Top Shelf Integrity

Dan Cohen is the Senior PR Director and Head of Social Media at Beam Suntory, and Christina Kollereb is the Senior Marketing Manager for National Accounts On-Premise. In today's episode, Dan and Christina discuss why implementing Cocktails-To-Go during the pandemic was a lifeline for the service industry, and unpack the challenges and creativity that went into developing this new system. Today on Top Shelf Integrity:How Cocktails-To-Go supports bars & restaurants The luxury and convenience of Cocktails-To-Go for consumersThe social media presence of this initiative Two biggest obstacles with implementing this new systemThe future of Cocktails-To-Go and On The RocksFuture cocktail trends as bars are openingFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dan Cohen is the Senior PR Director and Head of Social Media at Beam Suntory. Dan is joined by Atsushi "Charlie" Takeuchi, whose expertise is the whisky Highball. Before coming to Chicago in 2016 to maximize the growth of Highball in the U.S., Charlie spent 18 years in Japan working for Suntory, and was part of the team who developed the Highball machine. Today, Charlie shares how Highball gained its popularity, and why the creation of the Highball machine was a game-changer for the beverage market.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Whisky Highball as part of Japanese cultureCharlie's transition from Japan to the U.S. with the Suntory Highball machineHow Suntory came up with the concept of a Highball machineThe evolution and future of HighballWhat makes a quality, refreshing Highball & the room for innovation with crafting oneThe differences between a Japanese Highball and a Highball in the statesFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel: @rachelsharris_Proof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

John Horn is the Customer Vice President for Hotel and Regional Accounts of On-Premise at Beam Suntory, and Ken Ruff is the Vice President of National Accounts. Today, John and Ken share insight into their departments and how On-Premise at Beam Suntory creates long-lasting value for their customers. Standing out in the beverage industry can be tricky with the wide range of options, so John and Ken are here to explore what it means to have a customer-centric, forward-thinking approach to best serve your customers and consumers.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The pros of Beam Suntory's customer-centric approachBuilding long-term relationships with customers vs. focusing on short-term winsHaving a diverse team of talent that also reflects your customers and consumersCreating an environment that empowers employees to be leadersServicing customers and utilizing insights for continuous growth Follow Beam Suntory:Instagram: @beamsuntory Website: beamsuntory.comProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Rachel Harris is the Vice President of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, and she is joined by Kathleen DiBenedetto, the Senior Director of Seed Brands. Today, Rachel and Kathleen unpack how Beam Suntory approached the pandemic and activities they did throughout the year to support their trade partners and community. Learn how they put into action their saying, “come as a friend, leave as a family” and why the focus of Beam Suntory is always on the value of the individual. You'll also hear stories from past generations, like how Jim Beam overcame adversity and took care of his employees during prohibition.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:What sets Beam Suntory apart in their leadership stylePrograms that were created to support trade partners during the pandemic, like Shift-Meals-To-GoCore values of Beam Suntory: the emphasis that people are familyWays Beam Suntory focuses on their customers' success & invests in their peopleVirtual trainings and tastings around crafting cocktailsSharing stories from past generations and learning from mistakes Follow Beam Suntory:Instagram: @beamsuntory Website: beamsuntory.comProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

They're the best sales team in the business...the spirits business that is, and they're going to show you how they do it. Top Shelf Integrity gives you an inside look at how the Beam Suntory On-Premise sales team maintains their best-in-class standards of excellence through a combination of service and responsibility... and a hearty shot of integrity.This podcast is by the industry for the industry.Through conversations with leaders at Beam Suntory, you'll learn what it is that makes the On-Premise sales team the “go-to” sales team in the alcohol industry through tactical business and sales advice grounded in the team's collective decades of experience. Business is changing by the second and the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to have a killer team by your side. With Top Shelf Integrity, you've got yours.

Christina Kollereb is the Director of On-Premise Consumer Marketing at Beam Suntory for North America, and she is joined by the Director of Shopper Insights at Beam Suntory, James Melucci. In today's conversation, they discuss the creative ways Beam Suntory helps their clients better understand what consumers are looking for from on-premise sites.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Why consumer insights are so valuable for strategyBeam Suntory's process for gathering consumer insightsMenu engineering: using data & creating ‘test and learn' environmentsWhat determines quality consumer insightsHow inflation affects consumer awarenessFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Rachel Harris is the Vice President of On-Premise in the United States at Beam-Suntory, and Hiro Hayakawa is the Director of On-Premise Center of Excellence in the United States. Today, Rachel and Hiro talk about the role of On-Premise Portfolio Managers in scaling the On-Premise and their approach to building demand with their portfolio of brands.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The role of On-Premise Portfolio managersHow OPPMs play a key role in building demand & scaling businessHow to be a successful OPPMInfusing Japanese concepts into managementThe value in having OPPMs as internal employeesFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Rachel Harris is the Vice President of On-Premise in the United States at Beam-Suntory, and she is joined by the Senior National Account Manager for Hotels at Beam-Suntory USA, Lisa Nelson. In today's conversation, they discuss where the hotel channel was before and during the pandemic and how it survived as the hardest hit sub-channel during COVID, along with what consumers can expect for the future of their hotel experiences.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The impact of the pandemic on the hotel channelHow to support the unique demands of the hotel channelHow the customer experience of the hotel channel has changedThe future of the hotel channelFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Kathleen DiBenedetto is the Senior Director of Seed Brands, and she is joined by Atsushi “Charlie” Takeuchi whose expertise is the Whisky Highball. Charlie shares his journey in building the highball business from the ground up in the U.S. after his successful experience in Japan with the Highball Machine. Kathleen talks about building Sipsmith as a high opportunity brand in the U.S, and together they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and insights from their time in this business.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The Whisky Highball's history and success in JapanChallenges & opportunities in growing the Highball in the statesBuilding trust & exceeding the consumer's expectationsCustomizing a brand to fit a cultureFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Paula Erickson, SVP, Global, Chief Human Resources Officer, Beam Suntory. In today's conversation from the video series “Proof You Can,” Rachel and Paula dive into why self-awareness is crucial to your success as a leader. They unpack the importance of listening to your employees' concerns and ways to gather their feedback to create meaningful action. Watch the full episode on Rachel Harris's Instagram and LinkedIn, see below.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Christina Kollereb is the Director of On-Premise Consumer Marketing for Beam Suntory, USA and she is joined today by Beam Suntory's Regional Account Mixologist, Amy Probasco. Amy unpacks her career evolution in mixology and bartending, sharing the ways she continues to grow in her craft and stay relevant in an industry that is always shifting.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Amy's career evolution within mixology & how she continues to evolveThe methodology behind the craft of mixologyResilience within the bar and restaurant industryHow to stay relevant in an industry that's always changingWhere Amy gains inspiration for new cocktail recipesWhat to know about the hospitality side of mixology Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dan Cohen is the Senior PR and Social Media Director at Beam Suntory, and he is joined by Adam Harris, the Advocacy Manager for Beam Suntory. Today they unpack the dynamic role of a brand ambassador, the qualities that make up a great one, and the values they must uphold.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The value a brand ambassador provides to bars, brands, & the industryTraits that make up a great brand ambassadorThe role of education & inclusivity in being a brand ambassadorAdvice for becoming a brand ambassadorFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Carlo Coppola, Chief Commercial Officer at Beam Suntory USA. Today's conversation is an excerpt from the video series “Proof You Can,” where Rachel and Carlo talk about how change affects an organization, and how working across an organization, top down bottom up, is so important to that organization's success.Watch the full episode on Rachel Harris's Instagram and LinkedIn, see below.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Ken Ruff, VP of National Accounts of On-Premise Beam Suntory USA, and Emily Williams Knight, Chief Collaboration Officer and Executive VP of Industry Relations. Today's conversation from the video series “Proof You Can” unpacks how consumers and employees can feel reassured about safety as we begin to return to restaurants and bars from the pandemic.Watch the full episode on Rachel Harris's Instagram and LinkedIn, see below.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Heather Boyd, the Managing Director of Beam Suntory USA's Ready-To-Drink business, and John Horn, the Customer VP for Hotel and Regional Accounts of On-Premise Beam Suntory USA. Today's sneak peek inside the video series “Proof You Can” explores the innovations they have brought to the table during the pandemic, like Cocktails-To-Go, and what goes into this level of problem-solving.Watch the full episode on Rachel Harris's Instagram and LinkedIn, see below.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

John Horn is the Customer VP for Hotel and Regional Accounts of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, and he is joined by Rachel Harris, the VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory. Today's conversation is about staying curious, allowing fear to push you, and how to advocate for yourself in your career growth. John and Rachel share their personal journeys in the alcohol and beverage industry, and their insights on pursuing experiences over titles, how passion is tied to motivation, and fully embracing each role before you move on to the next.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Career options in the alcohol & beverage industryJohn and Rachel's career paths: pivots, successes, challengesAdvocating for yourself for your career growthStaying curious & combining passion with your learning objectivePursuing experiences vs. titlesHow to stay motivated & have a clear visionAllowing your fear & discomfort to push you furtherFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Nicole Letcher, Divisional VP of Mid-Atlantic USA, Beam Suntory, and Meredith McCormack, Sales Director for Eastern Region USA, Beam Suntory. Tune in for a peek into the next episode from the new video series “Proof You Can.” They explore how being females in a male-dominated industry allowed them to shake up the norm and pave the path for future female leaders.Watch the full episode on Rachel Harris's Instagram and LinkedIn, see below.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel:Instagram: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Robin Nance is the Senior Manager of Trade Engagement at Beam Suntory, and she is joined by Monique Ozanne, the Director for North America on the Diversity and Inclusion team. Today, Robin and Monique talk about the role of Employee Impact Groups at Beam Suntory, and how they lead to cultural change within organizations. They also unpack how the hospitality industry is setting the pace for the social justice conversation in the spirits industry.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Employee impact groups for diverse & inclusive work environmentsHow to inspire cultural & organizational changeThe long-term vision for DE&I at Beam SuntoryWhat we can learn from the hospitality industry about social justiceHow the hospitality industry affects the spirits industryFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by Megan Briar, the U.S. On-Premise Trade Relations Manager for Maker's Mark, and Beth Burrows, the U.S. American Whiskey Ambassador for Kentucky. Tune in for a peek into the KPIs of Positivity episode from the new video series “Proof You Can.” They unpack what it means to maintain a positive mindset and the role it plays in the alcohol and beverage industry and in general, hospitality.Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryFollow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dan Cohen is the Senior PR and Social Media Director at Beam Suntory, and he is joined by Jon Marks, the Senior Director of Global Small Batch, American Whiskey at Beam Suntory. Today, Dan and Jon talk about brand building and marketing, unpacking all the nuances of marketing to consumers along with the role bartenders play in the customer journey.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:What to consider when crafting a true & rich brand storyThe assets and tools used by the sales team to market brandsThe risks involved in marketing influential & coveted brandsHow to advertise & develop a brand in an authentic wayWhy the concept of ‘Gemba' is a key principle in marketingThe consumer journey & the role the bartender playsFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

John Horn is the Vice President of Hotels and Regional Accounts at Beam Suntory, and he is joined by the Senior Marketing Director, Marguerite Allolding. Today, they discuss entrepreneurship and how the experience of working as an entrepreneur at smaller endeavors translates into larger organizations, specifically for John and Marguerite—in the spirits world at Beam Suntory. Today on Top Shelf Integrity:What makes up an entrepreneurial mindset & not fearing failureJohn & Marguerite's journeys from smaller companies to Beam SuntoryEmbedding an entrepreneurial spirit into your businessCreating a new product in a small vs. big businessEntrepreneurship and innovation in the On-PremiseFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today's conversation is about building global leaders, and what it takes to facilitate the growth of others. You'll hear from four leaders across the Beam Suntory business units on their approach to innovation, evaluating business strategies, and empowering their teams to unlock each individual's full potential.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Failure as opportunity & pushing out of your comfort zoneInnovation & growth mindset as every team members jobCreating a clear strategy map with actions & risk assessmentLearning to lead by influence vs. authorityBuilding confidence & communication in your teamsWhat they learned during Suntory's global leadership program, Beyond BordersFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Rachel Harris is the VP of On-Premise at Beam Suntory, and she is joined by the Director of On-Premise Consumer Marketing, Christina Kollereb. Today, Rachel and Christina unpack how they work with their On-Premise partners, and find synergies with their spirit brands and the brand they're building with restaurants or bars. They talk about their collaborative conversations and engaging presentations for standing out against other suppliers. Christina also shares how Beam Suntory looks at shared goals with corporate chains to create initiatives, like their Positive Proof Initiative for building a sustainable future.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:How Beam Suntory brings engaging program ideas & insights to partnersPrograms created to elevate bourbon brands with chain account customersCommon initiatives between Beam Suntory and corporate chains for building a sustainable futureHow to handle challenges that go against brand strategies Evolving your customer marketing team to better service customers Follow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

VP of On-Premise USA at Beam Suntory, Rachel Harris, is joined by the former President of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, Caroline Rosen. Today's episode is a first listen into Beam Suntory's upcoming “Proof You Can” video series where they will be sharing cocktails and swapping stories about the alcohol and beverage industry.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:How to rebuild the industry during and after the pandemic subsides How the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is looking towards the futureWhat they've learned from the pandemic & how they pivoted into virtual educationWays organizations have come together for the betterment of the industryFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dan Cohen is the Senior PR Director and Head of Social Media at Beam Suntory, and he is joined by the Senior PR Manager, Lana Ohs. Today, Dan and Lana share their insight into Public Relations within the beverage industry, unpacking how Beam Suntory approaches education and collaboration with bartenders and other influencers.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Who is considered an influencer in the beverage industryCreating programs that excite and educate influencers on brand stories & their valuesHow to approach collaborating with bartenders and other influencers in the industryGain insight and learnings from those who see trends first handPrioritizing diversity and inclusivityFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Kathleen DiBenedetto is the Senior Director of Seed Brands, and she is joined by Atsushi “Charlie” Takeuchi whose expertise is the whisky Highball. Today, they explore how the Beam family and Suntory family contribute to who Beam Suntory is as an organization, and how they differentiate themselves from the landscape of so many brands by honoring legacy. Learn how Beam Suntory inspires passion and a commitment to innovation through their strong founder spirit and family business model!Today on Top Shelf Integrity:Inspiring passion & teamwork through the family business modelHow Beam Suntory sets itself apart by honoring their strong founders' spiritsBeam Suntory's commitment to adding value & growing for good vs. growing for profitHow to take your business to the next level through innovationFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Ken Ruff is the Vice President of National Accounts of On-Premise at Beam Suntory, and Kathleen DiBenedetto is the Senior Director of Seed Brands. Today, Ken and Kathleen share how times have changed in each of their 30 years at Beam Suntory, along with the values and culture that have kept them excited and loving their careers year after year. They each share their knowledge of the sales and marketing industry, including the most important elements for success and how they mentor their employees.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:The culture & values of Beam Suntory that have kept Ken & Kathleen there for 30 yearsHow Beam Suntory brings their brands' legacies forward, showing the heart of each companyAuthenticity and truth as core values of Beam SuntoryThe most important elements of success in marketing & sales todayThe future of the alcoholic beverage industryAdvice for employees for growing in their careerFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Rachel Harris is the Vice President of On-Premise at Beam Suntory, and John Horn is the Customer Vice President for Hotel and Regional Accounts of On-Premise. In today's conversation, Rachel and John unpack what it means to be a great leader and how leadership styles have evolved at Beam Suntory. They talk about cultivating an environment where your team feels safe to voice their opinions, and how trust, vulnerability, and diversity play a role in building an exceptional team.Today on Top Shelf Integrity:How Rachel & John developed into their leadership roles and stylesBuilding teams that are diverse in thought & experienceWhy vulnerability is a powerful tool in leadership Empowering your team by asking questionsBuilding a team from scratch - creating a team culture & individual trustThe evolution of leadership style within Beam SuntoryFollow Beam Suntory:Website: beamsuntory.comInstagram: @beamsuntoryProof You Can:Follow Rachel: @rachelsharris_ LinkedIn: Rachel HarrisThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions