In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Shane Lohman, president of Five Star Beverage Group. Shane discusses his journey in the beverage industry, from opening a retail beer store to starting an independent craft beer wholesaler and finally founding Five Star Beverage Group. The conversation covers the current state of the craft beer market, successful strategies for breweries, and the importance of patience and hard work.

1:00 Minute - Shane Lohman's Career in the Beverage Industry: Shane Lohman began his career in the beverage industry right out of college by opening a retail beer store in Pittsburgh. He then ventured into independent craft beer wholesaling, where he successfully operated for eight years before transitioning into consulting with Five Star Beverage Group, leveraging over a decade of industry experience.

5:30 Minute - Evolution and Challenges in the Craft Beer Market: Shane discusses the rapid growth and subsequent saturation of the craft beer market. Initially marked by a surge of new breweries, the market has now matured, leading to increased competition. Breweries that thrived in the booming market now face challenges due to overcrowding and the need for strategic business operations.

8:00 Minute - Strategies for Brewery Success: Shane emphasizes the importance of foundational strategies for breweries, such as establishing core products, maintaining a consistent brand plan, and focusing on reliable product offerings. These strategies help breweries stand out in a competitive market and sustain long-term growth.

12:00 Minute - Importance of Networking and Staying Updated on Industry Trends: Shane highlights the significance of networking and continuous learning in the beverage industry. By actively engaging with industry professionals, staying present in the market, and gathering feedback from retail managers and customers, he stays informed about current trends and developments, ensuring that his consulting strategies remain relevant and effective.

Shane Lohman shares valuable insights into the craft beer market and his experience in transforming beverage companies. His emphasis on strategy, patience, and networking offers valuable takeaways for industry professionals.

• Mushroom Media Website: Mushroom Media
• Mushroom Media LinkedIn: Mushroom Media Marketing
• First Star Beverage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-lohman-75695634/
• First Star Beverage Website: https://www.fivestarbeverage.com/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Aaron Kendeall, a seasoned whiskey distiller, brand owner, writer, and consultant. Aaron shares his extensive experience within the spirits industry, detailing his journey from journalism to whiskey production. He discusses the historical and cultural influences on whiskey making, insights on navigating industry challenges, and his diverse roles in marketing, distillation, and brand consultancy.

1:00 Min - Aaron Kendeall's career path and experiences in the spirits industry: Aaron shares his diverse journey in the spirits industry, starting from his roots in journalism and transitioning to roles in marketing and whiskey production. He discusses his experiences working with international producers, earning certifications, and traveling to study whiskey-making techniques worldwide.

4:00 Min - Historical and cultural aspects of whiskey production in various regions: The podcast delves into the historical significance of whiskey production in places like Western Pennsylvania, Scotland, and Japan. Aaron explains how regional traditions, resources, and historical events have shaped the unique characteristics of whiskey in these areas.

7:00 Min -Adapting to industry changes and challenges: Aaron highlights the various challenges he has faced, including navigating the complexities of the three-tier system and adapting to market changes. He shares how the pandemic influenced the craft whiskey market and the importance of having a long-term vision in whiskey production.

11:00 Min - Insights into the whiskey production process: The discussion includes a detailed look at the whiskey production process, from fermentation to distillation and maturation. Aaron emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind whiskey-making and the regional factors that influence flavor profiles.

16:00 Min - Current trends and developments in the whiskey industry: Aaron identifies key trends such as the premiumization of whiskey, the rise of craft distilleries, and innovative barrel finishing techniques. He recommends resources like the American Craft Spirits Association and the American Distilling Institute for staying updated on industry trends.

Aaron's journey highlights the blend of history, science, and storytelling in whiskey production. His diverse roles and adaptive strategies offer valuable insights for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions in future episodes.

• Aaron Kendeall's Portfolio and Consultancy: distillerscutmedia.com
• Aaron Kendeall's Import and Distribution Company: monongahelawhiskey.com

Contact Information:

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

Welcome to Sipping Success, your ultimate podcast for wine, spirits and alcohol. In this episode, we dive into the world of beverages, featuring Todd Baldwin, co-founder of Crafted, who shares insights into his journey and the impact of Crafted on the CPG industry.

• 1:00 Min - Todd Baldwin's Background and the Founding of Crafted: Todd shares his journey from Greensboro, North Carolina, to co-founding Crafted after recognizing the need for better food and culture representation through live-streaming cooking content.
• 4:00 Min - Transition from Live-Streaming Cooking Content to Short-Form Video Marketing: Crafted's initial focus was on live-streaming cooking shows. However, they pivoted to short-form video marketing on platforms like TikTok, which proved more effective in driving brand engagement and sales.
• 11:00 Min - Recent Advancements in Attribution and Hyper-Targeted Marketing: Todd explains the new features in Crafted's platform, such as improved attribution tools and hyper-targeted marketing capabilities, which help brands track the effectiveness of their campaigns and optimize their marketing strategies.
• 15:00 Min - Partnerships and Collaborations Driving Crafted's Success: Crafted has formed strategic partnerships with marketing agencies and other businesses to enhance their service offerings, particularly in influencer marketing and content distribution.

Todd Baldwin provides an inspiring look into the evolution of Crafted and how the company helps brands leverage short-form video content to drive retail sales. His journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability and customer-focused innovation in achieving business success.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

http://www.usecrafted.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-baldwin-113685117/

Episode Summary: In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Ken Green, CEO of Robojo Coffee, and Ben Czajka, founder of Robojo Coffee. They discuss the origin, development, and future of their automated coffee vending solution, exploring the challenges and successes they've faced along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• 1:00 Min - The Inspiration and Background of Robojo Coffee: Ben Czajka shares his journey from owning a chain of coffee shops to creating Robojo Coffee. Inspired by the future of automation and the challenges of managing employees, he envisioned a streamlined, automated coffee solution.
• 3:30 Min - The Journey from Concept to Implementation: The duo details the meticulous process of researching, developing, and deploying their automated coffee machines, starting with initial concepts and evolving into sophisticated, high-tech kiosks.
• 7:00 Min - The Impact of the Labor Market on Their Business: They discuss how the constrained labor market, especially in the service industry, has amplified the need for their automated solutions, providing a consistent and reliable alternative to traditional coffee shops.
• 10:00 Min - Product Offerings and Customization: Robojo Coffee offers a variety of beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced drinks, with customizable options such as different milk types and flavors to cater to diverse customer preferences.
• 14:00 Min - Expansion Plans and Current Locations: Initially focusing on Ohio, with installations in hospitals, Robojo Coffee plans to expand nationwide and eventually enter the Canadian market, targeting various non-traditional locations.
• 16:00 Min - Industry Trends and Staying Updated: The team stays current with industry trends through trade shows, publications, and direct customer interactions. They also focus on trends like the growing demand for non-dairy options and iced beverages.
• 18:00 Min - Key Partnerships and Collaborations: Robojo Coffee has formed strategic partnerships with large food service providers and local coffee roasters to ensure high-quality products and effective distribution.

Conclusion: Ken and Ben share insights into the evolving world of automated coffee vending, emphasizing the importance of innovation, customer focus, and strategic partnerships. They highlight the potential of Robojo Coffee to revolutionize the coffee industry and offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Contact Information:

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/about/

https://robojocoffee.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-i-green/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-czajka-a775884/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Jamie Valenti- Jordan, the CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services Incorporated. Jamie shares his extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, from his early career at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods to founding Catapult. He discusses the importance of innovation in food production, the challenges of scaling new products, and his commitment to supporting emerging and scaling brands.

• 1:00 Min - Jamie’s Background: Jamie's journey from an internship at General Mills to his roles at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods, and eventually founding Catapult Commercialization Services.
• 3:00 Min - Founding Catapult: The creation of Catapult as a consultancy to provide technical and operational solutions for food and beverage companies, leveraging a network of experienced professionals.
• 6:00 Min - Challenges and Innovations in the Food Industry: Jamie discusses the lack of long-term R&D in large food companies, the role of technological innovation in overcoming food production challenges, and the need for collaboration between industry and academia.
• 12:00 Min - Catapult’s Team and Operations: An overview of Catapult's diverse team, including product developers, engineers, marketers, and quality experts, and how they support clients in bringing new products to market.
• 15:00 Min - Future of Food Innovation: Trends in plant-based products, the importance of sustainable food production, and Jamie’s work with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Jamie Valenti-Jordan’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry. His commitment to innovation and support for emerging brands highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in food production. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Jamie and explore the resources available through Catapult Commercialization Services and the IFT.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fvmh97c/

https://catapultserv.com/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Alex Ziegler, founder and CEO of Zeki Wellness. Alex shares his journey from a family spice business to launching Zeki Tea, a company focused on health and wellness. Listeners will learn about the challenges and successes Alex has faced in the beverage industry, the importance of high-quality ingredients, and his plans for the future.

Key Topics Discussed:

• 1:00 Min - Alex's Background: Transition from family spice business to founding Zeki Wellness.
• 3:00 Min - Zeki Tea's Unique Offerings: Freshly crafted recipes, imported ingredients, and health benefits.
• 7:00 Min - Wellness Journey: Personal health experiences that inspired the focus on wellness products. Sourcing quality ingredients, managing shelf life, and adapting to market demands.
• 11:00 Min - Marketing Strategies: Leveraging social media, especially LinkedIn, for brand awareness and customer engagement. Importance of consumer input in product development and business decisions.

Conclusion:

Alex Ziegler's passion for wellness and commitment to quality have been key drivers in the success of Zeki Tea. His insights on navigating the beverage industry and leveraging social media for marketing offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Contact Information:

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://zekitea.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zekitea/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson welcomes Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, CEO and founder of Damright Cocktails. Gabrielle shares her journey from bartending in college to launching the world's first USDA-certified organic 100% de Agave tequila ready-to-drink cocktails. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for creating health-conscious cocktails, and her mission to pave the way for other underrepresented groups in the spirits industry.

• 1:00 Min - Gabrielle’s Background and Inspiration: Raised in Southern California, Gabrielle developed a passion for tequila and health-forward cocktails while bartending in college. Her experience in the corporate world and the impact of COVID-19 led her to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.
• 4:00 Min - Launching Damright Cocktails: Gabrielle talks about the nine-month process of creating her product, obtaining licensing and permits, and eventually launching in the summer of 2021.
• 12:00 Min - Business Partner and Initial Challenges: Gabrielle explains how she connected with her business partner through a cold email and the importance of taking risks and networking.
• 18:00 Min - Product Offerings and Future Plans: The current product lineup includes a lime margarita and a strawberry basil margarita, with plans to introduce more fruit-based flavors and increase alcohol content based on customer feedback.

Gabrielle Fitzpatrick’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation in the spirits industry. Her commitment to creating high-quality, organic cocktails and supporting other underrepresented entrepreneurs sets a strong example. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Gabrielle for advice and to explore Damright Cocktails' offerings.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-fitzpatrick/

https://www.instagram.com/gabbyfitz/

https://damnrightcocktails.com/

In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Jamie Valenti- Jordan, the CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services Incorporated. Jamie shares his extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, from his early career at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods to founding Catapult. He discusses the importance of innovation in food production, the challenges of scaling new products, and his commitment to supporting emerging and scaling brands.

• 1:00 Min - Jamie’s Background: Jamie's journey from an internship at General Mills to his roles at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods, and eventually founding Catapult Commercialization Services.
• 3:00 Min - Founding Catapult: The creation of Catapult as a consultancy to provide technical and operational solutions for food and beverage companies, leveraging a network of experienced professionals.
• 6:00 Min - Challenges and Innovations in the Food Industry: Jamie discusses the lack of long-term R&D in large food companies, the role of technological innovation in overcoming food production challenges, and the need for collaboration between industry and academia.
• 12:00 Min - Catapult’s Team and Operations: An overview of Catapult's diverse team, including product developers, engineers, marketers, and quality experts, and how they support clients in bringing new products to market.
• 15:00 Min - Future of Food Innovation: Trends in plant-based products, the importance of sustainable food production, and Jamie’s work with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Jamie Valenti-Jordan’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry. His commitment to innovation and support for emerging brands highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in food production. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Jamie and explore the resources available through Catapult Commercialization Services and the IFT.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mushroom-media-marketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fvmh97c/

https://catapultserv.com/