It's time for #CBC2024 in Las Vegas and what better way to get a lay of the land than to connect with Skip and Joe from HUDL Brewing. The fellas share their experiences of learning brewing, creating popular beer recipes, and the importance of meeting consumer preferences. We also discussed the upcoming craft beer events in Las Vegas (including our Welcome Party with CBP, Arryved and Able Baker Brewing). The team conveyed their enthusiasm and pride in their preparations for HUDL week, aiming to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. We hit on the Art District and Old Veg ..read more

After thoroughly enjoying a number of delicious beers from this brewery, I had to connect with Steve Parker, Co-Founder & Head Brewer of Fidens Brewing Company (Albany, NY) We jump into Steve's love of beer and taking the leap from Phys-Ed teacher to professional brewer and business owner. Due to the pandemic, their business plan had to shift from taproom to a to-go model, and that created an unexpected surge in demand. We discuss the challenges of managing the taproom, and expanding at the right time and pace. The demand was so great, so quickly, that customers were sleeping in the parkin ..read more

I had to repost! This was a fun conversation from St. Patrick's Day 2022 with the team at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore MD. I have since visited and was welcomed with open arms. In this episode, we're talking with the National Brand Ambassador, Ryan Wagner and Head Brewer of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore Maryland, Sean Brennan. First things first, we pronounce “Sláinte” properly and what it actually means.  We discuss the history of the Nitro Pour, a 9,000 year lease (!) and the Guinness Book of World Records.  The more you know! We dive into the plethora of b ..read more

2024 will require beverage companies to become better in many ways. So, today we're talking about "Core Values" with Chad Kimmel of Grand Illusion Hard Cider in Carlisle, PA. We hit on a range of topics, including the significance of core values in business and the importance of investing in employee wellness. We also discussed creating unique and exceptional experiences for customers, fostering a supportive and appreciative culture, and analyzing turnover rates and employee happiness within the organization. Additionally, Chad shared entertaining anecdotes about customer experiences and discu ..read more

2024 will require beverage companies to become better in many ways. So, today we're talking about "Core Values" with Chad Kimmel of Grand Illusion Hard Cider in Carlisle, PA. We hit on a range of topics, including the significance of core values in business and the importance of investing in employee wellness. We also discussed creating unique and exceptional experiences for customers, fostering a supportive and appreciative culture, and analyzing turnover rates and employee happiness within the organization. Additionally, Chad shared entertaining anecdotes about customer experiences and discu ..read more

2024 will be the year of creating value for your consumer. I'm joined by author and friend Joshua M. Bernstein. "As the brewing industry navigates another 12 months of spirited competition and capricious consumer behavior, here's what's in store: 1) Taprooms will put a premium on hospitality on service. 2) Breweries will get more creative with events. The days of one-size-fits-all festivals are over. 3) Zero-carbonation alcoholic beverages will pop up, buoyed by the rise of hard tea. 4) Increased brewery consolidation will help breweries save costs by sharing resources. 5) Brand values will be ..read more

Kicking off Season 5 with a quick hello and a THANK YOU. It’s going to be a great year for you, your business, and this podcast. We appreciate our listeners and look forward to continuing to deliver great value in 2024. Cheers ..read more

With the increase in retail theft, specifically Spirits Wholesalers and Manufacturers, we're featuring women-owned business Valentis Group. We're speaking with Director of Planning & Project Advancement, Steve Sutch along with Head of Marketing Sales & Strategy, Martha Hunter. We break down two thefts that each exceeded $1,000,000 recently, and the importance of proper training and appearance for security guards, as well as the need for a comprehensive security plan to mitigate risk. We talk prevention, culture and the importance of being proactive and staying ahead of evolving threats ..read more

Today's episode is the Audio version of my Craft Beer Professionals Fall Virtual Conference presentation from October 17, 2023 about "Effectively Communicating Your Guidelines for Kids in Breweries" There are many takeaways here that you'll be able to implement immediately at your breweries. Appreciate you and thanks for listening! Cheers, Kyle #beermightythings #kidsinbreweries #dogsinbreweries ..read more

In this episode, I chat with longtime friend & mentor Patrick Freer to discuss the challenges of starting a brewery and the emotions of running and selling that same brewery. We discuss securing funding, purchasing equipment, navigating regulations, and managing multiple locations. Patrick shared his experience of managing a brewery and the importance of delegating responsibilities, trusting others, and experimenting with new ideas. We also talked about the challenges of running a brewery with a kitchen, including unreliable food trucks and the impact of a restaurant on the manufacturing s ..read more