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/

In this episode of Sipping Success, we explore the vibrant world of specialty coffee with Aaron Blaser, founder and CEO of Curioso, a Minneapolis-based coffee company renowned for its commitment to sustainability, localism, and the arts. Curioso stands out not just for its coffee but also for creating a community space where art and coffee intertwine, fostering a unique cultural experience. Aaron shares his journey from his initial explorations in Panama to establishing Curioso's distinct presence in the coffee industry.

• 1:00 Min - Aaron's Background and Curioso's Genesis: From a science student to a film and photography enthusiast, Aaron’s eclectic background led him to Panama, where his passion for coffee began amidst sustainable living projects.
• 10:00 Min - Sustainability and Community Engagement: Curioso emphasizes sustainability through local sourcing, reducing waste, and supporting local artists and businesses, creating a community hub around coffee.
• 18:00 Min - Adaptability and Growth: Aaron discusses how Curioso adapted its business model from a mobile coffee stand to establishing brick-and-mortar locations, navigating challenges like COVID-19 and evolving consumer needs.

Curioso's story is a compelling example of how a business can integrate passion for a product with community values and environmental consciousness. Aaron Blaser’s journey from a curious experimenter in Panama to a community-focused entrepreneur in Minneapolis illustrates the impact of adaptability, sustainability, and community in building a successful business.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

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

https://www.curiosomn.com/

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

In this episode of Sipping Success, we dive into the fascinating world of whiskey with Juliet Schmalz, founder and CEO of Fortune's Fool. Juliet shares her unique journey from being an anesthesiologist to pursuing her passion in the whiskey industry. Through a detailed exploration of the process and philosophy behind Fortune's Fool, we uncover how this brand combines the art of whiskey making with the rich thematic elements of Shakespeare's works, particularly Romeo and Juliet.

• 1:00 Min: Juliet's Transition from Medicine to Whiskey: The episode opens with Juliet's personal story of transitioning from a medical career to founding a whiskey brand, inspired by her passion and a strategic move to capitalize on the proximity to Louisville, Kentucky.
• 3:00 Min: Branding and Inspiration: Juliet elaborates on how Fortune's Fool is inspired by fables and defined by contrasts, using Shakespearean themes to enrich the brand's identity.
• 8:00 Min: Product Development and Innovation: Discussion on the evolution from initial plans of building a distillery to adapting a business model that includes contracting distillation and focusing on premium barrel quality.
• 17:00 Min: Future Ventures and Collaborations: Juliet discusses upcoming products and innovative cross-industry collaborations, such as venturing into tequila using barrels originally used for aging whiskey.

This episode of Sipping Success provides a comprehensive look into the entrepreneurial spirit driving the craft beverage industry, showcasing Juliet Schmalz’s journey as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and clear branding in crafting a successful business.

https://www.mushroommedia.io/

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

https://fortunesfool.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-schmalz-14b9a55a/