Legends Behind the Craft
Drew Hendricks
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This is the Legends Behind the Craft Podcast where we feature top leaders in the wine and craft beverage industry.
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7 hours ago
Tailoring the Customer Journey With Emily Harrison
Emily Harrison is the Vice President of Marketing and Direct Sales at HALL Wines, where she is responsible for curating the customer journey through all touchpoints. At HALL, Emily helps deepen and enhance the relationship with the winery and customers at all stages. She oversees and manages memberships, marketing, and public relations. She has over 13 years of experience managing national and global brands for iCrossing, Isobar, and The Talent Business. Emily graduated from the Academy of Art University with a degree in advertising. In this episode with Emily Harrison
How can you create tangible and memorable experiences for customers? Is it possible to crack the code on brick-and-mortar and cultivate membership connections?
Emily Harrison says to never doubt the power of an Instagrammable moment. Fresh, fun, and interactive events for consumers to engage with your brand are going to resonate more than elementary marketing techniques. Through Emily’s work at HALL Wines, they are able to create programs that attract new clients — as well as lifetime clients — by engaging, adapting, and changing with technology.
On this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks sits down with Emily Harrison, Vice President of Marketing and Direct Sales at HALL Wines, to discuss connecting a winery with the consumer. Emily talks about how email marketing can be a useful tool for personalization, how emerging technology can benefit a winery and increase consumer interactions, and why a membership element can curate lifetime consumers.
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May 12, 2022
Magnifying Your Wine Lens With Paul Mabray of Pix
Paul Mabray is considered to be the wine industry’s foremost futurist and thought leader. He is the CEO of Pix, a digital platform harnessing the power and potential of digital tools and methodologies to move the wine industry into the future. Paul pushed wine into the digital landscape with his work at Inertia Beverage Group, now WineDirect, and VinTank.
Paul sat on the Board of Directors for Emetry.io and was a Group Director for W2O Group, among other executive roles. He began his college journey as a writer and working in sales. In this episode with Paul Mabray
When there is a world of wine to explore, where can consumers engage and discover your brand? Is it possible to integrate your brand on a digital platform and emerge as a leader in the wine industry?
Paul Mabray helps consumers navigate the ocean of wine to discover the perfect bottle. His tightly organized digital platform is centered around helping stimulate market sales — while matchmaking consumers with the right brand. His innovative platform introduces brands to consumers in an empowering and convenient way.
Join Drew Hendricks and Bianca Harmon on this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, as they sit down with Paul Mabray, CEO of Pix, to discuss evolving and personalizing the consumers' wine journey. Paul talks about merging two frontiers to create a wine search engine, the benefits of an online marketing platform, and brand discovery through effective marketing.
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May 5, 2022
Combining Fruit, Wine, and the Community With James King
James King is the Co-owner and Operator at King Family Vineyards, a family-owned and operated vineyard settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet, Virginia. James began his career with King Family Vineyards serving as the Tasting Room Manager, General Manager, and working in the vineyard before taking his current position.
He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in history and played lacrosse for the university. James served in the United States Marine Corps, completing two combat tours overseas, and was the Student Outreach Coordinator for Archi’s Acres, Inc. In this episode with James King
How can a winemaker connect with others in the industry? Is it possible to connect with your community through your brand?
James King understands the power of collaboration with other winemakers. By working, researching, and exchanging techniques with other winemakers and vineyards, you can create high-quality wines for consumers across the globe — and bring people together. James is connecting the community with more than just wine to create a remarkable experience for everyone.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, join Drew Hendricks and Bianca Harmon as they talk with James King, Co-owner and Operator at King Family Vineyards, about the collaboration in the wine industry for greater production. James discusses how variable weather can alter the taste of grapes, how teamwork can cultivate prestigious wine flavors, and innovative ways to connect with the community.
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Apr 28, 2022
Keeping Pace With Gary Fisch of Gary’s Wine and Marketplace
Gary Fisch is the Founder and CEO of Gary’s Wine and Marketplace. He first opened the shop in 1987 in Madison, New Jersey, and it grew to become one of the largest fine wine businesses. In 2019, his brand stretched from the coast of New England to the West Coast in St. Helena, California. Gary desires to be the first choice for wine, beer, and spirits by enhancing the consumer shopping experience. In this episode with Gary Fisch
What are the keys to successfully building a wine marketplace that consumers rely on? How can you shift your wine from the shelves to an e-commerce marketplace without skipping a beat?
For Gary Fisch, it was seizing an opportunity that would propel his career forward. From a recession to a fire, Gary rode the waves and successfully built his brand. His experience taught him to evolve with the times — and to pivot with his audience to sustain growth. Today, Gary is here to share his industry knowledge to help you turn your brand into something exceptional.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, join Drew Hendricks and Bianca Harmon as they sit down with Gary Fisch, Founder and CEO of Gary’s Wine and Marketplace, to discuss innovative ideas and best practices for scaling your brand. Gary shares why advertising is crucial for success, tips for overcoming supply chain and department shortages, and the importance of adapting to changing technology and consumer demand. Stay tuned!
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Apr 21, 2022
Pruning Vines in Challenging Conditions With Michelle and Tyler Bredeson of Bold North Cellars
Michelle and Tyler Bredeson met at the University of North Dakota, later married, and brought together a similar passion and love for wine, family, and fun. They have been working at the winery since 2008 and purchased the winery in 2022. In those 13 years, they helped scale the business to include on-site grapes from Minnesota, wine sold in over 500 stores, over 34,000 gallons of wine produced annually, and tripled their staff. The couple also included an addition of a brewery, 22 Northmen Brewing Co., and an events center, expanding Carlos Creek Winery into Bold North Cellars. In this episode with Michelle and Tyler Bredeson
Are you looking for a unique way to connect even deeper with your customers? What if there was an all-inclusive winery and brewery that offers not only delectable drinks but scrumptious meals for your family to enjoy?
Michelle and Tyler Bredeson have mastered growing vines in the acidic and cold soil of the North — and the results are welcoming, full-flavored varietals. Through the rapid growth of their wine brand, they were able to include a brewery to cater to all palates. Michelle and Tyler decided to create a comprehensive and beautiful location for a wedding venue to connect with their customers on a deeper level.
On this exciting episode of the Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks sits down with Michelle and Tyler Bredeson from Bold North Cellars, to discuss creating an all-inclusive experience of wine, beer, and food. Michelle and Tyler talk about growing grape varietals in challenging soil, how to connect with customers through tastings, and tips for cultivating a memorable space.
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Apr 14, 2022
Planting in California Soil With Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solène
Guillaume Fabre is the Owner and Winemaker of Clos Solène. Born in Southeast France and growing up in Bordeaux, Guillaume’s lineage and background are rooted in winemakers and grape growers. When he began an internship that turned into a full-time role as the Assistant Winemaker at L’Aventure in Paso Robles, he realized his passion for the California soil could not be satiated on the soil of France. In 2007, Clos Solène was created on the soil of Paso Robles. In this episode with Guillaume Fabre
Do you have a dream to produce and grow your own vineyard from seeds? How can the environment influence the flavor, growth, and variety of grapes?
For Guillaume Fabre, he began his brand by leasing rows and building up his Bordeaux-style barrel supply. Now, he and his wife built an estate of their own. Guillaume’s passion for California’s variety of soil, meticulously maintained vines, and cool climate influenced and cultivated his Rhone program.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks and Bianca Harmon sit down with Guillaume Fabre, Owner and Winemaker of Clos Solène, to discuss how the California soil and climate provide rich vineyards. You don’t want to miss this episode as Guillaume talks about his vision behind Clos Solène, how the environment and soil affect the harvest of grapes, and why a winemaker should explore and encourage better environmental practices.
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Apr 7, 2022
Design A Digital Pathway To Success With Ben Salisbury of Salisbury Creative Group
Ben Salisbury is the President and Founder of Salisbury Creative Group, a sales consulting firm that helps alcohol brands leverage technology in their sales process. Ben has experience working in the wine industry — he led large, national sales teams as the Vice President of Global Accounts and On-Premise Strategy for Ste Michelle Wine Estates and the Vice President of National Accounts for Constellation Brands. He has also worked for distributors including Green Glass Global and Glazer’s Distributors. In this episode with Ben Salisbury
When you have a passion for your wine product, but it is not selling as much as you would like, what tools and resources can make your product visible to a wider audience? How can you take your brand to the next level?
Ben Salisbury knows that being a distributor is more than selling — it is forging lasting relationships and partnerships with buyers and wineries. He helps distributors make the selling experience count by effectively using data to build customer relationship management strategies. With these tools, you can scale each varietal based on clientele needs to take your brand to the next level.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, join Drew Hendricks as he sits down with Ben Salisbury, President and Founder of Salisbury Creative Group, to talk about building digital distribution models and marketing strategies for distributors. Ben discusses the process of creating email marketing campaigns, cultivating respect and lasting relationships with wineries, and navigating a digital three-tier system for growth.
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Mar 31, 2022
Crafting A Mountain Lifestyle Distillery Brand With Ryan Thompson
Ryan Thompson is the Founder and CEO of 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Co. Nestled in Vail, Colorado, Ryan opened 10th Mountain in 2013 to pay homage to the patriotic men of the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry. He earned his bachelor’s of spirits and whiskey from Moonshine University and his bachelor's in business administration and management from Southern Methodist University. In this episode with Ryan Thompson
Are you an emerging brand and unsure how to navigate the direct-to-consumer marketing tier? How can you combine philanthropy and alcohol spirits to extend opportunities?
Ryan Thompson is transforming the spirits space by cultivating a brand that empowers and supports veterans. He began his brand with just a few barrels, and through hard work and navigating the online marketing and distributing system, he scaled his brand to reach over 15 states. He now delivers to over 30 states using a direct-to-consumer platform. Today, Ryan is here to share his story of giving back and growing his brand.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks sits down with Ryan Thompson, Founder and CEO of 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Co., to discuss navigating the various alcohol distribution systems to successfully scale your brand. Ryan talks about how a cocktail with a brandy base scaled his brand, effectively using the distribution model to take your brand to the top, and why education is crucial for distributors to communicate the value of your brand.
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Mar 24, 2022
The Secret to Marketing Wine and Craft Alcohol to a Latin American Audience
Jose "Tony" Haber is the Founder of Qvivo Brands Inc., where he combines his passion for romance and poetry with alcoholic beverages. His distinguished career has taken him around the world, fostering partnerships with local brands in Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and beyond. He began his journey in 2009 as the Regional Sales Marketing Manager for Coastal Select Wine and Spirit Distributors, where he focused on marketing to Florida and the Caribbean. In that same year, he launched his first venture in South Florida, called Cocktail Mixes. In this episode with Jose "Tony" Haber
Is it possible to effectively deliver to different distribution channels? How can a brand resonate with consumers on a personalized level?
For Jose “Tony” Haber, his true north is connecting people and culture through wine, spirits, and beer brands. He cultivated an augmented reality application that combines alcoholic beverages with poetry and romance — but also delivers tailored choices based on cultural preferences. With his unique approach, he found the distinction of each culture to market the brand that resonates the most.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks sits down with Jose “Tony” Haber, Founder of Qvivo Brands Inc., to discuss how the expression of each culture adds flavor varieties to alcoholic beverages. Tony talks about the cultural alcoholic preferences of Latin America, how augmented reality technology can deliver personalized messages on a bottle, and why marketing is crucial for small brands.
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Feb 17, 2022
A Glass Filled With All Flavors of the Beverage Industry With Drew Thomas Hendricks
Drew Thomas Hendricks is the President of Barrels Ahead, a wine and craft marketing agency that accelerates company growth through content development, SEO, and paid search. Drew is also the President of Nimbletoad, Inc., a company that helps wineries expand their digital footprint to increase membership and sales. He is the Founder of VineCat, which, before closing its doors in 2010, allowed users to inventory and track their wine through a cloud-based cellar management application. At Barrels Ahead, Drew helps companies define their unique stories to attract more customers and stand out from the crowd. In this episode with Drew Thomas Hendricks
At first glance, scaling your brand in the wine and spirits industry can be a daunting task. Where can you find industry expert advice to solve your greatest challenges with so many different facets?
This week, the topic shifts to a broader audience as Drew Thomas Hendricks shares the challenges and successes of being in the alcohol beverage industry. From yeast to cork and marketing strategies to innovative technology, there’s something for everyone. Deep-dive into this ensemble episode of the wine and spirits industry aspects.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Rise 25 Co-founder Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with host Drew Thomas Hendricks to talk about some of Drew’s favorite past episodes and eventful conversations. Drew shares industry insights on yeast production, marketing techniques to connect with consumers across digital platforms, seeing past the exterior to discover a delicious wine, and why you should invest in business automation.
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Feb 10, 2022
Growing Your Wine Market With Ken Freeman of Freeman Vineyard & Winery
Ken Freeman is a philanthropist, banker, and vintner. He is the Co-founder and Proprietor of Freeman Vineyard & Winery, one of the pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, charting a course to the western edges of California winegrowing.
Ken and his wife, Akiko, built Freeman into a leading winery and brand. They started in 2001 with 500 cases and have grown to 6,000 cases, 60% of which goes directly to the consumer. They export 25% to 20 countries around the world. In this episode with Ken Freeman
Are you looking to expand your wine brand into international markets but not sure how best to proceed? Or do you want to expand into new markets locally but are unsure which sales model to adopt? If you answered yes, this episode is for you!
There’s a lot of insight you can glean from Ken Freeman’s story of starting and growing Freeman Vineyard & Winery. He talks about how they got their first vineyard, the skills needed to succeed in the business, how they expanded into international markets, and lots more.
Listen to this episode of Legends Behind the Craft with Drew Hendricks featuring the Co-founder and Proprietor of Freeman Vineyard & Winery, Ken Freeman. They share many inspiring stories and discuss what it takes to start and grow a winery, expand to international or new local markets, and start an AVA.
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Feb 3, 2022
Level Up Your Marketing With Bianca Harmon of Barrels Ahead
Bianca Harmon is the DTC Strategist for Barrels Ahead, a results-driven digital marketing agency specializing in web design, SEO, and PPC for the wine and craft beverage industry. At Barrels Ahead, Bianca works with wineries to increase their direct-to-consumer sales.
Bianca grew up in Napa Valley and has been involved in all aspects of the industry from a young age. She’s been a sales representative and brand ambassador for different companies including Chatterbox Wine Marketing Services, CADE Estate Winery, Basemakers, and My Wine Society. In this episode with Bianca Harmon
From vineyard to glass, every step of the winemaking process is a marketing activity that is either selling your brand story or doing you a disservice. Whether selling over the phone or on a website, many wineries are missing the mark and not getting the most from their marketing channels.
There are many more marketing mistakes wineries are making, including failing to nail down their ideal customer nor getti…
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Jan 27, 2022
From Bottle to Single-Serve Sustainability With Hilary Cocalis of Sipwell Wine Co.
Hilary Cocalis is the Founder and Chief Go-Getter of Sipwell Wine Co., a premium canned wine brand, and she’s a Strategy Consultant for Bex Brands, where she primarily helps beverage clients align their marketing strategies. She is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and has more than a decade of experience working in the marketing space for both beverage brands and agencies — helping Ballast Point grow into a national beer brand, which was ultimately acquired for one billion dollars by Constellation Brands.
She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in African and African-American studies, Harvard Business School of Executive Education in their Constellation Brands Executive Development Program, and went on to earn her master’s in specialized journalism from the University of Southern California. In this episode with Hilary Cocalis
Is your developing alcohol beverage brand struggling to gain traction in the market? How do you connect with your consumer and showcase the v…
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Jan 20, 2022
Take Off to Great Heights in Your Wine Marketing With Ron Scharman
Ron Scharman is the Co-founder and CEO of Astra Digital, a digital marketing agency for the wine industry, and CEO of FlyWithWine, a unique storage suitcase for traveling with wine. He has over 30 years of experience in the direct-to-consumer industry, working in COO and President positions with New Vine Logistics (Wine Direct), eWinery Solutions (VinSuite), Chatterbox Wine Marketing, and VinoVisit.
Ron is an instructor for a wine e-commerce course and direct-to-consumer wine marketing seminars at Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute. Ron received his MBA in finance and his bachelor’s in agricultural economics from Cornell University. In this episode with Ron Scharman
How do you improve the lifetime value of your winery’s customers? Is it possible to engage with consumers using creative content that is budget-friendly and advantageous to your brand?
Ron Scharman noticed turbulence in the way wineries utilize their digital marketing strategies. He has created a dig…
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Jan 13, 2022
A Case of Innovative Disruption in the Wine Industry With Daniel Daou of Daou Vineyards
Daniel Daou is a Winemaker and Proprietor at Daou Vineyards. He enrolled at the University of California, San Diego and earned a degree in computer engineering. With his brother, Daniel started a networking technology company for hospital computer systems. After the sale of his company, Daniel went back to his roots in wine and purchased land in Paso Robles. He took his dream of crafting wine from his garage to an enduring enterprise. He crafted California’s First Growth Cabernet Sauvignons and is a Central Coast ambassador of Bordeaux varieties. In this episode with Daniel Daou
Is it possible to create delicately balanced wines in a particular area? How can you bring the taste and texture of varying geographical vines to different soil?
For Daniel Daou, understanding the land is essential to produce special barrels and vines with the texture you desire. He cultivated Bordeaux-style wine by connecting the climate and soil properties that can best create this line of vines, allowing…
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Jan 6, 2022
A Honey Wine Like No Other With Brian McMillin of Feisty Brood Meadery
Brian McMillin and his father run Feisty Brood Meadery, located in Northeastern Ohio. They began this journey after making a batch for a wedding, and the archaic process of brewing honey wine has taken the craft beverage space by storm. Brian has been brewing mead in the US and Australia for over 15 years and brings his expert knowledge to the flavors he creates. He oversees the daily operations of the meadery as well as developing bottling equipment, point of sale signs, paddles, racks, website, and labels. He lives close to the foundation of the meadery and with his do-it-yourself attitude, he is taking the meadery to new heights. In this episode with Brian McMillin
Are you looking for a unique beverage to drink? Where can you find a beverage varietal that offers both delicate sweet or classic dry notes?
Brian McMillin is producing high-quality mead that is taking the craft beverage movement by storm. He has scaled his brand beyond his Ohio hometown to ship 11 different varietals a…
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Dec 30, 2021
B2B Solutions for Wine Brands’ Equipment Needs With Brad and Lisa Warner of Rutherford Equipment Rental
Brad Warner is the Founder and Co-owner of Rutherford Equipment Rental, a business that provides production equipment for commercial wineries, breweries, and beverage producers in Northern California. He is the Owner of Warner Winery Consulting, North Bay Air Purification, and Leto Cellars, Inc. He began his enduring career working at the Charles Krug Winery. He served as the Vice President of Production and then Director of Property and Facilities at the Robert Mondavi Winery. Before creating his own winery equipment rental company, Brad became the Winemaker and Director of Operations at Sawyer Cellars and then Winemaker and General Manager at Foley Johnson Winery.
Lisa Warner is the Co-owner and Director of Operations at Rutherford Equipment Rental and Co-founder and Vintner at Leto Cellars, Inc. She has over three decades of experience working in winery production and is the Co-Owner of Warner Winery Consulting and North Bay Air Purification. Her career began as the Facilities Coor…
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Dec 23, 2021
Tap Into Data Beverage Technology with James Keane and Jamie Robinson of TAPPTEK
James Keane is the Chief Product Officer at TAPPTEK, a cutting-edge beverage performance tracker. He is a startup advisor, entrepreneur, and is experienced in product innovation and mobile application design and development. He has assembled and led teams for Parenting Solutions, LLC, Anheuser-Busch InBev, MetLife, and Accenture. James has been a founding member of CMTx BioTech and Airfoil Corp.
Jamie Robinson is the Founder and CEO of TAPPTEK. He has over 25 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. He is a Founding Board Member and Secretary at Tory Burch Foundation and Chair of Programming Philly Chapter at The Explorers Club since 2014. He was the architect behind The Fanatics Consumer Partnership and creator of national programs with Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Dr. Pepper, and MillerCoors. In this episode with James Keane and Jamie Robinson
Are you pouring money down the drain based on inaccurate premise data from your brewery or distillery? Understanding co…
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Dec 16, 2021
The Barefoot Wine Story: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand
Michael Houlihan is the Co-founder of the world’s largest and most recognizable wine brand, Barefoot Wines. He is the Co-founder of Business Audio Theatre, an innovative and adaptive audio theatre company bridging the gap between plays and audiobooks. Michael and his partner, Bonnie Harvey, are keynote speakers, entrepreneurial consultants, and New York Times best-selling Authors of The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand and The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways to Engage and Empower Your People.
Michael leads workshops, training, and is a regular contributor to The Business Journals (43 cities), Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., and others. He lives in the wine country with Bonnie, and together they help other entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies increase sales, profitability, and brand equity. In this episode with Michael Houlihan
Are you an innovative wine producer wondering how your brand can become a household name? When launching a ne…
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Dec 9, 2021
Composing a Medley of Wine and Music to Increase Revenue with Clark Smith of WineSmith
Clark Smith is a winemaker and Senior Enologist for WineSmith Consulting and Wines. He is the Founder and Coordinator of the International Smoke Taint Collaborative Working Group, President of Redwood Chordsmen Barbershop Harmony Chapter, Santa Rosa, and Coordinator for Sonoma County Youth Harmony Day Camp featuring Deke Sharon.
Clark has dedicated four decades as an author, winemaker, inventor, professor of wine technology, and founder of four prominent wineries. In 2018, he was named among the 48 Most Influential People in the Wine Industry, in 2016 named the Wine Business Monthly Innovator of the Year, and in 2013 the Wine and Spirits Magazine named Postmodern Winemaking the Book of the Year. In this episode with Clark Smith
How do you create an environment harmonized by wine? Is it possible to recreate a please-displease scale of emotions based on musical choices and the glass in your hand?
According to Clark Smith, the effects of pairing music and wine is evident after a matter…
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Dec 2, 2021
Simplifying The Wholesale Distribution Model With Cheryl Murphy Durzy of LibDib
Cheryl Murphy Durzy is the Co-founder and CEO of LibDib, an online wholesale distributor. She has over 20 years of experience in the alcohol industry — she was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing/Proprietor at her family-owned business, Clos LaChance Wines. Her time there gave her the opportunity to develop skills and branch out on her own entrepreneurial dreams.
Cheryl graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, and she holds certifications from The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. In this episode with Cheryl Murphy Durzy
Where can you go to distribute your wine and spirit brand? Is there a simple way to deliver the brands your customers want?
Cheryl Murphy Durzy grew up in the alcohol industry and recognized the need for an innovative way to distribute and market brands without the frustration of jumping through hoops. Through her digital tool, LibDib, brands have instant access to distribution in all mark…
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Nov 25, 2021
Making the World Smaller One Sip at a Time with Jack Duan of Gliding Eagle
Jack Duan is the Founder and CEO of Gliding Eagle, a systems and data technology company specializing in global trade. Jack’s team is pioneering direct-to-consumer wine sales by bringing it to an international landscape. Today, Gliding Eagle works with 200 ultra-premium winery clients by sending their wines to 30 global destinations.
Jack worked in the technology industry for over 10 years before founding Gliding Eagle. Previously, he led a team to build the Big Data Analytics platform for Safeway as the Manager of Initiatives and Innovations, and he was a Program Manager for Sun Microsystems. In this episode with Jack Duan
Can wine bring people together despite their differences — even across oceans?
That’s exactly what Jack Duan has set out to do with Gliding Eagle. His cloud-based data system tracks each wine product from the producer to the consumer to ensure authenticity and channel accountability. But how did he get started?
On this episode of Legends Behind the Craft,…
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Nov 18, 2021
Mapping Your Wine Journey with Dr. Jeff Daiter and Josh Daiter
Dr. Jeff Daiter is the CEO and Co-founder of InVintory Wines, an augmented reality wine collection platform for locating bottles. Dr. Daiter received his medical training from Western University and the University of Toronto, served as the Medical Director for York Region Sleep Disorders Centre and Oak Ridges Dermatology Centre, and is the CEO and Founder of Canada Addiction Treatment Centre.
Josh Daiter is the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at InVintory. He graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor’s in Engineering and Master of Management in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. Josh was an iOS Engineer for Alliants, Co-founder and CTO of Skipp Technologies Inc., and iOS Engineer for Prosper before his role at InVintory Wines. In this episode with Dr. Jeff Daiter and Josh Daiter
Are you feeling frustrated with the organization of your wine collection? How can you have instant access to your collection anywhere?
Dr. Jeff Daiter and Josh Daiter…
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Nov 11, 2021
Wines With Innovation and Craftsmanship With Joseph Wagner of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions
Joseph Wagner is a fifth-generation winemaker and Founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, located in the Napa Valley Region. Joe’s roots in winemaking and his natural talent for creating innovative and unique wine emerged after he crafted the award-winning, single-vineyard Pinot Noir label, Belle Glos. He uses his experience and passion to focus on offering products with a touch of luxury for everyday indulgence. In this episode with Joseph Wagner
What steps can you take to craft a bottle of wine for everyday indulgence? Is it possible to entrench your brand into the fine wine industry by bringing new ideas to the table?
Joseph Wagner has built a successful brand focused on wine with a splash of luxury and high quality through innovation and genuine craftsmanship. As a fifth-generation winemaker, he has an unparalleled passion for experimentation to satisfy consumer palates by fermenting unique bottles.
In this episode of Legends Behind the Craft, Drew Hendricks and Joseph Wag…
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Nov 4, 2021
Connecting Consumers to New Wines with Joe Fattorini
Joe Fattorini, also known as Obi Wine Kenobi, is the Managing Director of Trade at Pix, a digital platform connecting people with wine they love. He is an award-winning wine marketer, having won both the IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year Award and IWC Personality of the Year, and has two decades of experience as a critically-acclaimed writer and broadcaster, and is a presenter in The Wine Show.
Joe began his career in academia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Hospitality Management from the University of Strathclyde and is one of the few that holds a Master of Philosophy, The Relationship Between Food and Religion. He is the author of Managing Wine and Wine Sales (Tourism and Hospitality Management Series) which is used in schools today. In this episode with Joe Fattorini
When you’ve had a long day and need to unwind, or you’re searching for that delicious wine you had on vacation, where can you find retailers at your fingertips and wine in your area?
Joe Fattorini…
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Oct 28, 2021
Creating a Story Through Media with Lawrence Francis From the Interpreting Wine Podcast
Lawrence Francis is the host of Interpreting Wine, a drinks trade podcast. He has spoken to 171 winemakers, 20 Masters of Wine, 43 international sommeliers, and 43 key importers since beginning his journey in 2017. Lawrence has perfected the craft of communicating key stories and messages from wine brands across borders. He has been a notable speaker at the Wine2Wine Conference in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
He attended the London Metropolitan University for a degree in Psychology and earned his Master’s in Psychology from City University of London. In this episode with Lawrence Francis
How can you use media platforms to promote your brand and wine when connecting with your target audience? What steps can you take to create connections and stand out in the wine-making world?
According to Lawrence Francis, by sharing a story that resonates with people, you will attract your target audience. It can be overwhelming as a winemaker, but sharing stories of authenticity on digital media can ma…
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Oct 21, 2021
Discovering Wine Across the Digital Industry with Paul Mabray of Pix
Paul Mabray is considered to be the wine industry's foremost futurist and thought leader. He is the CEO of Pix, a digital platform harnessing the power and potential of digital tools and methodologies to move the wine industry into the future. Paul pushed wine into the digital landscape with his work at Inertia Beverage Group, now WineDirect, and VinTank.
Paul sat on the Board of Directors for Emetry.io and was a Group Director for W2O Group, among other executive roles. He began his college journey as a writer and working in sales. In this episode with Paul Mabray
Picture this: you’re searching for a last-minute wine gift. You did not allocate time for shipping, and do not want to spend hours searching in-store. Where will you find wines ready and available in your area?
Paul Mabray created a solution: it’s called Pix. Paul is making wine relevant and discoverable to your life by merging the consumer and wine retailer — at your fingertips. His digital platform is a gateway in…
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Oct 14, 2021
Mixing the Perfect Cocktail with Lawrence Cisneros of DRNXMYTH
Lawrence Cisneros is the CEO and Co-founder of DRNXMYTH, the world’s first line of fresh bottled cocktails. He is a legally-trained entrepreneur shaping the cocktail beverage industry and focused on empowering brands. Lawrence began a career in law, working for Espiral Technologies De México as a Business Development Legal Advisor and as a Judicial Extern for The Los Angeles Superior Court.
Lawrence graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Security and Conflict Resolution. He continued to USC Gould School of Law to earn his Juris Doctor in Law, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate Development. In this episode with Lawrence Cisneros
How can a brand produce a high-quality alcohol product and make it more convenient for consumers? Are you looking to combine authenticity with cocktails?
Lawrence Cisneros is bringing the bartender to you. He is a pioneer in the mixable craft cocktail industry, delivering fresh and clean ingredients combined with spirits, bitters, and liqueurs.…
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Oct 12, 2021
Special Tasting Series - Erbaluce di Caluso with Winemaker, Chiara Massoglia
Simonetta Gedda is the Founder and General Manager of Love to Italy, an importer and distributor of Italian wine and cuisine. She grew up in the countryside of Italy and has a deeply rooted sense of culture — and brings heart and authenticity from Rome, Florence, and Venice to the products selected to import.
Simonetta built extensive expertise in sales and marketing, working for Hiserv Italia Srl, EDISONTEL S.p.A., Tutto Bene Winery, and Tenuta Roletto to achieve profitability and revenue. She volunteered for Stiletto Broadcasting, with a goal to educate, empower, and entertain women in food, wine, and Italian culture talk.
Chiara Massoglia is a winemaker with a passion for viticulture. She is the next generation of Cantina Massoglia Winery, in Agliè, Torino, which specializes in cultivating Erbaluce grapes. In this episode with Simonetta Gedda and Chiara Massoglia
How does the origin of a wine enhance the flavor? Can you successfully experience the flavors of fine Italian wine…
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Oct 8, 2021
Special Tasting of Boutique Mezcal with Yuan Ji, Founder of Erstwhile Mezcal
Yuan Ji is the Founder and CEO of Erstwhile Mezcal, a company focused on building family values. Yuan had built a successful career practicing law as an Antitrust Attorney for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati before her passion for Mezcal alcohol and her drive to leave the world a better place shifted her career goals.
Yuan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and shortly after earned her Master of Science degree. She attended Yale Law School to earn her Doctor of Law degree. In this episode with Yuan Ji
How can the distillation process showcase and scale a brand? Can you successfully educate and market mezcal?
Using different agave plant varietals, Yuan Ji creates an assembly of excellent and exceptional flavors for finely crafted mezcal. The distillation process of her experienced producers brings delicate and individual tastes to the mezcal industry. Yuan introduces consumers to an educational look at the distill…
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Oct 7, 2021
Cultivating the Italian Cuisine with Simonetta Gedda of Love to Italy
Simonetta Gedda is the Founder and General Manager of Love to Italy, an importer and distributor of Italian wine and cuisine. She grew up in the countryside of Italy and has a deeply rooted sense of culture — and brings heart and authenticity from Rome, Florence, and Venice to the products selected to import.
Simonetta built extensive expertise in sales and marketing, working for Hiserv Italia Srl, EDISONTEL S.p.A., Tutto Bene Winery, and Tenuta Roletto to achieve profitability and revenue. She volunteered for Stiletto Broadcasting, with a goal to educate, empower, and entertain women in food, wine, and Italian culture talk. In this episode with Simonetta Gedda
Is there a way to taste the experience of an Italian culinary masterpiece in your home? How can you bring to life the flavors of Italian food, wine, beer, and spirits without leaving the comfort of home?
For Simonetta Gedda, it is more than wine and culinary delights — it is about bringing the experience of culture and th…
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Sep 30, 2021
Creating a Family-Driven Mezcal Industry with Yuan Ji of Erstwhile Mezcal
Yuan Ji is the Founder and CEO of Erstwhile Mezcal, a company focused on building family values. Yuan had built a successful career practicing law as an Antitrust Attorney for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati before her passion for Mezcal alcohol and her drive to leave the world a better place shifted her career goals.
Yuan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and shortly after earned her Master of Science degree. She attended Yale Law School to earn her Doctor of Law degree. In this episode with Yuan Ji
Are you looking to combine a passion for the alcohol industry with family values? How can a brand extend its platform and opportunities to as many families as possible?
Yuan Ji is digging beyond the surface of brand ownership and examining the intrinsic values of small family businesses. She has scaled her Mezcal brand to encompass 45 states and does not plan to stop there. Yuan utilizes the strengths and constraint…
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Sep 23, 2021
Democratizing Digital Marketing Services with Josh Jacobs of Speakeasy Co.
Josh Jacobs is the Co-founder and CEO of Speakeasy Co., a revolutionary direct-to-consumer alcohol sales e-commerce and fulfillment platform. Speakeasy Co. empowers partners to sell directly to consumers from their own website, giving them the autonomy to drive their own growth.
Josh was involved with entrepreneurial endeavors from online moving, art, and fashion until he found passion in the alcohol industry. He graduated from Wake Forest University as a mathematical business major and began working in corporate America. In this episode with Josh Jacobs
Is there a disconnect between your brand and the consumer? Can you successfully market your brand digitally?
Josh Jacobs is the Co-founder and CEO of Speakeasy Co., and he has successfully created a seamless system for consumers to shop directly with their favorite craft brands — while still giving brands control over the customer relationship and connection with their consumers. By using data analytics tools to optimize your pres…
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Sep 16, 2021
Investing and Scaling Your Early-Stage Beverage Brand with Carlton Fowler and James Pelligrini
Carlton Fowler is a Managing Partner at Goat Rodeo Capital Management, a venture capital fund focused on growing and scaling your early-stage beverage brand. He graduated from UC Berkely with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business with a Master of Business Administration. Carlton’s experience includes Spirits Innovation and Brand Development at E. & J. Gallo Winery, Co-founder of Pickpocket, Co-founder and Managing Director for Granters Drinks, and Founding Partner of sPacific Gravity.
James Pelligrini is a Managing Partner at Goat Rodeo Capital Management. His past experience as an External Consultant at EcoTarium, Consultant for Oriskany Manufacturing Technologies, Internal Consultant for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Director for Granters Drinks, New Brand and Product Development for E. & J. Gallo Winery, and as a Founding Partner at sPacific Gravity has helped hone his financial skills. In this episo…
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Sep 9, 2021
The Intersection of Spirits and Cannabis with Taylor Foxman of The Industry Collective and Parallel
Taylor Foxman is the Founder and CEO of The Industry Collective, a leading Beverage Alcohol Consulting Firm, and the Vice President of Communications and Media at Parallel, one of the largest privately-held cannabis companies in the United States. She has experience working with Pernod Ricard — she helped launch their Jameson Black Barrel — and 70 global-wide spirit brands.
Taylor graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Public Relations, and Art History. She is an official member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council and a board member of Vin Social. In this episode with Taylor Foxman
Allocation of time and money is often overlooked — but crucial — for a craft brand. Luckily, by using strategic marketing tools, you can engage and create budget-friendly storytelling communications to be a leader in the industry.
Taylor Foxman knows how to effectively build a brand without costing you too much — but still providing you with an added benef…
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Sep 2, 2021
Master Your Wine with Bob Paulinski, MW of Stellar Bottles
Bob Paulinski, MW is a Master of Wine and Founder of Stellar Bottles. The Masters of Wine exam is one of the toughest tests in any field, and when Bob passed in 2002, he became the 19th North American Master of Wine since the organization’s start in 1953. His company, Stellar Bottles, is a web-based wine subscription that provides an array of handcrafted wines delivered to your door. The wines are handpicked by Bob to guarantee a pure and delicious experience.
His love of wine started with a 66 Chateau Cantenac Brown while working at a Detroit wine shop, and since then, his palate has expanded to encompass corporate roles with Sam’s Club US and Winn-Dixie. Bob is also an expert in branding, marketing, and independent retail and provides consulting services to help wine businesses achieve their goals. In this episode with Bob Paulinski, MW
Are you looking to revamp your brand? Do you want to wash off the preconceived notion that you need to know something to enjoy it?
Bob Paulins…
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Aug 26, 2021
Using AI to Pick Your Perfect Wine with Blake Hershey of Sippd
Blake Hershey is the Founder and CEO of Sippd, an AI-powered plugin and app that helps users discover their new favorite wines using Taste Match technology. Blake has a background in the aerospace and technology industries, working at companies including NASA and JPL. He founded Sippd in 2019 after previously holding the title of Chief Innovation Officer at MORI Associates. In this episode with Blake Hershey...
Picture this: you’re out to dinner with a group of friends. The waiter brings over the wine list, and nobody knows where to start. Don’t you wish there was a way to get recommendations from that wine list straight from an app? You’re in luck, because Blake Hershey created just that.
Blake was working in the technology industry when his fiancé mentioned her wish for an app that told her which wine to choose. He dropped everything and founded Sippd, an AI-powered platform that uses Taste Match technology to become your personal sommelier. He’s here to tell you all about…
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Aug 19, 2021
Why the Top of Your Bottle Matters with Heather Polick of ACIC Cork and Closures
Heather Polick is the National Sales Consultant at ACIC Cork and Closures, a company that provides customers in the wine, spirits, and food industries with the highest quality standard closures. Heather’s passion has always been people, sunshine, and wine, and she has worked in the beverage and food industries for over a decade.
Before joining ACIC, Heather was a Winemaking Assistant at RUMPUS Cellars and S.P. Drummer and a Wine and Spirits Consultant at Opici Wines. In this episode with Heather Polick…
Are you a wine and spirits company looking to make a change to your boring bottle design? If so, a new cork or closure may be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re in the market for an eco-friendly cork or a custom-made closure, Heather Polick is the one to talk to.
Heather Polick is the National Sales Consultant at ACIC Cork and Closures, where she provides customers in the wine, spirits, and food industries with a variety of high-quality closures. Heather is passiona…
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Aug 12, 2021
Virtual Wine Tastings for Equitable Brands with Sara Moll of Vin Social
Sara Moll is a community builder, a supporter of women in entrepreneurship, and the Founder and CEO of Vin Social. She officially started the business back in 2015 with a vision for rethinking how we discover wine. Their emphasis is on sustainable and smaller-production brands, shining a spotlight on the wines that deserve it most.
Sara began as a creative director in the world of New York City fashion. From there, she enrolled in a professional sommelier training program and officially shifted her career path. In addition to Vin Social, Sara is a member of Kindred and Chief, both of which work towards maintaining equitable leadership in business. In this episode with Sara Moll
COVID-19 left an indelible mark on the world of wine, but this was especially the case with smaller wineries. Many of these brands relied on in-person tastings to secure new customers. Without them, they struggled to be noticed next to more recognizable names. Virtual wine tastings existed before the pandemic,…
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Aug 5, 2021
The Secret to Making Stand-Out Labels with Stephan Martinez and Rob Griswold of Trysk Print Solutions
Stephan Martinez is the Owner of Trysk Print Solutions, a company that specializes in labels for wine and gourmet food. He started the business in 2008, bringing his experience from his position as Sales Manager at Richmark Label. Along with his time as a bartender, he has an eye for the art of spirits packing. Trysk utilizes the newest printing methods and design innovations for brands of any size.
Rob Griswold has worked as Trysk’s Marketing Director since 2016. He was first introduced to the wine industry through a class on the political economy of wine. This led him to take the role of Sales Manager at Corliss Estates and Tranche Cellars. Before his time at Trysk, he worked at Investco Financial Corporation and as an Account Manager at Cake Central Media Corp. In this episode with Stephan Martinez and Rob Griswold
In last week's episode, Erica Harrop came on to explain the art of glassware in wine bottles. This week, the topic of presentation gets even more specific, as Stephan…
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Jul 29, 2021
Crafting Unique and Sustainable Bottles With Erica Harrop of Global Package
Erica Harrop is a glassmaking enthusiast and the Founder and Owner of Global Package. She started in the winemaking industry before transitioning to packaging. It was there that she discovered her fascination with glass and high-end bottles. She worked with leading glass companies in the 1990s and 2000s before returning to school.
Erica earned her Enology degree from the University of California, Davis, studied at the University of Bordeaux in the department of D’Oenologie, and graduated with an MBA from Sonoma State University. From there, she went on to found Global Package in 2006. Erica and her team now specialize in bottles for the world of wines and spirits. In this episode with Erica Harrop
For many wine and spirit connoisseurs, the presentation is half the enjoyment. A finely crafted bottle can not only catch the eye of the consumer but help tell the story of the drink. It’s an often overlooked — but crucial — part of the experience. From durability to design to touch…
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Jul 22, 2021
The Art of Screen Printing and Etching Wine Labels with Michael Bergin
Michael Bergin is the President and CEO of Bergin Screen Printing and Etching. Bergin Screen Printing and Etching provides unique and cost effective alternatives for paper wine labels, including screen printing and hand-done etching. Michael founded his company in 1989 as a small artisanal studio focused on public relations. He has since expanded to an 82,000 square foot studio where he and his team produce over 100,000 bottles a day. In this episode with Michael Bergin...
Are you a small wine brand struggling to keep up with the larger competitors? What if there was a way to transform your brand just by customizing a new label? Michael Bergin can give you all the answers.
Michael Bergin is the President and CEO of Bergin Screen Printing and Etching, a company that provides unique and cost effective alternatives for paper wine labels, including screen printing and hand-done etching. Michael has been running his company for over 33 years and is the expert when it comes to crafting stu…
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Jul 15, 2021
Why Wineries Should Include Video In Their Marketing Toolkit with Diane Strand
Diane Strand is the President and Producer of JDS Video and Media Productions, an award-winning full-service multimedia solutions company providing services in forms including video, corporate web packages, graphic design, web design and implementation, and more.
Diane has an expansive career in both theatre and television producing, working on sitcoms, reality television, and as a producer for The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios among many other roles. Diane is also the Founder of JDS Creative Academy and JDS Actors Studio and produces a news magazine TV show titled Spirit of Innovation. In this episode with Diane Strand...
Are you a winery looking to branch out your marketing strategies? How can you utilize a more dynamic and unique tool to make your brand visible to a wider audience? Video might be your answer, and Diane Strand is the person to talk to.
Diane has over 23 years of experience in video production, working on both the stage and screen for projects like Gene…
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Jul 8, 2021
Successful Entrepreneurship in the Wine and Spirits Industry with Alexi Cashen
Alexi Cashen is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and coach. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Elenteny Imports, a premier, cloud-based, freight forwarder with a logistics solution that transports products for wine and spirits brands. She is also the Founder and CRO of St. Hildie’s Botanica, a new spiked tincture tonic that is launching this summer.
Alexi hosts her own podcast, The Alexi Cashen Podcast, and is a Board Member and Coach for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. In this episode with Alexi Cashen...
How can a job in hospitality inspire a future career in entrepreneurship? Why are logistics so important in the beverage alcohol industry? What is a tincture tonic? Alexi Cashen can tell you.
Alexi Cashen became enraptured in the wine and spirits space when she worked a service job out of college. What was once a fascination with wine brands and varieties turned into an entrepreneurial career in logistics and beverage creation. She’s here to share her story and give you tips on ma…
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Jul 1, 2021
Empowering Independent Alcohol Retailers Through Data with Mike Provance
Mike Provance is the CEO of 3x3, a marketing technology company focused on modernizing the ways beverage alcohol brands sell to shoppers. Mike has a vast career in technology and software and has held many executive roles. He was previously the Managing Director of Growth Kinetics Inc., the COO of OneMind Health, and the VP of Viaken Systems, Inc. among others.
Mike was also an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Old Dominion University and a Visiting Professor at the University of Richmond. In this episode with Mike Provance…
Are you a craft distillery looking to branch into the e-commerce space? How can you get started selling online? Why does customer personalization matter when buying alcohol? Mike Provance knows.
Mike Provance is the CEO of 3x3, a marketing technology company focused on modernizing the ways beverage alcohol brands sell to shoppers. He has an extensive career in technology, software, and the beverage alcohol space and is revolutionizing t…
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Jun 24, 2021
Telling a Story Through Wine Labels with Founder and CEO of VINT, Scout Driscoll
Scout Driscoll is the Founder and CEO of VINT Studio. VINT’s award-winning, all-women studio designs unique branding and packaging for wine brands of all sizes. Scout is also the Founder and CEO of DesignScout, VINT’s parent company. DesignScout is a branding agency with 20 years of brand building under its belt.
Scout was recently a panelist for the Beverage Tasting Institute’s International Packaging Design Awards and a judge for the 2020 and 2021 Restaurant Development + Design Magazine Awards. She has received awards from the Harper's Design Awards, Indy International Wine Competition, and the Beverage Tasting Institute International Packaging Design Competition. Scout is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. In this episode:
What goes into a wine label? How can wineries tell their stories through their branding and packaging? What’s the best Zinfandel on the market? Scout Driscoll is here to answer all these questions — and more!
Scout…
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Jun 17, 2021
How Website Personalization Can Increase Customer Engagement and CRO with Zach Kamphuis
Zach Kamphuis is the Sales Manager of Commerce7, a modern commerce platform for wineries. They provide customized customer experiences for wineries’ online platforms and currently power nearly 600 brands. Zach has been with Commerce7 since its inception three years ago and started out in sales, support, and partner management.
Zach attended Rikkyo University and the University of Victoria, receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurial studies. In this episode:
Why should wineries personalize their website? How important is the customer experience when buying wine online? How can personalization lead to higher conversion rates? Zach Kamphuis is here to tell you.
Zach Kamphuis is the General Manager of Commerce7, a modern commerce platform for wineries providing personalization options to increase conversion rates and improve the customer experience. Zach has been with Commerce7 since it was founded and has seen the benefits of personal…
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Jun 10, 2021
Crafting a Memorable Visitor Experience and Award-Winning Wine with Mark Hanson
Mark Hanson is the Co-founder of Bricoleur Vineyards, a place that brings people together through their vast array of activities such as wine tastings, food and wine experiences, acres of gardens, and even fishing. Mark purchased a Russian River Valley vineyard with his wife and daughter, and in 2017 transformed it into Bricoleur.
Aside from being a lover of wine, Mark has over 30 years of experience in the software industry and is still on the Strategic Advisory Board at Genstar Capital. He has held previous executive positions at Siebel Systems, Visigenic Software, and Sybase. In this episode:
If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ve probably attended many wine tasting experiences. But what if there was an all-inclusive winery that has fishing, bocce ball, locally grown produce, and tasty wine? Meet Mark Hanson of Bricoleur Vineyards, who is changing the game of wine tasting experiences.
After a successful career in the software industry, Mark, along with his wife and daughter, dec…
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Jun 3, 2021
Why the Wine Unboxing Experience Matters with Kim Connolly, Founder of Loupe Graphics
Kim Connolly is the Founder and CEO of Loupe Graphics, a digital printing company focused on providing customizable packaging and prints for CPG and DTC brands. Kim is also the Founder of Sandbox, a printing company that creates a unique and personalized unboxing experience for wineries of all sizes.
Kim has over 30 years of experience in the printing and packaging industries. She has worked for companies such as Peet’s Coffee, Partner at Press, and has collaborated with countless wine brands. Kim is also the President of Books N Blankies, a nonprofit supporting literacy for children. In this episode:
Have you ever had a subscription to a wine club? You wait all month for your box to arrive, full of exciting, new wines to try. It’s finally the day, and you see a plain, boring brown box on your doorstep. No personalization and no information about the winery — just bottles wrapped in bubble wrap. What if that could all change?
Kim Connolly had that situation happen to her one t…
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May 27, 2021
Using Sensory Awareness to Enhance the Wine Tasting Experience with Dr. Hoby Wedler
Dr. Hoby Wedler is an entrepreneur, chemist, visionary, and teacher. He is a passionate scholar who helps brands think beyond the visual and embrace all of the senses. Dr. Wedler has been completely blind since birth. In 2016, he earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry, and he continues to pave the way for others to join him in following their passion, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
Dr. Wedler is the Vice Chairman of the Board for the Earle Baum Center of the Blind and the Vice President of the Petaluma Educational Foundation. He is also the US Client Services Director of Tucker Creative and a Founding Partner of Senspoint. Dr. Wedler’s long list of achievements includes being recognized by Barack Obama as a “champion of change” for enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with disabilities. Forbes Media also named Dr. Wedler as a leader in food and drink in the annual “30 Under 30” publication. In this episode:
According to Dr. Hoby Wedler, w…
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May 20, 2021
Creating Authentic Connections Through Social Media with Shana Bull
Shana Bull is a digital storyteller, marketing educator, and writer. She is an expert in social media marketing strategy, PR, digital advertising, SEO, and more! As a freelance writer, Shana covers the topics of music, social media, marketing, wine, lifestyle, food, and drinks. In addition to her freelance work, Shana is the author of the children’s book, Randall the Blue Spider Goes Surfing, which she wrote with her son, Ryeson.
Shana recently launched a series of courses to help brands with Instagram marketing, content marketing and strategy, and goal setting. She was recognized as one of “40 under 40 professionals in the North Bay area,” by North Bay Business Journal and one of 16 innovative marketers you should know by LinkedIn Marketing Solutions Blog. In this episode:
When it comes to social media, there are many different approaches your business can take. However, social media is more than just posting a pretty picture; you need a strategy, a story, and a customer servi…
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May 13, 2021
The Power of Workwear: Building Your Brand Through Custom Uniforms with Jim Snediker
Jim Snediker is the Founder and CEO of Stock Mfg. Co., a company that designs custom uniforms for high-end restaurants and hotels. Jim began his career as a sales representative making cold calls at a freight company. A year and a half later, he was working with high-level clients as the Manager of Client Solutions at CareerBuilder.com. Before founding Stock Mfg. Co., Jim was the Co-founder and President of the fashion website Left of Trend.
Stock Mfg. Co. was founded in 2012 as a menswear brand but quickly found a niche designing custom uniforms. They’ve designed and manufactured uniforms for some of the best bars, restaurants, and hotels, including Ace Hotel, Soho House, Aparium Hotel Group, and more. Stock Mfg. Co. has a national reputation for its focus on innovative products and its full-service approach to design, development, and manufacturing. In this episode:
One of the most important components to building your company’s brand is your staff. Since they’re representing…
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May 6, 2021
Using a Mobile-First Approach to Customer Engagement with Paul Salcedo
Paul Salcedo is the Co-founder and CEO of BottleVin, a marketing and analytics company that helps wineries engage with customers and increase sales. Paul is also the Owner and Co-founder of Siphon Solutions, which provides computer consulting services to small businesses. He has over 26 years of experience working in the Silicon Valley technology industry, and he brings over 20 years of operations, engineering, and software development experience to BottleVin.
Paul works with businesses ranging from small startups to large corporations. As a Napa Valley native, Paul loves food and drink and has a vast knowledge of the wine industry. At BottleVin, Paul and his team provide new ways to explore, share, and enrich your wine and spirits experiences. In this episode:
After the pandemic hit, many wineries and distilleries got involved in digital promotions to continue customer engagement. As technology advances, you don’t want to fall behind your competition. So, what are the benefits of…
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Apr 29, 2021
Marketing Strategies to Launch Your Craft Brewery Business to the Next Level with Marty McDonald
Marty McDonald is the Co-founder and CEO of Bad Rhino, a full-service social media marketing agency. He is skilled in social media marketing, direct response marketing, sales, professional services, management, and business development. Marty has over 18 years of experience using social media strategies to recruit and build online marketing businesses.
At Bad Rhino, Marty leads operations and sales strategies as well as client strategies for craft beer, e-commerce, and golf brands. Marty is also the author of Great Beer is Not Enough and the host of the Taps and Tees podcast. In this episode:
When you first start your business, developing your own marketing strategies may seem like a simple option. However, as your business starts to grow, you don’t want a DIY marketing approach to stop you in your tracks. So, how do you invest in your marketing strategies to reach your desired audience? What steps can you and your company take right now to create a next-level marketing approach?…
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Apr 22, 2021
Creating a Brand That Lasts with Megan Rounds
Megan Rounds is an award-winning designer and the Owner, Creative Director, Art Director, and Designer at Rounds Design. Rounds Design is a full-service brand and marketing agency that specializes in thoughtfully designed communication materials. Megan has over 25 years of professional design experience, and she has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small, grassroots nonprofits.
In addition to owning and operating Rounds Design, Megan has worked as a Faculty Instructor at the Academy of Art University and as an Art Director and Graphic Designer for multiple agencies. She is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Academy of Art University Alumni Association, and the University of California Santa Cruz Alumni Association. Megan holds a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In this episode:
Designing your brand is a vital step in building your business. So, how exactly should you go about brand…
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Apr 15, 2021
How to Optimize your Winery's Production Through Cloud-Based Software with Ashley DuBois Leonard
Ashley DuBois Leonard is the Founder and CEO of InnoVint, a cloud-based wine production software that enables real-time data entry, allowing winemakers to get insight into their operations. Ashley is a winemaker-turned-technologist with a degree in viticulture and enology. After spending nearly a decade as a winemaker on the production floor, Ashley realized there needed to be a better way to manage the wine production. Instead of waiting for someone else to design a solution, Ashley created her own from scratch. Now, InnoVint is leading winemakers into the future with the most intuitive wine production software in the industry. In this episode:
Is your winery looking for modern and efficient software to track production, capture real-time data, and manage workflow? If your answer is yes, this episode of Legends Behind the Craft is perfect for you!
In her career as a winemaker, Ashley DuBois Leonard was searching for a better way to capture what happens on the cellar floor. She decid…
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Apr 8, 2021
Designing Your Beverage Brand with Laurie Millotte
Laurie Millotte is an award-winning designer, world traveler, and the Founder and Chief Amazement Officer of Outshinery. Her company helps wineries of all sizes access high-quality, ready-to-use product photography and videos. Laurie is also an independent creative director and offers one-on-one services in brand strategy and design, packaging, copywriting, and more!
Laurie began her career as a Graphic Designer for Brandever Strategy, where her first design won Best of Show at the San Francisco Wine Labels Competition. She then moved on to become the Creative Director for the company, and 20 of her designs went on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Laurie now resides in Vancouver, Canada, and continues to help clients create exceptional brands. In this episode:
Your bottle label, design, and packaging are just as important as the beverage itself; they represent your company’s story and brand. Luckily, you can take steps to create the best labels and visuals for you…
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Apr 1, 2021
Mastering Your Social Media with Duncan Alney
Duncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, a globally ranked social media marketing agency. Duncan specializes in mission-driven food, beverage, and beauty brands, and he uses social media to help them become more likable and profitable. Firebelly Marketing received Sprout Social’s Cultivate Award and was ranked as one of the Top 10 social media agencies by Clutch.
Duncan is also the host of The Firebelly Social Show, a podcast that features food and beverage brands on a mission to make the world better. In this episode…
Social media is a great tool for your company to engage with customers, but are you utilizing the various platforms correctly? When you focus your website around social media, you could actually be driving prospective customers away from your business. So, how can you gain a strong social media presence without drawing away from your company’s services?
Marketing expert Duncan Alney has been in the industry for over 20 years, and he’s here…
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Apr 1, 2021
The Art of Storytelling with Andrew Means
Andrew Means is the Creative Director and Owner of Transom, an agency that helps businesses create new, meaningful connections with customers through branding and digital work. Transom’s design philosophy uses anthropology, story theory, and modern brand science to uncover the emotional resonance between companies and their clients.
Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Whitworth College. Outside of work, you can find Andrew sailing, cycling, or DJing. In this episode:
It takes more than just quality wine to succeed in today’s industry—especially as the number of competitors grow. You have to implement strategies to set your business apart from the rest. So, what are the steps to make your winery stand out from competitors? And how do you cultivate innovation within your company?
For Creative Director Andrew Means, your success is in your story. He says that businesses often rely on customers to tell their story; however, it won’t make your company memorable. S…
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Apr 1, 2021
The Importance of Web Development in Your Marketing Strategy with Darren Fox
Darren Fox is the President and Founder of Idea Marketing Group, an agency specializing in web design and development. Darren is also the host of the Pitcher This! podcast, where he gets the scoop on brand marketing with beverage industry leaders. He has over 20 years of marketing experience and is a leader in many areas, including brand development, strategic planning, creative production, and web development.
Darren’s agency has been rated as a top web design agency in Chicago by Clutch and awarded Small Business of the Year by the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce. Darren is a husband, father, and outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for business and loves to explore. In this episode...
Is your website getting your business the traffic it deserves? Are you utilizing all aspects of website engagement? If your answer is no, then this episode of Legends Behind the Craft is a must-listen!
For many business owners, website development can fall by the wayside when trying to juggle other…
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Mar 22, 2021
Investing in Automation with Drew Hendricks
Drew Hendricks is the President of Barrels Ahead, a wine and craft marketing agency that accelerates company growth through content development, SEO, and paid search. Drew is also the President of Nimbletoad, Inc., a company that helps wineries expand their digital footprint to increase membership and sales. He is the Founder of VineCat, which, before closing its doors in 2010, allowed users to inventory and track their wine through a cloud-based cellar management application. At Barrels Ahead, Drew helps companies define their unique stories to attract more customers and stand out from the crowd. In this episode:
In the wine and craft industry, it’s important to develop your marketing strategy, attract your ideal customer, and increase sales. But how can you do this in an efficient, cost-effective way? The answer is in your company’s automation tools.
As stated in Wine Business Monthly, 66 percent of wineries say they’re not going to spend any money on automation this year. Ac…
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