Financial Intelligence Brewed Daily
A CFO who became a head of marketing, eliminated millions in debt, and then built a company to fix distribution blind spots—Doug Veliky's journey is a masterclass in making beer businesses sturdier and smarter. We dig into the decisions that actually move the needle: building an internal audit team at Reyes that focused on real compliance risk, redesigning systems at Revolution to produce market-level P&Ls, and consolidating a spaghetti bowl of loans into a revolving line that turned heavy debt into daily cash efficiency. That financial clarity paved the way for a bold move—buying the production facility—and gave the brewery control over the investments that shape its future.We also get honest about how teams work. Doug shows how finance, sales, and marketing can stop talking past each other by aligning on the data each team needs: shipments, depletions, pull-through. The result? Better forecasts, fewer surprises, and programs that actually show up on the shelf and in the tap list. Doug's Beer Crunchers platform ties it all together, translating the mechanics of distributors, portfolios, and pricing into stories and tactics people at every level can use. And when the world flipped, Doug brought a finance brain to digital marketing—prioritizing audience, cadence, and measurable impact.Looking forward, Doug sees moderation evolving beyond non-alcoholic beer into “small beers” and right-sized formats that meet the moment—2.8–3.8% ABV cores and 8.4-ounce packs that fit weekday occasions without losing the ritual. The catch is prioritization: make it a pillar or skip it. We close with BrightBev, where Doug helps emerging brands choose the right distributors, set expectations, and invest alongside partners to win velocity, not just placements. If you care about brewery finance, route-to-market strategy, and building brands that last, this conversation will sharpen your plan for the next four quarters. Subscribe, share with a brewery friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what will you prioritize next?And don't forget to sign up for the Brewery Financial Newsletter - tips, tactics, and strategies to help you build a more profitable brewery business. Ready to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.
What if your taproom's biggest growth lever isn't price or new styles—but the first 15 seconds after someone walks in? Today on the podcast we welcome back consumer insights expert Michael Varda of Craft Beer Advisory Services to unpack the data behind modern taproom behavior and why food, events, and hospitality now sit shoulder to shoulder with great beer. The headline: beer gets guests in the door; the experience keeps them in their seats and brings them back.We trace the post-pandemic shift from liquid-first to social-first to hospitality-first, showing how entertainment sparked the rebound and how food has become the decisive extender of “time in seat,” especially for women and families. Michael explains why discounting erodes perceived value and how rewards-based loyalty (think “earn,” not “mark down”) protects brand equity while encouraging repeat visits. He also breaks down the crucial differences between retail and taproom motivations—why a standout six-pack doesn't automatically translate to a packed taproom—and how to design for the whole evening, not just the pour.Expect practical tactics you can deploy immediately: optimize the first 15 seconds with warm greetings and clear wayfinding, train staff to scan, acknowledge, and mirror guest energy, and adopt one measurable focus at a time—like to-go prompts—to build momentum. We highlight “time in seat” as the single most telling metric of taproom health, a simple read on satisfaction, engagement, and spend. And beyond dashboards, we make the case for pulling up a chair with a mix of regulars and new faces, asking better questions, and giving customers a voice in small decisions that build authentic loyalty.If you're ready to evolve from great beer to a great experience—without racing to the bottom on price—this conversation maps the path. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review with the one change you'll try this week.And don't forget to sign up for the Brewery Financial Newsletter - tips, tactics, and strategies to build a more profitable beer business, delivered weekly.Ready to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.
New tax law just handed breweries a playbook to keep more cash in the business—if you know how to use it. Today we're joined by Brent Williams, CPA and brewery tax manager at Small Batch Standard, to translate the One Big Brewery Bill (OB3) into clear, practical moves owners can make right now. From tips and overtime changes your team will feel on payday to the return of 100% bonus depreciation and immediate expensing for domestic R&D, we connect the dots between policy and day‑to‑day brewery operations.We dig into the details that matter: how to label tips vs service charges in payroll so employees get the refund they expect and you keep the FICA tip credit; which assets truly qualify for full expensing and how to time purchases for the best tax outcome; why 199A remains a powerful 20% deduction for pass‑through owners; and how R&D applies to more than new recipes—it includes process improvements that reduce waste, speed up turns, or enhance quality. Brent also walks through retro choices for previously capitalized R&D costs, plus often‑missed credits like paid family and medical leave and small employer retirement plan incentives.If you're a small or mid‑size brewery planning equipment, considering a production build‑out, or just trying to make payroll and taxes play nicely, this conversation turns complexity into a checklist. Bring clean books, schedule a projection meeting, and map out 2025 vs 2026 moves so depreciation, credits, and cash flow align. OB3 isn't just policy—it's a strategy to fund growth without squeezing margins.If this was helpful, follow the show, share it with a brewery friend, and leave a quick review so more owners can find it. Got a question about your brewery finances? Send it our way and we may tackle it in a future episode. Kary@BeerBusinessFinance.comAnd of course, don't forget to sign up for the free brewery financial newsletter - filled with tips, tactics and strategies to help you run a more profitable brewery.Ready to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.
Ready to stop guessing about your brewery's food profitability? Today's podcast reveals exactly how to transform your taproom food program from a necessary evil into a genuine profit center.Most brewery owners didn't get into the business to become restaurateurs, yet many find themselves reluctantly managing food programs because customers expect food options. The challenge? Food operations are notoriously complex both financially and operationally, leading many breweries to operate food programs that secretly drain profits rather than enhance them.The solution lies in understanding three critical financial practices and three operational strategies that eliminate the guesswork from food profitability. We explore how separating your food operations in your accounting system creates visibility, how tracking specific benchmarks reveals hidden problems, and how using contribution margin (not just percentages) shows where you're actually making money.You'll discover why successful food programs use narrow menu strategies with limited ingredients, platform approaches where common bases create variety, and menu engineering that categorizes items as stars, dogs, plow horses, or puzzles. This systematic approach helps you promote high-margin items customers love while eliminating profit-draining options that hurt your bottom line.The episode provides a clear five-step action plan: audit your current menu, identify margin drainers, reprice or remove problematic items, track costs regularly, and share metrics with your team. Plus, learn about technology solutions that can dramatically reduce the manual work while increasing visibility into your food program's performance.Whether you're running a full kitchen or just offering simple snacks, this episode delivers the framework you need to build a smart, sustainable, and profitable food program that enhances your core business rather than detracting from it. Download our free Brewery Profit Toolkit and transform your approach to taproom food today.Do this next:Sign up for the FREE brewery financial briefing. Weekly tips to drive margins and profits in your taproom.
What happens when you combine accounting expertise, homebrewing passion, and entrepreneurial spirit? For Elliott H. Johnson II, it was creating Soul Mega – a thriving beer brand that's challenging traditional craft brewery models.In this illuminating conversation, Elliott shares his journey from making "really bad" homebrew batches to building a recognized beer brand without a physical brewery. Soul Mega's contract brewing approach allowed them to enter the market with minimal capital investment, focusing instead on wholesale distribution and community building. When COVID-19 hit just six months after their launch, Elliott pivoted to become "basically an Uber Eats driver for a year," personally delivering beer to maintain customer relationships.What makes Soul Mega distinctive is their approach to creating taproom-like experiences without a physical space. Their signature event, Mega Fest, combines a beer festival with DJ performances and community celebration – perfectly embodying their mission to "promote creative culture and inspire folks to pursue their interests and passions." Strategic collaborations with established breweries like Stone, Port City, and Tröegs have expanded their reach, while partnerships with graffiti artists for label designs connect the brand to creative communities.Elliott's financial background shines through in his meticulous approach to business management. He maintains a 13-week cash flow forecast, uses CRM software to track account performance, and prioritizes in-person visits to high-performing retailers. His candid insights about navigating challenges – from finding a new contract brewer when their original partner suddenly closed to handling regulatory hurdles – provide valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.Whether you're considering alternative brewery business models, looking to strengthen your brand connection with customers, or seeking practical strategies for sales growth without a taproom, this episode delivers actionable wisdom from someone who's making it work against the odds.
Thor Cheston shares the remarkable journey of Right Proper Brewing Company, from its successful 2013 brew pub opening to the challenges of expansion and the transformative power of implementing open book management. His candid insights reveal how focusing on core products, financial transparency, and efficient operations turned their struggling production facility into a thriving business with healthy EBITDA.• Starting as a Georgetown student who fell in love with craft beer while working at a pizzeria• Opening Right Proper Brewing in 2013 as a neighborhood hub with immediate success• Expanding too quickly in 2015 with a production facility that struggled for years• Pivoting in 2019 from creative-driven to leadership-focused business model• Implementing open book management with full financial transparency• Reducing product line to focus on consistent, marketable core beers• Displaying financial statements on 8x16 foot whiteboards for all employees to see• Creating incentive programs where employees share in profits when goals are met• Understanding that profit enables purpose rather than being the purpose itself• Building a business model specific to Right Proper rather than copying other breweriesYou can reach Thor Cheston at Right Proper's Brookland facility at 202-247-6274. He welcomes text messages and is always happy to talk with fellow brewery professionals.
We dive into mastering your brewery budget with a practical three-step approach that transforms financial planning from overwhelming to achievable. This workshop provides tools and strategies to create a useful financial roadmap that aligns with business goals.• Begin with the end in mind – set one clear financial goal (typically 10-15% profit) before planning anything else• Know your stakeholders – identify requirements from banks, investors and others to incorporate into your plan• Set firm deadlines – create a budget preparation timeline with clear responsibilities and milestones• Use historical financial analysis to establish context for your projections• Break down planning by department and involve team members to create ownership• Consider balance sheet and cash flow implications, not just P&L• Implement weekly financial huddles to shift from lagging indicators to leading indicators• Use visualization tools like dashboards to make financial data more accessible• Remember that budgeting isn't just about spreadsheets but about creating a financial roadmapJoin the Beer Business Finance Association to access the complete Brewery Budget Course with all tools and templates discussed in this workshop.
Sara Watson and her husband Brent turned their dream into reality with Vacancy Brewing in Austin, Texas, combining his brewing expertise with her hospitality marketing background to create a community-focused taproom experience.• Building Vacancy Brewing after a six-month road trip across North America to find the perfect location• Hiring a taproom manager to allow the founders to focus on business development instead of daily operations• Implementing tighter beer loss and discount policies with transparent communication to improve margins• Tracking weekly taproom net sales compared to both prior year and budget to stay proactive• Creating the Vacancy Collective membership program to transform loyal customers into brand ambassadors• Balancing innovation with consistency by maintaining core beer styles while rotating specific recipes• Successfully navigating lease renewal challenges by gathering knowledge from multiple real estate professionals• Finding the sweet spot between doing tasks yourself and knowing when to bring in outside expertiseVisit Vacancy Brewing in South Austin, find them online at vacancybrewing.com or on social media @VacancyBrewing to learn about their events including karaoke, trivia, music bingo, and more.
Brian Deignan shares how his brewery, Validation Ale, achieved 29% growth last year through systematic innovation and strategic expansion while he, as an owner, maintained a Monday-Friday, 9-5 work schedule. Brian explains his unique concept where beers compete for menu placement based solely on sales data, and his methodical annual process for identifying growth opportunities.• Validation Ale's competitive model forces continuous innovation with 143 unique recipes created in three years• Each beer category features a "validated" beer and a challenger that can replace it if sales are higher• Brian's systematic "growth driver" process evaluates potential initiatives based on revenue potential, capital requirements, and feasibility• Distilling spirits emerged as this year's growth initiative, generating 28% beverage revenue increase from day one• Building consistent profitability across all days of the week took patience—nearly 2.5 years before lunches and slow days became profitable• Staff culture focuses on training managers to "think like owners" through regular coaching and biweekly all-staff meetings• Social media marketing works best when showcasing behind-the-scenes content with staff rather than polished promotional material• High engagement metrics don't always translate to actual customer visits—line dancing content went viral but only two people attendedKey Takeaway: For brewery owners struggling with financial challenges, implement a systematic growth driver exercise to identify new revenue opportunities rather than remaining stagnant in a shrinking market.ResourcesLearn more about Validation AleSign up for the FREE brewery financial training newsletter
Each month, the Beer Business Finance Association will shine a spotlight on one exceptional craft brewery to explore what makes their business thrive. In this exclusive conversation, we hear from Jake Lohse, Founder of Presidential Brewing. We go beyond the beer to uncover best practices, smart financial strategies, creative sales tactics, and the real-world lessons they've learned. This is your front-row seat to learn from peers who are building profitable, resilient breweries and raising the bar for the industry.Whether you're a new brewery or a seasoned operator, you'll walk away with fresh ideas and proven tactics to grow sales, improve profitability, and strengthen your business.ResourcesLearn more about Presidential BrewingCheck out Jake's book: Shifting Gears, The Ultimate Road Map to Crafting Your Legendary Brewery or RestaurantGet the free brewery finance bulletin
Today on the podcast Brynn Keenan from Grist Analytics talks brewery operations, data-driven decision making, and how Grist helps breweries improve performance. Grist Analytics provides data-driven solutions that help breweries optimize their production processes by transforming raw brewing data into actionable insights.Their platform enables consistent quality, improved efficiency, and reduced waste through real-time monitoring and advanced brewing analytics.Key PointsHow to replace paper brewing logs with a powerful data analytics toolTips to overcome a big brewery challenge - effective production schedulingBenchmarking study and the 360 degree efficiency reviewResourcesConnect with Brynn, brynn@gristanalytics.comGet the free brewery financial training newsletter
In today's podcast you'll learn how MarginEdge gives you accurate insight into taproom profitability on a daily basis—no waiting for end-of-month reports. What are your most profitable menu items? Where are costs increasing and eating into profits? How do we get everyone talking about the numbers and helping achieve financial success?You'll get answers to these questions and more to help your increase taproom profits. Key PointsHow to properly price menu items for profitTactics to stay laser focused on margins every single dayThe power of the "Controllable P&L" - a real-time look at taproom profitabilityFeatures and benefits of MarginEdge: Automated invoice processing, real-time food and beverage cost tracking, menu item analysis, and much moreResourcesConnect with Andre from MarginEdge, andre@marginedge.comWatch the video replay of this free workshopSign up for the FREE brewery financial training newsletter
Today on the podcast we talk loyalty programs, memberships and recurring revenue strategies with Ross Stensrud from Tapwyse.Tapwyse creates custom apps to create predictable and repeating income for your brewery business. Need a solution for slow seasonal business cycles? Tapwyse can help. Key PointsHow to use the $1 beer to get a 17x return on investmentFlash rewards: How to use push notifications to instantly reward customers and get them coming back more oftenWant to sell more to-go beer? Learn how this brewery used Tapwyse to sell out of one SKU and bring in an additional $1k in the processHow to create sticky, trackable, and profitable marketing campaignsResourcesConnect with Ross to learn more about Tapwyse: Ross@tapwyse.com, or by cell, 760-209-6048Get the FREE financial training newsletter for breweries
Today on the podcast we hear from Chris Dial, Insurance Specialist at CS&A insurance and Owner of Wanderlinger Brewing Company in Chattanooga, TN.Chris knows the brewery business as an owner and operator of Wanderlinger. And now he's using his skills and experience to help other brewery owners properly insure their businesses with the right coverages at the right price. SummaryInsurance cost-savings opportunities you might not even know exist"The chiller died...but the brewery didn't." Hear the story of how the right insurance paid off for this breweryBiggest brewery insurance mistakes...and how to avoid themResourcesConnect with Chris on LinkedIn, by phone 615-496-6070, or email chris@wanderlinger.comSign up for the FREE brewery financial training newsletter
Credit card processing fees can eat away at your brewery's profits, but expert Patrick MacLellan from Merchant Cost Consulting shows how you can save an average of 20% on these costs without changing your current processor or disrupting operations.Summary• 3 main fee components: interchange charges from card brands, processor markups, and miscellaneous fees• Why most businesses are overpaying – processing statements are deliberately confusing and contracts often allow price changes without notice• How processors typically adjust pricing three times per year, slowly increasing your costs• The truth about POS systems that bundle processing with their software solutions• How to identify bogus fees like non-PCI compliance charges that can be eliminated• Pros and cons of customer surcharges and how to implement them legally• Contract considerations including early termination fees and auto-renewalsVisit merchantcostconsulting.com to learn more or request a free statement analysis to see potential savings.Sign up for the FREE brewery financial training newsletter.
Today on the podcast we hear from Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled accounting services. Michael and I talk about why bookkeeping is so important to your brewery business and how to evaluate outsourcing this key function.Key PointsPricing and process for outsourced bookkeepingCommon pitfalls with brewery bookkeepingSoftware tools to keep the financials running smoothlyFinancial standard operating proceduresResourcesLearn more about outsourcing your brewery bookkeeping with ReconciledGet the FREE brewery financial training newsletter
Today on the podcast you'll hear the audio version of our brewery financial round table meeting. Our financial round table is a place to ask questions, get answers, share ideas and best practices.In this episode, we explore tactics, tips and strategies to increase customer traffic, grow average check size, and encourage repeat visitors.Key Points5 specific action steps taproom staff can take to increase profits (with special Guest Star Andrew Coplon from Secret Hopper)5 things you could be doing to grow the bottom line (but probably aren't)Taproom key metrics scorecards and best practices to transform financial resultsResourcesJoin the network of brewery owners and managers focused on improving financial resultsGet the FREE brewery financial training newsletter
Jon Reynolds from Brew Plan joins us today to talk strategic planning and keys to marketing success for breweries. At Brew Plan, Jon works with brewery owners on pricing strategy, market analysis, concept development, and sales forecasting.SummaryBiggest brewery marketing mistakes...and how to avoid themCustomer buying trends and how breweries can position their brands for successSpecific marketing tactics that really move the needle for small/mid-size breweriesResourcesConnect with Jon Reynolds, brewplanmarketing@gmail.comGet the free brewery financial training newsletter
Today on the podcast you'll hear the audio version of our brewery financial round table meeting. This month we focus on how to how to analyze your financial statements to unlock profitable opportunities. In our monthly workshops, brewery owners and managers share ideas and best practices to improve profits and cash flows. To join our membership or learn more, visit the Beer Business Finance Association. SummaryHow to use financial trend analysis to spot problems with gross marginsSimple break-even analysis toolsTactics to present the income statement on a "per barrel" basisResourcesGet the free brewery financial training newsletterLearn more about our network of brewery owners and managers
Today on the podcast we reveal the Secret Formula to Create a Successful Brewery with Jake Lohse, founder of Presidential Brewing Company. Jake is the author of the book Shifting Gears, and founder of the Legendary Success Academy. SummaryThe 4 key factors to a successful breweryCreative funding for a start-up breweryStrategies to bring guests back to your taproom again and againResourcesConnect with Jake, jake.lohse@presidentialbrewing.comListen to the first podcast with Jake: Ultimate Road Map to Create Your Legendary BreweryGrab the FREE brewery financial newsletter
For the first time, in a long time, more breweries are closing than opening. One of the success factors for breweries that survive and thrive vs. those who do not, is a feasibility study. Jon Reynolds from Brew Plan Marketing specializes in feasibility studies, market research, and data gathering. In today's podcast, Jon shares trends, growth areas, and the details of how to build a feasibility study for brewery success. Summary What a feasibility study is and why it's important7 benefits of market analysisResource run-down of brewery data to make informed decisionsResourcesConnect with Jon Reynolds from BrewPlan Marketing, brewplanmarketing@gmail.comGrab the FREE brewery financial planning newsletter
Today on the podcast we hear from Bob Higgins of P3 Cost Analysts. Bob and his team specialize in identifying and reducing over-spending in your business. We talk all things expense management, cost reduction strategies, and share ideas on how your brewery can save money. HighlightsBob's process for identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses Biggest cost-saving opportunities that companies commonly overlookThe most surprising savings P3 has been able to secure for clientsTrends in business expenses today, and where breweries will need to focus their cost-saving efforts in the futureResourcesConnect with Bob, bhiggins@costanalysts.comGet the free brewery financial training newsletter
This month in our brewery financial round table meeting we take a deep dive into financial standard operating procedures.Financial SOPs help you create complete, timely, and accurate financial statements so that you can make better business decisions.Highlights from our session:Use this hack: Rather than writing out a long SOP, use a screen recorder and show how the process is doneFollow a simple SOP template: Define the goal of the SOP, define how success will be measured, identify a responsible personGrab this Inventory Management SOP templateJoin the conversation with your membership to the Beer Business Finance Association. Monthly financial workshops, access to a library of financial training courses, and network with owners and managers in the beer industry.
In today's podcast we review the Top 12 Financial Challenges facing Craft Breweries. This list was assembled by our network of brewery owners and managers in the Beer Business Finance Association.In the podcast, I review each challenge and provide one thing you can do right now to help overcome the difficulty in your beer business. The Top 12 Challenges:Cost management. How to implement cost controls and identify areas for cost reductionBenchmarking and KPIs. How do we measure up against our peers?Budgeting. How do we help managers own their budget?Employee retention. What can we do to provide more competitive wages and benefits?Succession Planning. How do we thoughtfully implement a succession plan?Gross profit management. What are best practices to actively manage margins?Mergers and acquisitions. How do we evaluate a potential acquisition? Sales compensation. How do we "re-imagine" sales comp to create a system that rewards the right behaviors?Operational efficiencies. How do we achieve improvements in this area and what are best practices?Financial planning. What are the best tools to automate the process?Building a better culture. How do we break down silos across locations and departments so we can operate as one company with a common vision?Financial training. How do we increase financial literacy and understanding of the business?ResourcesGet the free brewery financial training newsletter - financial tips and tactics to help you run a successful beer business
On today's podcast you'll hear the audio version of our brewery lease negotiation workshop. You'll learn strategies and best practices to tackle a lease negotiation (or re-negotiation) for your brewery. Key PointsLease terms, definitions, what you need to knowHow to build 'optionality' into your brewery leaseTriple net lease watch-outsNegotiation strategies and tacticsResourcesJoin the Beer Business Finance Association and gain instant access to financial training courses, resources, and video replays of past training workshops
Today on the podcast we hear from Dave Williams, the Analytics Czar from Bump Williams Consulting.Dave provides a recap of 2024 beer industry data, trends, and insights. We also cover “Dave's Top 7”. These are the hot topics that he's been hearing about recently in the beer business.Key PointsGrowth in non-alcohol beer and ready-to-drink productsOn-premise resultsHealth guidelines and the impact of tariffsTrends in cannabis and crossover brandsResourcesConnect with Dave, dave@bumpwilliamsconsulting.comSign up for the free Craft Brewery Financial Training newsletter. Financial tips and tactics to build a stronger brewery, delivered straight to your inbox.
In today's podcast you'll hear the audio version of our workshop on brewery expense management and cost cutting tactics. We hold these workshops monthly for our Beer Business Finance Association members. If you'd like to join 150+ other breweries in financial success, learn more about membership packages here. Key Takeaways2 cost analysis models to identify and reduce unnecessary spending5 cost cutting tactics to reduce expenses5 initiatives to implement right away to quickly lower costs ResourcesOne of the best books out there on cost-cutting: Double Your Profits in 6 Months or Less, Bob FiferFree brewery financial training newsletter
Today on the podcast Chris Overlay from Get Hoptimized delivers a master class in brewery marketing. You'll learn how to build your brewery sales forecast and super charge results with a best-in-class marketing plan. Key PointsSales forecasting best practicesBrewery revenue drivers and key metrics to simplify planningTools and models to build a comprehensive marketing planTactics to align sales and marketing to achieve revenue goals ResourcesConnect with Chris to super charge your brewery marketing plan, chris@gethoptimized.comLearn more about the financial education network of brewery owners and managers
In today's episode you'll hear the audio version of our 2025 Brewery Budgeting Workshop. We cover questions ranging from how to build your payroll plan to what key metrics to track to the best way to forecast beer margins. Key Points3 steps to supercharge your 2025 financial planBest practices for building your financial key metrics dashboard6 questions to ask before building your budget to ensure successResourcesJoin the network of brewery owners and managers focused on driving financial resultsGet the free brewery financial training newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox
Today on the podcast we hear from Jake Lohse from Presidential Brewing in Portage, Michigan.Jake has written a new book which serves as a road map for folks looking to open up a new brewery:In Shifting Gears: The Ultimate Roadmap To Crafting Your Legendary Brewery Or Restaurant, I will show you step by step how to pull it all together. Leveraging experience from having built a legendary brewery myself, I will share practical next steps, lessons learned along the way, and tips and tricks to help fast forward the amount of time it takes you to go from zero to 100 miles per hour.Key PointsThe characteristics that set legendary breweries apart from the othersAdvice for new brewers who want to stand out in today's marketHow and when to scale your breweryResourcesCheck out Jake's new book: The Ultimate Roadmap to Crafting Your Legendary Brewery or RestaurantLearn more about the Beer Business Finance Association
In today's podcast I share the 5-step process that I use to assess our financial position, create our goals, and build a road map to success. This process is designed to help you create timely, accurate, and complete financial statements so that you can make data-driven decisions in your beer business. Key TopicsHow to create a process for predictable financial resultsHow to build a plan that allows you to work ON your business not IN itOne book you must read to build a better business plan, and one book you must read to build a better businessResourcesFree mini-course: 5-Step Process Brewing Financial ExcellenceFree Craft Brewery Financial Newsletter
Key metrics measure the most important things in the brewery. Things like sales growth, margins, profits, and cash flow. When identifying key metrics, the first step is to measure what matters. Start with one problem you need to solve or one opportunity to take advantage of. The next step is to build a dashboard of key metrics. Identify one company goal, one KPI that is critical to watch, like cash flow. Then build up the KPIs for each department that support the company goal. Key TopicsHow to use lagging indicators, leading indicators, process goals, and outcome goalsBest practices in choosing key metricsExample scorecards, templates, and dashboardsHow to align compensation and KPIsResourcesLearn more about the Beer Business Finance Association
The average health insurance premium for families and individuals has increased more than 24% in the last five years, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. And there's no sign of this slowing down.For breweries who want to provide good, affordable healthcare for employees these cost increases are a real problem.One option to lower costs and provide better benefits comes in the form of self-funded health insurance.Speaking from my own experience, self-funded health plans saved our company millions of dollars.Yes. Millions.What exactly is self-funded insurance? How does it work? How do I know if this will be right for my business?You've got a lot of questions, and Erin Butler from BevCap management has answers. Listen to the podcast and check out the resources below to learn more.Key Points65% of covered workers in the U.S. have self-funded health insuranceSelf-funded insurance has been available in the U.S. since 1974, with the passage of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)Bottom line, self-funded insurance is not new nor limited to just a handful of large companiesResourcesWatch the video of my interview with Erin and download the self-funded health insurance presentation deckConnect with Erin to learn more about how you can lower costs and provide superior health benefits, ebutler@bevcapmanagement.com
In today's podcast we break down the key steps to build (and implement) a successful brewery financial plan.The financial plan is the road map. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? What does financial success look like? Listen to the podcast. Download the resources. Build your best plan EVER today! Key TakeawaysUse the 6 building blocks to organize the planning processThe X Factor to financial planning success How to crowd source the best ways to grow sales and cut costsSimple and complex financial models to build your best planResourcesJoin our network of brewery owners and managers working together to build the best brewery financial plan EVER!Get the Brewery Financial Training Program included with your membership to the brewery network
Tom DeMayo is a partner with PKF O'Connor Davies, specializes in cybersecurity, and is a self-described 'ethical hacker'.Cybercrime is a $10 trillion problem globally, and breweries are target.In today's podcast, Tom shares how these crimes occur, how to find out if your brewery is vulnerable, and what steps you can take right now to prevent a ransomware attack. Key PointsTerms defined: Dark web, deep web, surface web, ransomwareHow hackers break in to your systems and what you can do to prevent thisBasics of compliance testing and risk assessmentTips for creating and managing those pesky login credentials The case for a cybersecurity committee ResourcesConnect with Tom and learn how to protect your beer business from cybercrimes, TDemayo@pkfod.com
Today we welcome back Tim Near from Agrowgate, a company that works to save you money on cost of goods sold. Think cans, cardboard, malt, freight and so much more. Key PointsState of the industry: Trends in costs and commodity pricingBrewery purchasing 101: Best practices How to properly source key ingredients Keys to benchmark your costs against industry averagesResourcesConnect with Tim Near and learn more about how to save money Listen to the Brewery Supply Chain Management podcastJoin the brewery financial network - connect with other brewery owners to learn best practices to improve profits and cash flow
In today's podcast we hear the audio version of a recent Brewery Financial Round Table meeting where we tackle brewery cost management and expense reduction.Summary of key points:Use this 1-2-3-4 step process to put a laser focus on cost cutting and reductionShare the Brewery Financial Training Program with your managers and staff – train them in the ways of identifying and reducing (or eliminating) bloated costsKey challenges we discussed: Controlling costs related to production and materials, freight and shipping, finding efficiencies, avoiding cost surprises, improving culture and communication78 Ideas to cut costs and improve financial results – Double Your Profits in 6 Months, by Bob FiferDan Klasen from the Beverage Federation shared details on the group purchasing organization (GPO) to help you save a ‘craft load' of moneyJoin the membership today and get instant access to the brewery financial round table replay, presentation deck, and brewery cost cutting resources.
Today on the podcast we hear from Scott Birkner, VP and Business Lending Specialist at Dogwood State Bank. Scott shares insights on how to use SBA loans to purchase an existing brewery or make a partial acquisition of a brewery. Key TopicsHow to finance a start-up brewery, buy an existing brewery, or make a partial acquisition using SBA loansState of the lending industry: Credit availability, interest rates, trendsWhat does the future of lending look like? Scott looks into his crystal ball and shares his observationsResourcesConnect with Scott and learn more about brewery acquisition financing, sbirkner@dsbnc.comJoin the Beer Business Finance Association - we talk brewery finances all the time!
Today on the podcast we talk non-alcohol beer with Dave Williams from Bump Williams Consulting.Dave shares data, insights, and analysis on the non-alcohol beer category. Key TopicsMajor players in non-alcohol beer, sales volume, and growth trends NA beer sales by market channel: Chain and grocery, liquor, convenience, and on-premise accounts Retailer response to NA beer: More shelf space, more willingness to take on these brandsCrystal ball time. What does the future hold for NA beer? Listen in for Dave's full analysis ResourcesConnect with Dave Williams, Dave@BumpWilliamsConsulting.comJoin our financial network of brewery owners and managers
Today on the podcast we hear from marketing guru Julie Rhodes from Not Your Hobby Marketing. Julie and I talk about The Power of Marketing + Finance. And dig in on why NOW is the time to invest in your marketing and sales strategy. Key Topics:Brewery marketing trends, new ideas to try, fundamental marketing tactics to revisitWhy NOW is the time to double down on your investment in sales and marketing (and where to find the cost savings to pay for this)When to add a sales rep (and how to pay them)Resources:Connect with Julie Rhodes at Not Your Hobby MarketingLearn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of brewery owners and managers focused on driving profits and cash flows
Today on the podcast we hear from Ross Stensrud, co-founder of Tapwyse, a developer of custom branded apps for taproom breweries.Ross shares his experience working in commercial fitness - where the business model is all about memberships and recurring revenue - and how this idea can be applied to your taproom to grow sales.Key PointsHow to develop an app for your brewery to grow sales and create predictable recurring revenueBest practices to re-imagine the 'mug club' so you can add unlimited members The best incentives to get customers to download your app, use it to buy your offerings, and receive push messages to come back to your taproom more oftenResourcesGet in touch with Ross and learn how to grow taproom sales with recurring revenue, ross@tapwyse.comJoin the Beer Business Finance Association, we are a group of brewery owners and managers, working together to grow sales and improve profitability
Webinar Replay: How to Build Your Brewery Key Metrics DashboardIn today's webinar I am joined by Alec Johnson from Ekos who shares his favorite KPIs and shows you how to build beautiful (and profitable) dashboards.Here's what you'll get:50+ key metrics used by other breweriesKPI best practices: How to pick the right numbers for your businessSample brewery KPI Scorecards and templates to downloadTips to build dashboards and KPIs in your brewery management softwareDo this next:Watch the webinar replay: How to Build Your Brewery Key Metrics Dashboard and download the Presentation DeckJoin the Beer Business Finance membership. We are a network of brewery operators focused on driving profits and cash flows (and Key Metrics help us do that!)
Today on the podcast we hear from Brian Deignan, founder of Validation Ale in Santa Barbara, California.Validation ale's tagline is: "Allowing great beer to rise to the top. Your order is a vote toward Validation." The concept is to curate an evolving tap list based on customer orders and taste.Validation uses data to drive decisions on what beers belong on tap. This approach gives customers what they want while maximizing beer sales on draft. A lovely combination.Key TopicsLessons Brian learned starting his brewery and what he would do differently (how to use calendars and deadlines to keep the project on schedule)3 Big Ideas to grow sales and profits ("Steal the glass", "line price your beer", and "split test your draft lineup")Success secrets from the tech industry and how to successfully apply them to your brewery businessResourcesConnect with Brian at Validation AleLearn more about the brewery financial round table
In today's podcast we'll cover the key drivers of brewery profitability, and give you specific action steps to follow to improve the bottom line in your business. Key TopicsKey drivers of brewery profitsScorecards to measure and improve the bottom lineMost effective ways to cut costs, increase margins and grow salesHow to create a profit plan and profit routineResourcesLearn more about the brewery financial round tableWatch the video and get the financial templates: How to Drive Brewery Profitability
On today's podcast you'll hear about a new project from A-Bay Engineers called the Craft Brewing Community Dashboard.Many brewery owners and managers are looking for financial and operational benchmarking data, and this new dashboard could be just the thing.Jamie Schild, CEO and Jim Oilschlager, COO share details on the community dashboard, what it is, how it works, and how breweries can use this information to make data-driven decisions. Key TopicsHow to join the brewery community dashboardFavorite KPIs from Jamie and JimBenchmarking against your peers vs. brewery historical performanceResourcesSign up for the brewery community financial dashboardLearn more about the brewery financial round table
Larry Chase is a certified Open Book Management Coach and teaches companies how to be financially transparent with all of their employees. In this podcast, Larry and I talk about brewery compensation and bonus plans. Larry shares what NOT to do, and best practices to follow if you are thinking about putting a bonus plan in place for managers or staff. Key TopicsTop reasons why bonus plans fail...and how to avoid themBonus plan best practicesHow to use mini-games to create 'early wins'ResourcesConnect with Larry ChaseLearn more about the brewery financial round table
Today on the podcast we hear from Chris Overlay, CEO of Get Hoptimized, a craft beer marketing and advertising agency. Chris' company helps breweries and craft beer businesses grow with effective and affordable marketing services, from label designs, to social media ads, to strategizing world domination. Key TopicsHow much to spend on brewery marketingThe marketing metrics that matter for craft breweriesHow to use 'funnels' to bring more customers into your taproomResourcesConnect with Chris OverlayLearn more about the brewery finance network
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Jack Kessler and Steven Welborn from Ohanafy - the only brewery and wholesaler software platform built on SalesForce. If you're interested in growing beer sales (and learning about the financial aspects of the beer business) this podcast is for you.Key TopicsWhy it's crucial for beer producers to understand the financial intricacies of their business in today's competitive marketInsights on how understanding financial metrics can directly impact the cash flow and profitability of a beer businesses The role of technology in optimizing revenue and finances within the beer industry Common financial challenges that beer distributors face, and how can they navigate through them effectivelyHow technology influences the operational efficiency and financial performance of breweries and distributors Advice to aspiring breweries and beer distributors who aim to enhance their understanding of the financial aspects of running a successful business ResourcesLearn more about Ohanafy, or schedule a DemoJoin the network of brewery financial professionals - the Beer Business Finance Association
If you're ready to get serious about improving brewery profits and cash flow, the Beer Business Finance Association is here for you.The association is a network of brewery owners and managers who come together to share ideas and best practices to help run a financially successful beer business.In today's podcast, I'll share why the network came to be, and how you can join and transform your brewery financial results. Key PointsQuarterly financial round-table meetings with beer industry peers24/7 online access to a library of brewery financial training coursesAccess to brewery workshops and webinarsBrewery planning templates, models and spreadsheetsResourcesBook a 15-minute discovery call Learn more about the benefits of the Beer Business Finance Association
Today we talk variable compensation and incentives with Aaron Gore, Director of Partnerships and Community at Arryved. Key Points99% of breweries in the U.S. see taproom operations as the biggest profit driverHow to align employee compensation and incentives with top brewery objectivesExamples and benchmarks to follow when setting up incentivesFirst steps to implement a variable comp plan in your breweryResourcesConnect with Aaron Gore, aaron.gore@arryved.comLearn more about Arryved POS
Michael Varda from Craft Beer Advisory Services joins the podcast and shares early insights on 2023 taproom data trends. The goal of Michaels data is to show you why customers come to your taproom and what you can do to keep them coming back. Key PointsThe #1 factor in negative experiences: It's food. What the "Food Ladder" can teach you about a customer's likelihood to come back to your taproom.Michael's mind blowing data point: 1 in 3 negative experiences are related to first impressions.Two years ago, 1 in 10 negative experiences mentioned price. Now it's 1 in 4. Pricing matters. Michael shares tips on how to be strategic when pricing food and beverages.ResourcesLearn more about Craft Beer Advisory ServicesJoin the Network of beer industry professionals
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