Turning A Garage Hobby Into A Business | Chat w/ Mark Ray of Stowe Cider

Mark Ray, owner of Stowe Cider, shares how a passion project in a Vermont garage transformed into a premier craft beverage brand distributing across six states. From the defining shift into cans to navigating the complex nuances of commercial cider production, he explains how partnering with Ekos gave his team the operational visibility needed to manage inventory, streamline production, and protect margins. This episode explores the power of make-to-order manufacturing, avoiding the trap of over-expansion, and how purpose-built software helps operators maintain quality as they scale. Operational Visibility Enables Smart Growth – Mark Ray moved Stowe Cider off generic spreadsheets and onto Ekos to track every step of production in real time. Having accurate data from raw ingredients to final invoicing gives operators complete control over inventory and margins as they scale. Simplicity Wins on the Shelf – Instead of following noisy craft trends, Stowe Cider chose clean, simple label designs. Creating a bold visual identity on retail shelves naturally draws consumer eyes, driving the repeat buys and high velocity needed to build long-term retail trust. Depth Beats Reckless Expansion – Sustainable growth comes from deepening your regional footprint rather than over-extending into national distribution. By using a tight make-to-order production model, Stowe Cider eliminates wasted inventory, protects liquid quality, and builds a stronger, more profitable business. Episode Links Mark Ray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ray-20673043/ Stowe Cider: https://www.stowecider.com/ Stowe Cider Facebook: https://www.faceb ook.com/StoweCider/ Stowe Cider Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stowecider/?hl=en Ekos: https://www.goekos.com/ Untappd for Business: https://utfb.untappd.com/ Next Glass: https://www.nextglass.co/ Ollie: https://www.nextglass.co/ollie/ Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services