What happens when success stops feeling like success? In this episode, Matthew sits down with Stefani Seek, founder of Seek Coaching, to talk about what drives burnout—and what it takes to find balance again. After 25 years in corporate sales and leadership, Stefani discovered that alignment, not hustle, is the real key to fulfillment. Together, they unpack how leaders can reconnect with their authentic voice, shift subconscious beliefs, and redefine success on their own terms. It’s a grounded, practical conversation about leadership, mindset, and the power of intentional living.

Matthew Shipp sits down with Dan Saettele, owner of Foeder Crafters—the only U.S. company dedicated to manufacturing foeders full-time. Dan shares how he transitioned from banking into running a specialized manufacturing shop, taking on the complexities of production, supply chains, and team leadership. They talk through the unique challenges of making large-scale oak vessels, why Missouri White Oak matters, and how Dan has approached continuous improvement across every part of the business. It’s a grounded conversation about buying a niche company, adapting fast, and learning how to lead from the shop floor

In this episode, Matt Hayes, founder of Bridging Tables, explains how his team is reshaping the specialty coffee supply chain by aligning the needs of farmers, mills, and roasters. Through transparent financing and relationship-first logistics, Bridging Tables connects the right people at the right time, without excluding those who play a real role. This is about making the supply chain smarter. And it’s delivering real results: better margins, stronger partnerships, and more resilient communities.

What really holds back beverage brands after their first big win? Debbie Wildrick has answers—and experience to back them up. Known as the Queen of Beverages, Debbie brings decades of insight from managing 7-Eleven’s beverage empire to advising startup and mid-stage brands. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden pitfalls in distribution, sales strategy, and scaling—and how to fix them. If you’re a beverage entrepreneur trying to grow smarter, not just bigger, this is one to catch.

What’s holding back most beverage brands? It’s not the product—it’s the distribution. In this episode of Harvest to Pour, Matthew sits down with Jim Harris from Western Computer to unpack how modern ERP systems are bringing order to the chaos of alcohol logistics. From tangled regulations to real cost tracking, they dive into why smarter systems are essential for scaling in the wine and spirits space. If you’re still running your distribution on spreadsheets, it’s time to rethink your tech.

Feeling mentally cluttered heading into the long weekend? In this quick-hit Workshop Minute, Matthew Shipp reveals why trying to keep everything in your head leads to stress—and how a simple habit can bring clarity. Whether you're pen-and-paper or all-digital, writing tasks down does more than organize your to-do list. It frees your mind.

Water might be the most overlooked ingredient in beverage production, but it’s also the most important. In this episode of Harvest to Pour, Matthew sits down with Cydian Kauffman from Pure Water Northwest to explore how water quality, chemistry, and strategy can transform your coffee, beer, or bourbon. Whether you're pulling from a tap or a well, what’s in your water directly shapes what’s in your glass.

We dive into a groundbreaking approach to worker health and recovery. LifeWave’s X39 patch offers a natural, drug-free way to support the body’s ability to heal and strengthen — and it’s already making an impact in physically demanding industries. Guest Michael Babcock shares firsthand experiences and surprising success stories that hint at the real potential behind this light-driven technology. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your team — or yourself — stay strong, work longer, and recover better without relying on medicine or downtime, you’ll want to hear what we uncovered.

What if your biggest year in business was actually the biggest risk to your future? In this episode of Harvest to Pour, Matthew sits down with Dr. Mike Smith of ActionCOACH to unpack a surprising truth—many businesses struggle not at startup, but right after their peak. With decades of experience scaling companies and integrating acquisitions, Mike brings powerful insight into what separates sustainable growth from costly overreach. If you're thinking about scaling, stepping back, or building a business that runs without you, this episode is your roadmap. Tune in to learn what most owners overlook—and how to avoid it.

What does it take to turn a West Texas tradition into a successful canned cocktail company? In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Lettieri, founder of Ranch2O Spirits, to learn how a simple idea—born from everyday inconvenience—led to the creation of a new kind of beverage business. Drawing from her background in finance and operations, Amelia entered an emerging market with focus and clarity. The conversation explores the early decisions, the roadblocks, and the steady progress behind building RANCH2O Spirits. If you're interested in how a personal idea becomes a real product, you’ll want to listen in.

Blake Ottomeyer, founder of Bean Sprout Coffee Co., a mobile espresso and cocktail coffee cart service talks about redefining coffee and hospitality at events. From corporate gatherings to weddings, Blake has found a way to blend exceptional coffee, meaningful customer interactions, and seamless service to create something truly special. But how did he turn a single coffee cart into a growing business with multiple event bookings in three short years? Tune in to hear the lessons, challenges, and insights behind his journey.

What if the key to food and beverage success wasn’t just great taste, but understanding what consumers truly want—before they even do? In this episode of Harvest to Pour, I sit down with Andreas Duess, founder and CEO of 6 Seed Consulting, to explore how AI is transforming the industry. From predicting consumer behavior to eliminating costly missteps, AI is reshaping how food brands develop, market, and sell products. But is AI the game-changer it promises to be—or just another trend? Tune in to discover how data-driven insights are giving food businesses a competitive edge like never before.

Scaling a business isn’t just about selling more—it’s about building the right systems to support growth. Without structured operations, even the most successful businesses hit bottlenecks, lose efficiency, and struggle to scale. Joshua Monge, founder of Think. Adapt. Build., reveals how streamlining workflows, automating processes, and documenting key operations can be the difference between a thriving business and one that stalls. Whether you're looking to optimize efficiency or prepare your business for long-term success, this episode will challenge how you think about scalability and sustainability.

Are you stuck in the cycle of making every decision while your team waits for direction? You’re not alone. Many business owners struggle to transition from being the sole driver of progress to fostering a team that takes ownership and solves problems independently. In this episode of The Workshop Minute, we explore why teams hesitate, how leadership habits reinforce dependence, and what you can do to change it. If you’re ready to build a culture where your employees think, act, and lead without constant oversight, this episode is your roadmap.

Find out what it takes to disrupt a traditional industry and thrive against the odds? In this episode, we dive into the world of innovation, persistence, and customer-centricity. Founder Will Blum shares how he turned a simple idea into Bluebird Hardwater, a beverage that’s rewriting the rules. Want to learn how simplicity can be your greatest strength?

How can leaders uncover the root causes of team frustration and turn it into an opportunity for growth and collaboration? Frustration in your team might feel like a roadblock, but what if it’s actually a guidepost? In this episode, we explore how to uncover what’s holding your team back and turn it into an opportunity for growth. Curious about the tools and strategies that can make frustration a powerful ally? Tune in to discover the secrets.

We sit down with James Gourley, an experienced intellectual property attorney at Carstens, Allen & Gourley. James shares insights into the critical role of intellectual property (IP), particularly trademarks and patents, in the beverage industry. Drawing from his extensive background, including work with PepsiCo, James highlights the importance of protecting brands, navigating IP challenges, and addressing misconceptions surrounding trademarks and patents. They also discuss the emerging THC beverage market, packaging innovations, and the significance of early IP planning for small businesses to avoid costly legal disputes. James offers actionable tips on when and how to secure trademarks to protect a company's identity and success.

Jeff Bach, founder of Bach Business Brokers, a company specializing in business brokerage services within the spirits, beer, and wine industries. With over 14 years of brokerage experience and more than 30 years as an entrepreneur, Jeff shares his insights on business sales, especially in the alcohol sector. They discuss the unique aspects of valuing and selling businesses in the spirits industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the critical steps that business owners should take when preparing to exit. Jeff emphasizes the need for business owners to plan ahead and be ready for a sale years in advance to maximize their business's value. He also sheds light on the specific challenges faced by craft distillers and brewers and the ways they can navigate their growth and acquisition opportunities.

Angus Rittenberg, co-founder of Wherehouse Beverage Company, share his journey in pioneering low-dose THC seltzers for mainstream markets. Angus shares how they created WYNK, a zero-calorie THC beverage designed as a social alternative to alcohol, and the innovative mobile production system they developed to navigate complex state-by-state cannabis regulations. By producing locally within each market, Wherehouse Beverage has successfully placed WYNK in liquor stores, expanding accessibility and attracting new, health-conscious consumers. Angus also delves into the compliance challenges they face, including evolving packaging and dosage regulations, and discusses the company’s ambition to position WYNK alongside popular alcoholic seltzers nationwide.

Pete Mohr, founder of Simplifying Entrepreneurship. Pete shares insights from his 30-year journey as a business owner and coach, helping business leaders streamline operations and live a more fulfilling life through their work. We discuss the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship, such as the "owner's trap" where the business relies too heavily on the owner. Pete introduces his "Five P" model—Promise, Product, Process, People, and Profit—as a blueprint for building a sustainable business. He emphasizes the importance of clear financial records, understanding valuation, and planning for an eventual exit, even if it's not immediate. The conversation offers actionable strategies to avoid burnout, simplify processes, and prepare a business for future growth or sale.