6 states.  🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏

Brian’s father was tuned into the Chicago market before prohibition and was awarded the first alcohol retail license after prohibition ended. These Rosen gentlemen learned and understood how to perfect retail and did so for decades and developed Sam’s over time. They encapsulated innovation as part of their growth strategy. 

They knew if a customer stayed more than 17 minutes, they would add $100 to their cart. They also knew if they could get them to have a glass of wine or two with maybe a cheese plate, they would increase their margin and customers would stay for 38 minutes.

Brian, a highly educated individual, grew up running the largest, most innovative retail store in Chicago, and the biggest in the country. If you were to put Specs, Total Wine, and a wine bar together you would get a closer picture of the concept he and his brother and father built together. Yes, they were the precursor to your shopping experience as you know it today.

Brian then applied these skills to his passion for helping smaller innovative brands. The business has given him so much he wants to give back the 2nd half of his career.

His skilled team helps brands develop faster with capital, sales, and marketing at all the right times for optimum growth.

What Brian and his team are doing fits right in my wheelhouse and I look forward to watching their continued success.

1) BevStrat multimillion company and sold to MHW
2) InvestBev ($300 Million AUM private equity in bev alc) (5th fund)
3) Sprout Beverage - win $100k for your brand
4) Algoma Capital
($100 Mill separate fund distilleries and brand owners that need credit but do not give up equity)

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Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃

📢I talk🎙️with Yanick Arakelov Co-Owner of Silk Road Wines and Keaton Maddox, Director of Communications! They stop by and discuss Silk Road WInes and Yanick's journey from being born in the country of Georgia to opening Silk Road Wines in Orlando, FL. 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂

60 Minutes's Segment on Georgian Winemakers

Born in Tbilisi the capital of Georgia, Yanick migrated to the United States and has served in our military and continues to serve today. In 2009, he joined the  82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army and has continued to serve via Florida Army National Guard, US Army Reserves and currently working part-time at the Defense Logistics Agency.

Yanick and his team created all their own brands and labels. They source the various varietals from family wineries that are experts in the varietals they produce.

The Silk Road Wine name represents the "Silk Road" that was part of a network of trade routes that connected the world with goods including wine and many other goods.   

Georgia Winemaking
Winemaking tradition dating to 6000 BCE (8,000+ Years)
500+ Indigenous Grape Varietals
100,000 family wineries (2,400 produce commercially)
Kakheti Region is responsible for 95% of Georgia's output, eastern, mountainous
Ferment grapes on their skins in qvevri for years resulting in amber colored wine

- Georgian Wine Pairing Wheel
- New York Times feature on Silk Road Wines
- Wine-Searcher article on modern winemaking styles in Georgia featuring Yanick
- Blog on pairing Georgian wines with traditional holiday foods
- Blog on Modern Georgian winemaking
- Free Education Resource all about Wines of Georgia
- Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine Explains Georgian Wine

#wine #GeorgianWines #fnbinnovation #thirstythursdays

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📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE

📢I talk🎙️with Rick Hewitt  Founder & CEO at Unicorn Distillery! They make a vodka and a tequila with butterfly pea flowers, which when poured is a deep beautiful purple color.

When mixed in cocktails with various ingredients the colors can change to purple and pink! We made three cocktails showcasing this effect, as well as, layering with ginger ale to show the layering effect of these fun spirits. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏

Rick discusses his journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flowers. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. 😋 🥂 🍻 
 
 Rick then shares his journey in the beverage industry and the challenges of building a brand. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality and pricing, as well as, building a minimum viable audience. 

 Rick Hewitt from Unicorn Distilling discusses the journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flower. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. 

Rick discusses the trends in the industry, such as the rise of RTDs and low/no alcohol options. He also highlights the value of mentors and resources in the industry. Outside of work, Rick enjoys hockey and boating. He shares his outlook for 2024, including plans to expand into new markets and attend industry events. 

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

Unicorn Distillery started the year with an article in Forbes :

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeanettehurt/2024/02/23/unicorn-distillery-delightfully-disrupts-the-vodka-tequila-categories/?sh=6e744fdb4530

Ending with a press release about our WSWA Gold Medal, San Diego & Scottsdale launches, and fleetwide expansion with Princess Cruises :

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unicorn-distillery-sets-sail-partnerships-133800824.html?guccounter=1

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Kelley Jones 📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE

📢I talk🎙️with  Kelley Jones Principal of Kelley Jones Hospitality, which focuses on F&B operations for on-premise venues, and President and CEO of Hospitality Alliance, a hospitality management, development, and consulting firm for the on-premise world from start to finish. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏

He started out at Pussers Rum 😋 and helped grow and open several locations which was the precursor to his career in the restaurant business. He had just opened his 106th restaurant at our recording in September 2023! He then jumped over to China Grill Management for nearly 5 years as Director of Development and Operations.

 He has many experiences in the on-premise world, including being President of Light Group, where he dipped his toe into nightlife establishments.🥂 🍻 
 
Kelley is so engrained in the business and operations side that if I were to open a new concept, he’d be my first phone call. He’s buttoned up on every level from conception, to funding, and understanding the brick and motor development to operations. When it comes to cocktails on their menu, he lets the bartender create one for each spirit, but they must be made within 30 seconds. Wow! 😲

For those of you looking for advice on restaurant 🍽 management, you don’t want to miss this episode!

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 Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!
📢I talk🎙️with  Laura Becraft and Lauren Ward 🎇 Co-Founders of Brazen Imports & Consulting! 🎉 🍸✨ 👏

I feel honored they chose the Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST podcast to talk about their new venture for the first time from a media-based perspective.

We are a bit less formal with the opening so we are discussing what we are drinking as Laura has a delicious bloody mary made with  The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot and then we just flow right into the conversation. I would love your feedback on your thoughts. 

Laura and Lauren have a client called John King Co-Founder & Owner of The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot. They refer to him throughout the episode so I wanted to make sure you are familiar with whom they are referencing. I interviewed John on November 9th, 2023. Or catch it on YouTube!  📽 🎉

Also super exciting is their announcement of their Brazen Trails Foundation on the Thirsty Thursdays podcast just in time for Women's International Day on March 8th! Check out their website for additional details! You could be selected to be the next candidate for their foundation. https://www.brazenimports.com/trails

We talk about how they started their new venture and why they named it Brazen Imports & Consulting, as well as, many industry insights. They both have such a well-rounded experience and advise others to try as many different positions in our industry to maximize your potential and be ready for whichever may come your way!

These ladies have experience in every corner of our business and have so much to offer their clients. I'm very excited for these talented ladies and wish them both continued success.

 Be sure to catch our Live Happy Hour celebrating women in our industry around the world on March 21st! Join our event posted on LinkedIn! You can call in and speak with us and celebrate  🍻 together with your favorite cocktail!  🥂 🍻 

You also need to check out the way we ended the podcast. I've been wanting a fun catchy way to finish the episode and Laura suggested Rapid Fire Questions,❓so we did with great success. Please do not miss out on this part! It's super fun.

#womenownedbusiness #beverageindustry #killingit #fnbinnovation

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📢I talk🎙️with Simon Ford 🎇 CoFounder of Ford's Gin   😋🍸✨ 👏

Happy 12th Birthday today, February, 29th, 2024!! Ford's Gin and I both turn 12! :)

Simon shares the story of how the gin was created, from the initial idea on a napkin to the final recipe. The journey took two and a half years of product development, testing different botanicals and refining the flavors. 😋🎉

The gin is a London  Dry Gin 🍸that is designed to work well in mixed drinks and cocktails. The recipe includes nine botanicals, with juniper as the backbone and other ingredients like coriander, angelica, cassia, grapefruit, lemon,🍋 orange, 🍊jasmine flower, and oris. 😋 😀 😁🎇👏 🌿

The goal was to create a gin that could be a versatile and reliable choice for bartenders and consumers alike. In this part of the conversation, Simon discusses the process of creating the perfect gin recipe and the importance of taste and flavor.

He also shares his favorite cocktails to make with ginger gin and the impact of adding water to gin. Simon talks about the complexity of gin flavors and the rise of gin in the UK.🎇👏

Simon shares his journey from working in wine shops to discovering cocktail culture and transitioning to a marketing role in the spirits industry. He highlights the importance of mentors and inspirations in his career and the impact they have had on his professional growth.

Simon also discusses the pain points in the industry, such as the lack of support for hospitality workers, and the positive outlook for the future, including the evolution of hospitality and the increasing open-mindedness in the industry. He shares his passion for travel and experiencing different cultures, as well as his love for live music and living in Nashville, TN.

Brown Forman 🥃  Acquired Ford's Gin in June 2019 through their purchase of The 86 Company.

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📢  Now Available on YouTube! 📽 Please see Jonathan Neff's recording 🎙 Podcast. If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, do it now! NanoTech turned gluten-free brewer!

📽 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdays3PMEST
📻 Audio or any podcast app or platform.
https://thirstythursdaysat3pmest.buzzsprout.com/2105344/13747355-jonathan-neff-co-founder-managing-owner-of-neff-brewing-tulsa-ok

Previously Posted on November 2nd, 2023

📢  I’m speaking with Jonathan Neff Co-Founder, Managing Owner, and Master Brewer of NEFF Brewing located in Tulsa, OK. 

Jonathan is a NANO – Technologist and research scientist turned Fermentation expert,  due to his diagnosis of Celiac Disease*. If you have heard of it or know anyone with it, it’s an excruciating way of life if undiagnosed. But given that was back in 2012, not too many gluten-free brews existed then so he turned to home brewing.  

Jonathan has a big brain for science at a micro level but his calling was brewing beer from the start. His first beer brewing contest wins were from regular beer he couldn’t even taste. How nano times a billion awesome is that?

In 2017, Jonathan founded Oklahoma’s first and only dedicated gluten-free brewery and pub and they opened a year later. I was in Tulsa last Fall for a few weeks and enjoyed every bit of eating fried chicken sandwiches and fried pickles with delicious pain-free beers.  I do not have Celiac disease but I cannot eat gluten.

Jonathan is a very impressive and brilliant guy and I’m excited about his future expansion, selfishly because he may be making his way to Dallas soon. Yes, his beers are gluten-free but were brewed for the craft beer enthusiast as each bear is “Brewed for Everyone.”

Tune in next Thursday and have a great week!

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Hello 📢  Thirsty Thursdays Community!🎙Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST with Co-Hosts Jessie Ott & Samuel Anderson's Live Happy Hour! 😁 😍 🎇 🍻 🥂 "CBD" vs "THC" and the use of Adaptogens in the Beverage Industry! 🚀

We have Guests Thomas Angel and Leigh Gall on to talk about both of their CBD & THC brands: Altitude Beverages & Happi 😋 🤗 👏

We talk about the landscape of this segment, how to navigate it, and why it's so important to the beverage industry.


#CBD #THC #BeverageIndustry #innovation #fnbinnovation

Altitude Beverages
Instagram      Facebook     LinkedIn      Twitter-X

 Happi
Instagram      Facebook     LinkedIn 

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📢I talk🎙️with Jason Vego🎇👏 CEO & Co-Founder of BEVZ, an inventory & delivery 🚚 app 📝 for independent convenience store 🏪 owners!😁🍻  🥐 🍕 🌭 🍿 🌯 🍩   

📽  Watch a Quick Video!

My main focus at BEVZ is setting and executing the company strategy ✨and vision, 👀  building a strong culture, maintaining consistent and scalable company growth, and recruiting, retaining, and coaching a superstar ✨team.

In this leadership role, I helped grow the business by 506% YoY and raise over $4M in funding. On a day-to-day basis, I oversee strategy and planning, business operations, financial planning and analysis, company budget and spend, and analytics. Within this role, I also focus heavily on all things HR and legal, including onboarding, contract development, compensation and benefits, and employee career development.

I also own all fundraising efforts and investor relations, including pitch decks, one-pagers, and presentations. I'm also on the road (virtually and in-person) talking with and pitching current and future potential investors.  💲

Jason Vego
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvego/

"I'm an entrepreneur and startup expert focused on building strong teams, fixing the toughest problems I can find, and growing early-stage companies. I specialize in startup operations and finance, growth marketing, team management, and culture building. I've spent time in big tech, nonprofits, and startups...but I really love startups."

✨ Investor Pitch: https://www.thepitch.show/120-bevz-a-tech-bro-walks-into-a-corner-store/


😁 😍 🎇 🍺🍻 🥂 🤗 👏🧡🍷🚀

PR Newswire articles Funding   Great Start

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Intro to Max and Annoucing this is the First FOOD INNOVATION PODCAST!!!

I'm super excited to announce this is the first segment for Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST's FOOD INNOVATION! Very exciting so if you are or you know anyone that would be a great fit please be sure and let me know.

Check out Max's Spices Perfect for Your Super Bowl Feast!

Watch Max's Podcast on YouTube!

Catch Max, his mom Pam and I cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs!
Find Max on Instagram

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