Send us a text In 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 an...

Send us a text The 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 takeawa...

Send us a text Richard 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...

Send us a text We 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 y...

Send us a text In 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 success...

Send us a text Join 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, includi...

Send us a text In 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, an...

Send us a text In 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 principles If you're ready to apply these gaming lessons to your m...

Send us a text In 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, styl...

Send us a text In 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...

Send us a text In 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 flexibil...

Send us a text In 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 ...

Send us a text Chris 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...

Send us a text James 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...

Send us a text This 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 effe...

Send us a text Just 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://ww...

Send us a text Join 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-de...

Send us a text Grant 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 ...

Send us a text This 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 ...

Send us a text In 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...