Get Hoptimized Podcast

Send us Fan MailThey're back! Al Schuster and Heather Johnson from Polaris Brand Promotion are here to announce the launch of SampleFinder—the revolutionary new app that promotes experiential marketing directly to you! Say goodbye to missed demos.Visit SampleFinder.com to sign up for the launch newsletter and feature your events on the app.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailJay Williams, founder of Free Bird Southern Springwater shares the secrets to building a brand with a soul in the competitive canned water market, detailing their explosive growth, Americana branding strategy, and a critical distribution deal with retail giants in United Distributors and Walmart.Visit drinkfreebird.com to connect with Jay Williams and check out the brand-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, host Chris is joined by Andrew Bauman, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, to explore the state's vibrant beer scene, legislative wins, and partnerships that strengthens members long-term success.If you're interested in learning more about the Arizona Brewers Guild, upcoming events, or to inquire about becoming a Guild member or support any of their initiatives, please visit their website at chooseazbrews.com-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with Brian Deignan,  owner and operator of Validation Ale. Brian brought his background in startup tech and market validation to the brewing industry. The result is a radically innovative, customer-centric model that has allowed the brewery to thrive. The "Validation" Concept: A Real-Time Beer Leaderboard.If you want to learn more about Validation Ale's innovative approach, head over to their website and fill the contact form. -Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailChris sits down with Caroline Wallace, Executive Director of the Texas Brewers Guild and Chris Troutman, Co-Founder of Good Line Beer Co., to unpack the realities of running and growing a craft brewery in today’s market especially in a state as large and diverse as Texas.This episode offers both a statewide leadership perspective and an on-the-ground operator’s view of how breweries are adapting, innovating, and collaborating to move forward. Visit their website texasbrewersguild.org to explore membership options and get plugged into one of the most dynamic beer communities in the US.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWashington State is one of the most influential craft beer regions in the world and the Washington Brewers Guild sits at the center of it all. In this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, our host Chris speaks with the Guild leaders in Daniel Olsen and Shawna Cormier about advocacy, collaboration, and what it takes to support independent breweries in a maturing beer market.To support independent craft beer in Washington;👉 Visit the Washington Brewers Guild website washingtonbrewersguild.org 👉 Follow on IG @WAHBrewersGuild (industry) & @WashingtonBeer (consumer)-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, we’re joined by Marty Nachel—certified beer judge, Beer for Dummies author, and craft beer industry veteran. Marty shares the moment that launched his career, reflects on the industry’s evolution, and dives into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, including 2026 nominees, future initiatives, and details on the upcoming induction ceremony. Explore more about Marty Nachel’s work and the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame at americancraftbeerhalloffame.org. -Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailGet ready—this episode is a hop lover’s dream! In this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, we sit down with Brian Clayton, CEO of Clayton Hops —New Zealand’s largest hop grower and most advanced hop processor. Brian takes us on a high-energy tour through the unique flavor profiles, next-level processing innovations, the future-forward hops and exciting new varieties that are driving global demand. If you're looking to elevate your recipes with premium New Zealand hops, explore the full range of hop varieties straight from the source by hopping onto claytonhops.co.nz-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn episode 62 of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, we dive into what truly makes a website work. Jeff and Peter from Brandartica, a branding and web development agency, discussed the critical role of a website in a business's digital marketing ecosystem. The conversation covers the balance between creativity and functionality, the importance of brand consistency, and their process for building effective websites for both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses in the food and beverage industry.Develop a website that scales with growth by connecting with Jeff and Peter at Brandartica.agency They specialize in crafting high-impact branding and web solutions tailored to your business.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThe world of alcohol production is exciting, but it comes with a complex web of regulations from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). For breweries, distilleries, and other producers, staying compliant is crucial to avoid costly delays and penalties. In a recent episode of the Get Hoptimized podcast, host Chris sat down with Wendy Raymond, founder of Taps and Snaps and a seasoned TTB compliance consultant, to shed light on these critical issues. Key takeaway includes Common TTB Compliance Pitfalls to Avoid and many more. Avoid costly mistakes & stay ahead of changes!Connect with Taps and Snaps today to streamline your TTB compliance! Visit their website at tapsandsnaps.com or find them on Meta, Instagram and LinkedIn-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailRichard Carnegie, Director of Sales and Marketing at BuzzyBooth joins us on the Get Hoptimized Podcast and shares his experience on how bars, taprooms, and restaurants can turn in-person fun into online buzz. Richard unpacked how BuzzyBooth’s photo and marketing kiosks empower venues to seamlessly capture guest data, generate positive reviews, and drive social media engagement through an innovative auto opt-in marketing approach. Learn how digital word of mouth and smart tech can transform your guest experience into a powerful marketing engine.Connect with Richard at buzzybooth.com to learn more on how to transform your guest experience and amplify your marketing efforts.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with the incredible Jacob Hedges and Jason Brewer from Wandering Monsters to talk all things brand, content, and the power of family-friendly fun. From the flexible adaptation of their mascot across content and merch to keeping guests engaged with Duckpin Bowling, Wandering Monsters is doing some really fun (and smart!) stuff.Don't forget to check out their awesome merchandise online and grab some gear to show your support!If you're ready to add a money-maker to your spot, connect with Jacob and Jason by visiting wanderingmonstersbeer.com-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized podcast, host Chris dives into the world of "In Real Life Brand Experiences" with special guests Al Schuster (President) and Heather Johnson from Polaris Brand Promotions. If you're a beverage brand running tastings or product demos, or considering it, this conversation is for you.Al and Heather, with their extensive experience in nationwide promotional staffing and experiential marketing, share invaluable insights on how to create successful brand experiences. They cover everything from setting up events and staffing to measuring results.For businesses looking to create unforgettable brand experiences, Polaris Brand Promotions offers comprehensive solutions, from their nationwide staffing expertise to full-service experiential provider capabilities (including fabricated booths, signage, and branded attire through strategic partners), they are equipped to bring your brand to life. To learn more and see examples of Polaris Brand Promotions' incredible work, visit polarisbrandpromotions.com-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailJoin us on this episode of the Get Hoptimized podcast as Marc Marashi, Project Manager at Malt Handling teams up with our host Chris Overlay and together they discuss everything about optimizing malt operations for Craft Brewers and Distillers.Key talking points include:🌽Mark's unique journey into the malt handling industry.🌽The importance of milling for efficiency and the hidden costs of pre-milled grain.🌽Crucial considerations for system design and installation, including large outdoor silos.🌽Advice on updating current systems versus installing new ones, and dealing with spent grain.🌽Essential safety measures for malt handling, particularly concerning combustible grain dust, and future industry trends.The episode also covers significant safety considerations for breweries, especially regarding the combustible nature of grain dust and the importance of dust removal systems to prevent explosions and ensure a safe working environment.Your brewing process deserves perfection. For expert guidance on bringing in fresh malt to spent grain removal, and everything in between, connect with Marc on LinkedIn or visit malthandling.com to discover a system that's tailored for your success.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized podcast, Host Chris chats with Kimberly Ross and Brian Beck from Middle Street Graphics and Display. Our guests share over 40 years of experience in beverage signage and displays, working with brands from global giants like Pepsi to local breweries.This episode covers:📢 What retail displays are, why they matter and how to use them📢 Cost-effectiveness and sustainability: Debunking the myth that creative displays are always expensive, and exploring the eco-friendly aspects of corrugated displays.📢 Measuring Effectiveness: Tips on tracking sales and understanding the ROI of display investments.📢 The Future of Displays: How technology like QR codes and interactive elements are shaping the next generation of retail merchandising. 📢 And more....Ready to elevate your brand's retail presence? Learn more about how Kim, Brian, and the team at Middle Street Graphics & Display can help you create impactful, sales-driving displays. Visit their website middlestreetdisplay.com to explore their portfolio and discover solutions tailored to your unique needs.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn the podcast episode "What Video Games Can Teach Us About Marketing," Chris from Get Optimized draws parallels between video game strategies and effective marketing.He introduces the concept of gamification in everyday interactions and marketing, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking, adaptability, and understanding consumer behavior. The episode dives into three specific video games to illustrate these principlesIf you're ready to apply these gaming lessons to your marketing strategy, be sure to listen to the full episode. For more insights and actionable advice on optimizing your business in Digital Advertising, Branding and Market Positioning and Execution, get in touch with Chris Overlay at Gethoptimized.com -Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Host Chris interviews Jonathan Hooten (Hootie), founder of ParadYm Data, an expert in beverage data with 25+ years of experience. They discuss the fundamentals of beverage data, including depletions and sales data, emphasizing their importance for understanding the market and forecasting. Hootie highlights the evolution of data transparency in the industry, enabling a fact-based decision making process. Key metrics for craft brewers, such as segment, style, size, price, and promotion, are explored, along with the distinction between strategy and tactics.If you are looking to leverage data and AI to transform your business operations, connect with Jonathan Hooten by heading over to the website paradymdata.com-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this Get Hoptimized Podcast episode, host Chris speaks with beverage industry veteran Sam Anderson of BevAssets. Sam unpacks the intricate strategies enabling craft breweries to master complex distribution systems, guiding breweries on how to efficiently move products from production to wholesaler and strategically maintain their vital shelf space in retail stores. The discussion also covered other critical aspects like managing production capacity, leveraging data for growth, the power of "Feet on the Street" sales tactics, and adapting to the evolving landscape of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.To unlock your brand's full potential and gain direct insights from Sam's experience in Beverage Distribution Channels, connect with him on LinkedIn or simply email at [email protected]. Explore BevAssets comprehensive solutions on their website at bevassets.comConnect with Sam on SocialsIG - @beveragemansamMeta - @Beverage Man Sam-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, Host Chris welcomes Richard Eklund, founder of Add-A-Tap as He joins us to discuss his company's innovative easy-to-use draft beverage solution that brings quality pour to any setting. These systems empower breweries and bars to expand their beverage offerings, enhance sales, and streamline operations at festivals.If you're a Brewery, Bar or Event Organizer looking to expand your offerings and diversify your menu with the flexibility of a portable draft system, then head over to www.addatap.com to get in touch with Richard Eklund. Also find out more information about his products, pricing availability, and other service offerings.-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, host Chris sat down with CPG distribution veteran Mike Levinson, founder of Food Service Octopus, to explore how craft beverage brands can creatively expand their reach beyond the crowded "ocean" of major grocery chains. Mike's two decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods, foodservice, and retail sectors offer invaluable insights into how small brands can thrive by thinking differently about distribution.To Unlock new growth opportunities in Food Service and Alternative Channels, connect with Mike Levinson on LinkedIn for direct insights, or discover his full suite of solutions by heading to his website at fsoctopus.com. -Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailChris chats with brewery branding expert Tim Weaver of The Brand Weaver. They dive into creating memorable brand experiences for breweries, discussing customer touchpoints like taprooms, labels, and more. Tim shares insights on helping breweries stand out, and strategies for building a unique brand identity that resonates with customers.To connect with Tim Weaver, head over to https://thebrandweaver.co.uk/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailJames Gourley, an IP lawyer, discusses intellectual property in the Craft Beer Industry on the Get Hoptimized Podcast. Key insights include:Trademarks and Branding, Brewery Names ("house marks"), Beer Names, and avoiding Legal Issues.Copyrights and Creative Contents: Ownership of label art, AI art, and music in social media.Trade Secrets and Recipes: Protecting recipes and processes.Legal Disputes and Enforcements: Legal help, trademark registration, and handling infringements.For more information on how to get in touch with James, head over to www.caglaw.com-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis episode features Chris exploring effective marketing strategies for breweries and craft beverage companies. He highlights the crucial role of "owned channels", such as email lists, text message marketing, and websites.In discussing marketing strategy, Chris highlights the importance of measurable outcomes. This means designing campaigns to directly track specific conversions like online pre-orders, event registrations, or coupon downloads. By doing so, businesses can effectively evaluate their marketing performance and ROAS which results in a far more efficient and effective marketing system.For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website www.gethoptimized.com or follow us on social media @gethoptimized-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailJust back from CBC 2025, Chris delivers his candid assessment of the expo. Was the shared booth experiment a success? What were the real conversations happening on the floor regarding costs and innovation? From the rise of THC to the tech taking hold, and even the surprising popularity of West Coast pilsners, Chris breaks down the key industry trends and offers his unfiltered thoughts on the value of attending.Listen to more episodes of the Get Hoptimized Podcast on https://www.gethoptimized.com/podcast-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we dive deep with John Szymankiewicz of the Beer Law Center! In this episode, John tackles the critical legal questions surrounding the booming THC beverage market and other evolving trends in the craft industry. Learn why solid employee policies and adapting to trends are non-negotiable for success.For more information on John and the Beer Law Center, head over to https://beerlawcenter.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailGrant Pearce, founder of Live Tap List, explains how his software streamlines menu management for breweries. Inspired by his brother's struggles, Grant created Live Tap List to centralize menu updates across digital displays, websites, and print, while also integrating with POS systems. At the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), he will demonstrate the software's flexibility and efficiency, particularly for marketing and customer engagement.For more information on Grant and Live Tap Lists, head over to https://livetaplists.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis episode of the "Get Optimized" podcast features Ryan Halleman of Apex Group 360, who provides insights into the craft beer industry and the upcoming CBC 2025. Ryan discusses his excitement exhibiting at CBC 2025, which He views as the "Super Bowl of craft beer." He anticipates a shift in focus at this year's event, with more emphasis on cost reduction and margin improvement rather than big equipment purchases, due to current industry challenges.For more information on Ryan and Apex Group 360 head to https://www.apexgroup360.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, Chris interviews Ricky Wojcik of Perfectly Dosed, a Chicago-based company specializing in hemp emulsions. They discuss the growing market of THC-infused beverages, particularly in states where cannabis is legal, and how these products are appearing in regular retail stores. Ricky also shares his excitement about attending the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) 2025, where Perfectly Dosed will be showcasing their expertise and answering questions about integrating THC into brewing operations.For more information on Ricky Wojcik and Perfectly Dosed, head over to https://www.perfectlydosed.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, Chris interviews Ross Stensrud, co-founder of TapWyse, about the Craft Brewers Conference #CBC 2025 and how TapWyse helps breweries boost revenue through mobile apps. They discuss taproom maximization, industry trends like alternative beverages, and the benefits of membership programs. Ross also provides advice for first-time CBC attendees and emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions. He encourages breweries to consider TapWyse's solutions for enhancing customer engagement and creating new revenue streams. For more information about Ross and TapWyse, head over to https://tapwyse.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), known as the "Super Bowl" of brewing events, with Dan Klasen from the Beverage Federation. Dan shares his valuable insights for navigating CBC, especially for first-timers and growing breweries. We discuss the evolving brewing industry, including the rise of contract brewing and alternative beverage lines like wine and THC-infused products. Dan emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, scheduling vendor meetings, and reviewing operational costs to maximize your CBC experience. We also explore strategies for business owners to delegate tasks and focus on strategic growth. Whether you're attending CBC or looking to improve your brewery's operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice.For more information about Dan and the Beverage Federation, head to www.beveragefederation.com/-Music Credit-Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIn this interview, we are speaking with Ross Stensrud, Co-Founder of TapWyse. His company builds apps for breweries that add revenue streams and improve customer communication. We’ve had the chance to see the data for ourselves and speak with Ross on multiple occasions about the work TapWyse is doing – we like what we see! So we asked Ross onto the show to answer questions about what apps can really do for your brewery and things you should consider when building one. Learn more about TapWyse at www.tapwyse.com and connect with Ross at [email protected]. ---Intro/Outro Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis monthly edition of the podcast is all about answering YOUR questions on digital marketing and craft beer. This month, we're talking about: Why Your Reach on Instagram Posts is Low RecentlyHow To Structure Ads for Multiple LocationsShould You Care About Email MarketingWhat is Up With TikTok LatelyWant to get your questions answered next month? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailIf you're headed to Vegas for CBC, here's your local's guide to finding great drinks and eats. The Las Vegas Strip is massive, with many tantalizing options for any palate. You won’t have any trouble finding world-class restaurants and bars named after celebrities. This guide isn’t for that. This is for folks looking for local secrets and undercover gems. If you’re in search of the best craft beer in town, delicious food that won’t blow your budget, or just some help to not feel lost, you’ll find it here. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe're joined by Derek Smith, a Brewery Consultant with Small Batch Standard, to discuss profitability for breweries in 2024 and beyond. Derek and his team are doing incredible work helping breweries break down their finances into specific "business units" and then analyze profitability from there. This conversation is packed with valuable insight into how that works and other trends for maximizing profits. Derek and Small Batch Standard are also giving you a FREE 2-page Business Unit Breakdown report. Just head to sbstandard.com/hop to take advantage. You can also connect with Derek on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/dereksmith9/ or by emailing him at [email protected]. Learn more about Small Batch Standard at sbstandard.com ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis monthly edition of the podcast is all about answering YOUR questions on digital marketing and craft beer. This month, we're talking about: Marketing a brewery in a remote locationTips for promoting a seasonal beer garden Which website builder to use for your breweryWant to get your questions answered next month? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis monthly edition of the podcast is all about answering YOUR questions on digital marketing and craft beer. This month, we're talking about: Meta/Facebook account violations and how to get out of themSpam Messages within Meta ManagerBest practices for sharing marketing assetsWant to get your questions answered next month? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. ---Intro/Outro Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis monthly edition of the podcast is all about answering YOUR questions on digital marketing and craft beer. This month, we're talking about: Where to get the most bang for your buck with digital marketing right nowWhether or not you should use cloud storage systems Promotional timelines for events like Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Want to get your questions answered next month? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. ---Intro/Outro Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailReally excited to chat Label and Package Design with a pro like Jillian. She's got a TON of experience and has done work for some great brands like Central Waters, Omni, and Lagersmith. Whether you are working with designers or doing design yourself, there is a lot to glean from this interview. Learn more about Jillian and her company, Elbongürk, at www.elbongurk.com ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWhen I hear "app," I usually cringe a little bit. There are seemingly a million of them out there and it's hard to find anything that actually works... But I tell you what, a new-ish app called Crackem has actually proven some success.Founded by Aubrey Perry on the heels of the pandemic, Crackem is helping breweries 4X their return on investment into their program that gamifies user visits and rewards. Plus, they have over 4,000 active venues in all 50 states. So there is at least something working and worth asking a few questions about, right? Check out the full interview and learn more about Crackem at crackem.us---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailA website is one of the most essential components of a marketing strategy, but building one can be downright painful. So how can you better navigate the process? We're joined by website expert Marcus Ohanesian, Founder of Perfect Evolution, to discuss website design and how to better plan for the process yourself. Marcus has over a decade of experience building websites and has lots of experience working with breweries too. So whether you're shopping for website builders right now, planning to DIY, or considering a redesign, this podcast will be super helpful. And if you want to get in touch with Marcus and his website design company, head over to www.perfectevolution.xyz---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe recently had a neat conversation about T-90 pellets. More specifically about their efficiencies… and inefficiencies. Our good friend Chris Holden chimed in on the topic. He is the dude heading up sales and marketing for The Hop Guild up in New York.So if you're a brewer, you're going to be fascinated by what Chris has to say about ways you can save money, produce more revenue per batch, save water, and more.This conversation is also for the folks selling products to brewers - hops, grain, stickers, tap handles, etc. There's a subtext to this conversation about understanding what problems you solve for your customer and communicating the value around those problems.You're gonna love it. If you want to find out more about The Hop Guild and their new HOPSAUCE product, head to thehopguild.com/hopsauce ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe've got a story for you. It starts with a couple of buddies who met in college, graduated, and then decided to start a brewery together. Since then, they have grown the brewery to be quite a staple in their community.In fact, their beer is served around the world, including in Virginia. New York, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and even New Zealand. So what started out as just a couple of buddies in college has grown into something quite amazing. We're talking about the Virginia Beer Co and were joined by founders Chris Smith and Robby Willey on the latest Get Hoptimized Podcast.We could have them on just because they've grown a successful brewery, but they've recently gone through a rebranding which we thought was especially fascinating. So, dive into this episode to hear about why they decided to update the brand and what their experience was like along the way.---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailAndrew Coplon joins us to answer some questions about the upcoming Craft Beer Professionals Connects Workshop in Milwaukee this June. Their event is very different from other conferences/expos, and we wanted to uncover what actually makes it so unique. Andrew answers a ton of questions and shares a little secret about the event that you won't find online. To register and learn more about CBP Connects, go to craftbeerprofessionals.org/cbp-connects---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe FINALLY get to talk about NA beer! Our Guest, Alan Lapoint from 1820 Brewing, geeks out with us. We talked about branding, the brewing process, and how the e-commerce business model works for Non-Alcoholic beer. For all our listeners, 1820 is offering 20% off on their website when you use the code Gethop20. Just head to 1820brewing.com and get some of their amazing N/A beer shipped right to you.---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe get an insider preview of the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville this May. Ann Obenchain, Marketing & Communications Director for the Brewers Association, joins us. She answers questions about how to make the most of your conference experience, where to find the best Nashville hot chicken, and more. Learn more about CBC and register at www.craftbrewersconference.com---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWe're joined by Kary Shumway of Craft Brewery Financial Training to talk about how to better control costs in 2023. A very timely episode considering the current economic climate. Even if we weren't dealing with a recession or inflation, the insights from Kary on this topic are still really useful. If you are looking for more financial insight, head to Kary's website, www.craftbreweryfinance.com. ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailAn article from Marketing Brew about Dry January trends data raises some questions about the hype vs. participation of Dry January.  We take a look at the data ourselves and give an analysis. Then, we take a look at Google Trends data for Valentine's Day, Super Bowl, and St. Patrick's Day. Reference: https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2023/01/25/how-alcohol-brands-are-embracing-the-rise-of-dry-january---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailThis week, we're changing things up with the podcast format. We'll be reviewing a few pieces of news relevant to the craft beverage industry and marketing. Links to the articles discussed in this episode can be found on our blog at gethoptimized.com. News This Week: - Buddhist sue over beer name- Drinkers might be less price sensitive than we thought- Fat Tire has a new look- Instagram reveals new feed filtering controls- The Twitter rival you've never heard of- AI and retail inventory tech---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailWhen we think about Public Relations, a lot of questions come to mind. As a craft beer business, should you care about public relations? And what the heck does "public relations" really mean?  How can you get started with PR??? So many questions... In short, YES! You should absolutely care about PR. To help us understand why and to unpack this marketing concept for the craft beer industry, we're joined by Kevin York. Kevin is one of the few people who has done PR, social media, and content marketing at both the strategic and tactical levels. Prior to founding KYC (Kevin York Communications), he worked at Edelman Digital and Voce Communications, a Porter Novelli company, where he served as head of Porter Novelli’s global digital technology practice. He also founded and managed The Couchletes, a national sports editorial site with seven regional writers. KYC is hosting a new conference all about marketing in the craft beverage industry called Beer Amplified. The idea is to bring marketing people from lots of different industries (not just beer) and have them share their insights to craft beer industry people. The conference takes place this March in Boston. You can learn more at Beeramplified.comYou can also learn more about Kevin's company at kevinyorkcomms.com---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized 

Send us Fan MailA topic that pops up frequently in online craft beer groups and forums is LOYALTY PROGRAMS, and with good reason. There is seemingly a ton of potential value to be leveraged with a loyalty program, but unlocking that value can be tricky. Enter today’s guest, Jackson Boyer. He’s an expert on marketing, tech, and has a background in venture capital too. But he’s also doing some really interesting work with breweries (and other local businesses) when it comes to loyalty programs.He’s a founder of BuddyTexts and they offer a sort of hybrid loyalty program / text message marketing / e-commerce service. I’ve been chatting with Jackson for a few months and finally convinced him to come on the show to share some insight with us. Jackson has also agreed to hook our listeners up with a FREE month of BuddyTexts service. Just mention the Get Hoptimized Podcast and they’ll get you taken care of. More info at buddytexts.com or by emailing [email protected] ---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized.com@gethoptimized