40. Creating a Strong Brand Identity with Katie Beal Brown

Today is our first episode with a repeat guest! The one and only Katie Beal Brown is back on the show and we’re talking all about creating a strong brand identity. We’re diving into the importance of knowing your audience, the power of storytelling, and the opportunities and challenges that come with being the face of your brand. Katie Beal Brown is a fourth-generation West Texan, born and raised in Midland, TX. Growing up, some of her fondest memories were from the time spent with her grandparents out on their family’s ranch in Far West Texas near Fort Davis. Katie attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, where she met her future husband, Tyler Brown, a Houston native and seventh-generation Texan. Katie and Tyler Brown married in her hometown of Midland in 2013 and immediately moved to New York, NY where he had an opportunity in private equity real estate and she continued to grow her career in advertising. With years of experience at industry-leading agencies, she set out on a new venture to build her own brand, Lone River, celebrating her roots in West Texas. Lone River pioneered the tequila-style hard seltzer category with its introduction of Lone River Ranch Water and more recently Lone River Ranch Rita. After less than a year of record sales, Lone River Beverage Company was purchased by Diageo, one of the world's largest producers of spirits and beers including world class brands like Casamigos, Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Guinness and more. Lone River now leads the tequila-style seltzer category as the #1 Ranch Water in the U.S. Katie continues to lead the business on a day-to-day basis, as CEO of the brand and works closely with Diageo leadership to build further on Lone River’s success. Resources & Links:Episode 6: The Importance of Taking Risks with Ranch Water Founder, Katie Beal BrownHow Brands Grow bookJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipEmail us at [email protected] the Of The West Email ListList your jobs on Of The West Connect with Katie: Follow on Instagram @katiebealbrown and @ranchwaterCheck out their website Connect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Mentioned in this episode:Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed