POPULARITY
Categories
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kevaughn Williams, Operations Manager at 360 Payments. Kevaughn underscores the importance of company culture in building a motivated, accountable team, highlighting how 360's values of transparency and peer-to-peer accountability support both employees and customers. The discussion covers practical strategies for automotive shops to protect themselves from payment chargebacks, with Kevaughn outlining red flags to watch for and offering tips to improve payment security. 00:00 "360 Culture and Leadership"04:28 "Honesty and Accountability Matter"08:13 "Impactful Workplace Culture Insights"11:16 "Towing Office Experience Reflection"14:50 Car Rental Customer Support Journey15:54 Rental Car Upgrade Mishap21:08 Mandatory Work Schedule Change24:40 Building Youthful Team for Success27:58 "Disney Trip as Life Milestone"28:40 Prioritizing People Over Business34:51 Preventing Text-to-Pay Fraud38:11 Fraud Awareness and Payment Precautions39:06 DocuSign ID and Card Verification44:24 Chargeback Fraud at Local Shop48:02 "High-Risk Account Threshold Explained"50:23 Transparency and Informed Decisions53:22 "David's CSP Concerns"56:19 "Buttoning Debate Unresolved"
Send a textGet the Kolbe credit here.We break down what the Colby assessment measures, why it stays steady over time, and how solo consultants can use it to focus on revenue, reduce overwhelm, and sell with less friction. We unpack Sarah's 6673 profile, compare tortoise and hare buyers, and share tiny tweaks that drive big wins.• what Kolbe measures and why conation matters• how a 6673 profile fuels ideas and overload• using a revenue‑first filter to prioritize• pairing human design and Colby to build trust• experiential learning to earn while you learn• messaging as the highest‑leverage improvement• selling the way buyers buy, not how you buy• tortoise vs hare buyers and sales cycle design• using Colby for team communication and salesIf this episode made things feel a little more doable. I'd love to help you take the next step with the booked out blueprint. It's a practical, low pressure session to clarify your offers, your marketing, and what actually moves the needle. You can book yours through the link in the show notesMy Booked Out Blueprint starts with a private 45-minute interview where I learn your business, your goals, and what's actually holding you back. From that, I create a custom roadmap showing your best route to booked out—no fluff, just clarity. It's $397, and if you move forward into Booked Out in Six, that $397 is fully credited. Book Yours Here. Join my events community for FREE monthly events.I offer free events each month to help you master your business's growth through marketing, sales, systems, and offer strategy. Join the community here!Support the showSchedule a Booked-out Blueprint >>> Schedule.Come tour my digital home :) >>>WebsiteWanna be friends? >>> LinkedInLet's chat every Tuesday! >>> NewsletterCatch the video podcast on YouTube >>>YouTubeJoin my event group for live events >>>Meetup
Former CIA Director Gen. (Ret'd) David Petraeus; Alberta Premier Danielle Smith; The Front Bench with Sabrina Grover, Melanie Paradis, Karl Bélanger and Marie Vastel; NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis.
From Pro Golfer to 500+ Retail Stores: The Sales-First Apparel Growth Playbook with Taylor Artman Want to get your apparel brand into retail accounts, even if you're not viral on Instagram or TikTok? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel sits down with Taylor Artman, founder of Surf & Turf Golf, to break down how he leveraged community, credibility, and relentless sales focus to grow into 500+ retail stores, with minimal paid marketing. Taylor shares the real story of going from pro golfer to building a course-to-coast apparel brand, starting with a private "speakeasy" style golf club that created demand for merch. You'll hear how Surf & Turf landed early elite pro shop accounts, why wholesale-first helped build long-term stability (even with cash flow challenges), and the leadership lessons that came from hiring too reactively, then rebuilding the team with the right roles and ownership. Taylor also previews Surf & Turf's 2026 initiatives, including an NIL program, PGA section sponsorships, and a private-label offering designed to help founders scale without getting crushed by sourcing mistakes. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:12 Meet Taylor Artman 01:03 From Pro Golf to Startup 01:58 Surf and Turf Origins 06:12 Sales Over Branding 08:31 Wholesale Growth Playbook 12:41 2026 Vision and NIL 16:08 Partnerships and Sourcing Lessons 17:36 Confidential Private Label 18:44 Community Over Competition 23:24 First Hire Breakthrough 30:23 Rebuilding Team the Right Way 32:16 Where to Find Surf and Turf CONNECT WITH TAYLOR AND SURF AND TURF GOLF: WEBSITE: https://surfandturfgolf.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoro6L-0yeo5pthxs_vqKUT7NMjS7-NuRqoPmpdsgBZqE5g6jyIx INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/surfandturfclub/?hl=en Watch episodes of The Business of Apparel Podcast: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Send a textWhat happens when a former educator and industry veteran looks at the fragmented world of motorsports networking and decides to build a bridge?You get something bigger than an app.You get a connection.In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we dive into the launch of RACERSHIP with founder Heidi Bandish. Heidi talks about what it means for racers, brands, and mentors to finally have a dedicated space to find each other and grow the sport together.From the halls of PRI… to the "Women with Drive" summit… to building a motorsports-exclusive networking platform, this episode is about the power of the network. It's about the evolution from cold-calling sponsors to building a "living resume" that speaks for you. And it's about how RACERSHIP is creating a structured, accessible gateway for the next generation of racers.
Before you rush to file your taxes, here are three simple strategies that could save you from reassessments, interest charges, and unnecessary stress.Specifically, we are going to discuss:- 2025 tax filing issues - Three tips to help with your tax filing- One online account everyone should have access too- Three tax planning value adds that make your life easier Lastly, I will finish up with some action items to help address some potential shortfalls in your current plan. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! ***EPISODE RESOURCES:
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Australian shop owners Kosta Ka and Peter Leondis. The group explores the differences between the Australian and American auto repair industries, focusing on challenges with access to technical information, parts quality, and emerging certification hurdles for EVs. Kosta and Peter share insights on the importance of clear communication with clients and building strong shop cultures, while Lucas and David reflect on succession planning and the risks of lacking a solid business exit strategy.00:00 Generational Gaps in Apprenticeships05:39 "OnlyFans: Limited Choices Commentary"15:31 Repair Shops Face Ebb and Flow20:31 Aftermarket vs. Dealer Parts Pricing23:47 "Licensing Drives Underground Competition"31:33 Cultural Differences in Communication Styles36:57 "Planning Beyond Fixing Cars"40:20 Business Succession and Exit Challenges47:01 Overcoming Founder Syndrome50:49 "Core Values Drive Business Success"55:13 Australian Auto Training Revolution
The Core Problem Most high-performing leaders default to addition mode: • Work more hours • Optimize your calendar • Streamline processes • Move faster It works for a while. Then you hit a ceiling. Efficiency vs. Leverage Efficiency asks: How can I do this faster? Leverage asks: How can I do this once and create value repeatedly? Speed improves output. Structure multiplies impact. Addition Thinking vs. Multiplication Thinking Addition: "I need to answer these customer questions faster." Multiplication: "What would have to be true for customers to not need to ask?" Addition: "I need to review decisions quicker." Multiplication: "What framework allows my team to decide without me?" Addition: "I need to attend this recurring meeting." Multiplication: "What would have to change for this meeting to not need me?" Three Predictable Patterns of Addition Mode The Capacity Ceiling Your business scales only as far as your personal hours allow. The Energy Depletion Addition never ends. More effort produces diminishing returns. The Strategic Displacement You are so busy being productive that you never build the systems that create scale. What Multiplication Looks Like • Creating knowledge bases instead of answering repeat questions • Building decision frameworks instead of approving every call • Designing communication systems instead of attending every meeting • Establishing quality standards instead of reviewing everything Multiplication frees you to focus on strategic impact. Case Study Insight One CEO shifted from addition to leverage thinking. Within six months: • Revenue per employee increased 35% • Personal exhaustion decreased • Focus shifted into his true zone of genius The transformation wasn't about doing less. It was about building differently. Key Leadership Shift Stop asking: How do I do more? Start asking: What can I build once that creates value repeatedly? Next Step The executive edition of Think First includes the full Leverage Framework to help you identify multiplication opportunities inside your daily addition work. Because the goal isn't productivity. It's strategic impact that scales without burning you out. Think First
AI can analyze data, optimize workflows, and predict outcomes — but it can't replace the wisdom earned through decades of hands-on experience. In this episode, we explore why the “gray-haired mentor” on your shop floor remains one of your most valuable assets in an AI-driven world.Joined by Bill May, we dig into the difference between knowledge and judgment, how experience fills the gaps AI can't see, and why the future of manufacturing, operations, and leadership depends on blending human insight with intelligent technology. Bill shares real-world perspectives on mentoring, decision-making, and protecting institutional knowledge while still embracing innovation.This conversation isn't about choosing between AI or people — it's about building a smarter, stronger workforce by honoring both.If you're navigating digital transformation while trying to preserve the human wisdom that actually makes businesses work, this episode will reshape how you think about leadership, mentoring, and the real role of AI in your business.Bill wrote a blog about this topic - https://share.google/k9CfipKzl2214967hWilliam May, President /Founder High Value ManufacturingWith over 45 years of both Domestic and International manufacturing experience, Bill has worked with industry giants like General Motors and Ford. Founded HVM in 2013. Bill's extensive experience includes a variety of systems from assembly, machining, casting, injection molding, metal stamping, die manufacturing to advanced manufacturing techniques. Supported Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, and other industries. Bill has helped numerous organizations:*Reduce manufacturing costs*Improve quality and performance*Streamline operations*Launch new product and plant facilities*Navigate Supply Risk Management*Negotiate Joint VenturesContact Information:Bill May- https://highvaluemanufacturingconsult...Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- benny@velocitytechnology.groupDennis Jackson-WorX Solution- dennisj@worxsolution.com
AI can analyze data, optimize workflows, and predict outcomes — but it can't replace the wisdom earned through decades of hands-on experience. In this episode, we explore why the “gray-haired mentor” on your shop floor remains one of your most valuable assets in an AI-driven world.Joined by Bill May, we dig into the difference between knowledge and judgment, how experience fills the gaps AI can't see, and why the future of manufacturing, operations, and leadership depends on blending human insight with intelligent technology. Bill shares real-world perspectives on mentoring, decision-making, and protecting institutional knowledge while still embracing innovation.This conversation isn't about choosing between AI or people — it's about building a smarter, stronger workforce by honoring both.If you're navigating digital transformation while trying to preserve the human wisdom that actually makes businesses work, this episode will reshape how you think about leadership, mentoring, and the real role of AI in your business.Bill wrote a blog about this topic - https://share.google/k9CfipKzl2214967hWilliam May, President /Founder High Value ManufacturingWith over 45 years of both Domestic and International manufacturing experience, Bill has worked with industry giants like General Motors and Ford. Founded HVM in 2013. Bill's extensive experience includes a variety of systems from assembly, machining, casting, injection molding, metal stamping, die manufacturing to advanced manufacturing techniques. Supported Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, and other industries. Bill has helped numerous organizations:*Reduce manufacturing costs*Improve quality and performance*Streamline operations*Launch new product and plant facilities*Navigate Supply Risk Management*Negotiate Joint VenturesContact Information:Bill May- https://highvaluemanufacturingconsult...Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- benny@velocitytechnology.groupDennis Jackson-WorX Solution- dennisj@worxsolution.com
Beer collaborations are a particularly effective way for brewers to share and learn, but what if you could take that experience and share it with a wider audience? That's the idea behind this episode, recorded shortly after the brew day wrapped on a forthcoming collab brewed by Kelly McKnight at the pilot brewery of New Belgium in Fort Collins, Colorado, along with Ashleigh Carter of Denver's Bierstadt Lagerhaus and Natalie Rose Baldwin of Wayfinder in Portland, Oregon. Throughout, these three accomplished brewers discuss: finding common ground in a recipe and ingredients diving into each others' brew sheets exploring modern techniques such as cool pooling (even with German hops) understanding what qualities of subtler European hop varieties come through from the rub into the finished beer And more. G&D Chillers G&D's new Elite 290 Micro-series is built for brewers who care about sustainability and performance. It runs on a Natural Refrigerant with near-zero Global Warming Potential, has a compact footprint, and features variable speed fans for efficiency. They've chilled beer for over 3,000 breweries across North America, and with 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. Get the details on natural refrigerant technology at gdchillers.com/podcast. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex This podcast is sponsored by the Midea 50/50 flex—the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard If your brewery is using fruit juice concentrates, purees, and blends, then why not source everything from a one-stop shop? Old Orchard might be best-known for flavored blends, but if you need 100% purees or concentrates, then Old Orchard can likely help—even with options not listed on their website. Let Old Orchard know what you need at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
In this episode, Cherise is joined by Michael Bohn, AIA, Partner, and Kirk Keller, Principal and Director of Landscape Architecture at Studio One Eleven in Long Beach, California. They discuss the Long Beach Airport Renovation and Historic Terminal Preservation Project completed in 2025.You can see the project here as you listen along.Studio One Eleven's renovation of Long Beach Airport is the culmination of a decade-long partnership with the City—an effort to elevate the airport into a world-class gateway while preserving the easygoing character that makes it unmistakably local. The most recent phase focuses on restoring the historic terminal, a Streamline Moderne landmark, by peeling back decades of alterations to reveal the clarity and elegance of its original design.If you enjoy this episode, visit arcat.com/podcast for more.If you're a frequent listener of Detailed, you might enjoy similar content at Gābl Media.Mentioned in this episode:Social Channel Pre-rollPromotes the YouTube channel, ARACTemy, and social handle.
Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Your SKU system does NOT need to be complicated...but it does need to be consistent. If you're an apparel brand owner setting up your Shopify backend, preparing for a 3PL, or scaling beyond self-fulfillment, this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down exactly how to structure your SKU numbers the right way from day one. In this short, tactical episode, Rachel simplifies SKU creation for clothing brands and explains why overengineering your numbering system can hurt your reports, your inventory accuracy, and your ability to scale. Whether you're fulfilling from your home office or preparing to work with a warehouse, this episode will help you avoid messy backend data and inventory confusion as your brand grows. Click here to get your FREE Smart SKU Generator: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/smart Sign up for the FREE Shopify Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shopify-workshop Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:00 SKUs Don't Need to Be Complicated 00:26 What a SKU Is & Why It Matters for Inventory 01:10 The 3 Must-Have Parts of a SKU 01:50 Do You Really Need SKUs/Barcodes If You Fulfill Yourself? 04:01 Why Warehouses/3PLs Require Scannable SKUs (Avoid Inventory Chaos) 04:59 Introducing 'The Board' Membership 06:19 Shopify Backend: Standardize SKUs to Keep Reports Clean 07:22 Free Smart SKU Generator + How to Use It 11:09 Wrap-Up: SKU vs UPC/Barcode + Next Steps Watch The Business of Apparel Podcast: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Mike Allen to preview the Vision KC conference and share industry stories. Mike recounts his challenges recording at the Elite Ignite conference and the ongoing technical mishaps that come with capturing live content. The hosts dive into shop pricing strategies, including how costs like diagnostics and amenities are often rolled into the final bill for customers. Plus, David gives a local's guide to the best food options in Kansas City, breaking down must-try barbecue, tacos, and team-dinner spots as Vision attendees prepare for their trip.00:00 "Improper Merging Rant"06:29 "Chicago Shop Success Story"08:20 "Advisor's Hilarious Customer Story"10:38 David's Intense Pre-Workout Effects16:26 "Misheard Conversation in Restroom"17:24 "Facebook: Scroll and Toilet Talk"22:43 Kansas City Dining Overview23:29 Alternative Dining Options Near Vision28:33 Restaurant Struggles Amid Tight Margins32:49 Rare 9+ Pizza Reviews38:10 Jack Stack Barbecue Recommendation40:46 "Bananas and Rice Identity"46:18 "Manscaping Mishap and Spider Trap"54:24 TPMS Law and Repair Ban56:57 "See You at Vision"
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tyler Wonderlic from Steer and AutoOps. Tyler explains the value of a CRM for shop owners, emphasizing its role in centralizing customer communication and improving retention. David shares his frustrations with customer miscommunication and online reviews, sparking a conversation about managing reputation and crafting thoughtful responses. Lucas and Tyler also discuss the importance of segmenting customer experiences to meet diverse expectations.00:00 "Realizing Athletes Are Kids"09:11 "Save $1,300 or Time?"12:24 Steroid Loopholes Exploited by Chemists20:41 "Bad Reviews, Full Parking Lots"24:36 Learning from Criticism Strategically26:42 "CRM Value and Subscriptions"35:58 "Customizing CRM for Business Goals"41:09 "Challenges with Accurate Data Analysis"43:04 "Customer Service Expectations Rant"51:51 "David's Family and Loss"57:35 "Balancing Service and Spending"59:34 "iPhone Over Safety Concerns"
Last week, we hosted a series of three webinars focused on different aspects of nonalcoholic brewing. In this episode of the podcast, we share an excerpt from the first session—focused on formulation—featuring Notch founder Chris Lohring, Halfway Crooks cofounder Shawn Cooper, and Abstrax Hops technical sales manager Craig Thomas. Through the course of the conversation, the trio discuss malt choices and process for NA beers, hop usage and different formats, dialing in bitterness, building body without sweetness, adjusting chloride content for fullness, and much more. If this piques your interest, the full webinars are available for viewing on our website: Formulation Fermentation Finishing G&D Chillers A quick word for the brewers out there staring down a broken chiller. You know the pain—warm fermenters, stressed yeast, and that sinking feeling when the repair quote lands in your inbox. With refrigerant regulations changing and the cost of obsolete refrigerants skyrocketing, sometimes the fix costs more than the unit's worth. G&D Chillers is there to help, whether you're a small brew pub or large full-scale production brewery. Don't throw good money at bad equipment. Invest in a solution that grows with your brewery—and keeps your tanks cold when it counts. Big thanks to G&D Chillers for supporting this podcast since 2019, reach out to them at gdhillers.com/podcast to learn how they can support your next six years of growth. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex This podcast is sponsored by the Midea 50/50 flex—the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard The beyond-beer space is booming, and Old Orchard is here for it, supplying breweries with fruit ingredients for all your beverage needs: low/no alcohol, hard lemonades, seltzer, cider, and more. Old Orchard has supplied hundreds of industrial customers across 49 states, including nationally and internationally loved brands, so you'll be in good company. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller to preview the Northeast Trade Show and discuss the growing intersection between the collision and mechanical segments of the automotive industry. Ken highlights the expanded focus on mechanical education at this year's show, emphasizing the importance of ADAS calibrations and the need for proper training and documentation. The discussion also covers the challenges created by industry consolidation, different approaches to compensation and workflow, and the shared responsibility for safety and professionalism in both mechanical and collision repair.00:00 "Discovering the Northeast Show"05:13 Real-World Expertise in Training08:42 "Lessons from Collision Experience"10:42 Aviation Error and Accountability16:30 "Calibration Challenges in Repair Shops"19:30 "Collision Shop Negligence and Exploitation"23:22 Documentation: Key to Authentic Calibration26:26 Dangerous Counterfeit Airbags Warning28:58 TPMS Sensors and Dealer Liability34:01 Collision Industry Consolidation Insights34:58 "Understanding Business Value and Protection"41:09 ADAS Reducing Accidents and Claims43:52 "Value of Networking at Events"45:19 Bridging Gaps in Automotive Teams50:45 "Collaborating to Share Industry Knowledge"52:18 "Empowering Industry Through Education"
You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand If your Shopify backend is messy, your growth will be too. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why clean backend data is the hidden key to scaling your apparel brand. If your reports are unreadable, your SKUs are inconsistent, and your product names are all over the place, you're making growth decisions blind. Rachel shares real brand audit stories, including one where 20 products turned into 100 report lines because of inconsistent naming, and explains how messy data can quietly cost you revenue, time, and clarity. You'll learn how to clean up your Shopify backend, standardize your SKU system, and finally pull reports you can actually use to make strategic, profitable decisions. If you're serious about scaling, this is where you start. Sign up for the FREE Shopify Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shopify-workshop Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key moments: 00:00 Scaling Your Apparel Brand 00:28 Understanding Your Shopify Store 02:14 Masterclass and Workshop Announcements 02:50 Importance of Clean Data 06:21 Client Success Stories and Data Cleanup 11:24 Free Resources and Tools for Your Brand 16:33 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Shopify Workshop Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Send a textIn this inspiring episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, Pearl welcomes Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspire Tenacity, international speaker, 23-time number one bestselling author, and publisher who helps midlife women step into visibility, legacy, and impact through books, retreats, and community.Together, they explore the power of storytelling, overcoming self-doubt, and why your story matters more than you think.
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Nelson Tavarez, owner of Austin's Auto Service. Nelson shares his inspiring journey from working in telecommunications to becoming a successful shop owner, emphasizing the importance of discipline, saving, and seizing opportunities. The conversation delves into the impact of technology like Shop-Ware on shop efficiency and customer experience, as well as strategies for building wealth and financial security for both owners and technicians.00:00 "Growth, Discipline, and Adapting"04:53 "Taking a Gamble on Change"07:20 "Trading Success Leads to Ownership"13:16 Seamlessly Adopting Shopware Technology16:19 Targeted Growth for Specialty Auto Shop18:30 "Shopware's Future is Revolutionary"22:23 "Personalized Service, Small-Shop Feel"26:45 Trust, Change, and Lost Security29:35 Generational Wealth Over Instant Gains34:12 Maximizing Savings for Children35:37 "From Rent to Ownership"40:32 "Delayed Gratification and Society"41:59 "Rethinking the Grind Mentality"44:26 Sell What People Want49:53 "Resilience and Team Effort"51:33 Employee Prioritizes Family Over Career
Organization is not just about what your clients see… it's also about how your business feels to you.In this episode, we dive deeper on our organization theme by looking at internal systems… the behind the scenes structure that keeps everything running smoothly.I'm joined by Stacey Rolfe of Tog Hub, who helps photographers build streamlined, sustainable systems inside their CRMs. Stacey shares why burnout isn't usually about talent or motivation; instead, it's about capacity. When your schedule, pricing, and workflows are built around someone else's life instead of your own, things start to crack.We talk aboutsetting boundaries around your real life first, then building your business around thatquarterly CEO planning so you are not drifting off coursecreating one single source of truth for inquiries, bookings, and client communicationusing templates and simple pricing structures to dramatically reduce mental loadIf your business feels reactive… like you are constantly paddling under the surface just to keep up… this conversation will help you see how a few intentional systems can create more calm, more confidence, and a lot more sustainability.LINKS:Grab the FREE DIY Trap Masterclass and learn what's really holding your business back.Streamline everything behind the scenesResources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
A proposal sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci proposing new legislation that would essentially speed up Utah's Death Penalty process. Greg speaks about this new process with Scott Reed, former Death Penalty Prosecutor with the Salt Lake County DA's office and the Utah Attorney General's Office.
Data doesn't have to feel like a burden.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Kayla Meyers, Founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation, about how nonprofit leaders can move from compliance-driven data collection to clarity-driven evaluation strategy.If your organization is collecting data for grants but not using it for decision-making, team alignment, or strategic growth, this conversation will help you rethink your approach.You'll learn how to:Shift from reactive to proactive evaluationStreamline nonprofit data systemsImprove data quality without increasing volumeAlign your team around shared learning goalsCombine impact stories with metricsEvaluation isn't just a reporting requirement — it's a leadership tool.Read the full blog recap here: https://thecharitycfo.com/from-compliance-to-clarity-how-nonprofits-can-finally-make-data-work-for-them/Connect with Kayla Meyers
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success.00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights"10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems"21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance"35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant"38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations"43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained"49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained"55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement
In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, we explore how AI tools—especially chatbots and AI receptionists—can transform your private practice's intake process. You'll hear from Uriah Guilford, founder of Productive Therapist and creator of Simple Intake, about how therapists can use these tools to respond faster to inquiries, improve the client experience, and book more consultations—all while keeping a personal feel.Many therapy practices struggle to follow up quickly with new inquiries. Whether it's clunky forms, delayed responses, or confusing booking steps, these bottlenecks can cause practices to lose clients. AI intake systems aim to close the gap between first contact and first session, so potential clients don't fall through the cracks.Now, you might think adding AI to your practice means replacing the human experience. But this episode shows that when used right, AI doesn't replace your team—it enhances them. These tools can screen inquiries, book appointments, and answer FAQs in a warm, conversational way, leaving your human team to focus on care.Read the full show notes: privatepracticeelevation.com/200Other Key Takeaways:The first practice to respond to an inquiry usually wins the clientAI chatbots can pull from your website and FAQs to provide accurate answersSimple Intake combines chatbot, receptionist, calendar booking, and CRM toolsClients can connect via web chat, phone, SMS, or WhatsAppThe system logs conversations, tracks sentiment, and allows for real-time handoff to human staffIt's designed to assist, not replace, your admin teamData shows many clients prefer quick answers over waiting for a call backLinks mentioned in this episode:Productive TherapistSimple IntakeTest a chatbot: Intune Family CounselingPrivate Practice Elevation SEO ServicesThis Episode Is Brought To You ByRevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing.Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultationAlma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.
Making partner should feel like a triumph, but for many CPAs, that first year becomes the hardest of their careers. Sarah Elliott and Brian Kush from Intend2Lead surveyed new partners across the profession and uncovered a troubling pattern: 70% aren't working more hours, yet the intensity feels crushing. On Episode 251 of The Unique CPA, they tell Randy that the culprit isn't volume, it's the abrupt shift from technical expert to strategic leader, not to mention firms that rarely prepare people for what partnership actually entails. As it turns out, nearly half of new partners earn less than expected, and the profession's problem-seeking mindset undermines leadership development. Randy even mentions how one first-year partner who exceeded revenue goals by 50% was immediately questioned about unbilled hours instead of celebrated for his achievement. Sarah and Brian make the case for vulnerable leadership, transparent goal-setting, and intentional development programs that treat partnership as a transition requiring real support, not just a title to celebrate and move on from. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Generally speaking, there's some correlation between brewery scale and lager quality, and while there are plenty of exceptions to every rule, there's no denying that honing lager beers into the best versions of themselves requires repetition, time, and access to the best ingredients. But over the past few years, an ever-increasing number of very small craft brewers have found success in the major competitions not despite their size, but because of it. Ferndale, Michigan's Urbanrest firmly sits in that group, and their recent gold medal in the American Pilsner category at GABF is further proof that careful process and thoughtful beer design aren't dependent on scale. The beer itself, Kaiser, started as a Franconian-inspired kellerpils, but over the years has morphed into what they now call American pils. And funny enough, it contains only Vienna-style malt from small craft maltster and none of the pils malt that most would expect. But that's not the only way they've strayed from the classic narrative. In this episode, founder and brewer Zach Typinski discusses how they: ferment German lager with a dry 34/70 strain while fermenting American pils with a liquid 34/70 blend various base malts in both lager and IPA find the perfect amount of “rusticity” in American pils manage direct-fire kettle caramelization in lieu of decoction krausen lagered beer for carbonation since the brewery doesn't own a carb stone build texture and retain foam through the krausening process source and contract great hops despite their small size And more. G&D Chillers G&D's biggest edge isn't just the equipment—it's their deep understanding of brewery operations. From layout to production flow, they bring real-world expertise and build reliable systems that last, whether it's a single-stage 5H or a Vertical Air Chiller. New Belgium Brewing recently partnered with G&D to install a propane-based Elite 290 chiller —delivering around 50% energy savings compared to CO₂ systems. As Andy Collins, New Belgium's Carbon Neutral Engineer, put it: “We're really happy to work with a partner like G&D Chillers who helped us significantly reduce the amount of HFCs used in our refrigeration systems.” With 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. See how leading breweries are cutting energy costs at gdchillers.com. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex This podcast is sponsored by the Midea 50/50 flex—the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard Your brewery deserves a supplier that can keep your customers engaged with new flavors. That's why Old Orchard releases juice concentrates and blends with trending flavor profiles like White Sangria and Passion Orange Guava. If you need a custom solution, Old Orchard's R&D team wants to hear from you. Fruit ingredients that get you: get Old Orchard's free samples at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
This week on Another Pass, Sam and Case are joined by Zorikh Lequidre to revisit Shazam! Fury of the Gods. We break down the sequel's mythic swing, its tonal tightrope between family comedy and divine spectacle, and whether this lightning strike deserved a brighter fate at the box office. Another Pass Full Episode Originally aired: February 13, 2026 Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4 PODCAST SHOWS: ▶ Another Pass - https://www.certainpov.com/another-pass-podcast Outline Shazam Franchise and Character Legacy The discussion highlighted the complex evolution of the Shazam character and its multiple incarnations, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining clarity in the franchise (02:00). Complex Character History and Naming (02:43) The Shazam character has undergone multiple renamings, now sometimes called "The Captain" to differentiate from original versions. Comics have introduced variants like Mary Marvel and Junior (Freddie Freeman's hero name) to expand the lore. The character's fluctuating comic presence, with cancellations and restarts, impacts fan engagement and continuity. Zorak's project, Captain Marvel Culture, explores these variants in cultural and historical contexts, highlighting the character's societal relevance. Actor and Fan Perspectives on Shazam (07:30) Sam Alicea shared her positive cosplay experience as Mary Marvel, emphasizing the character's wholesome reception in fandom. Both Sam and Case Aiken noted that the first Shazam movie was colorful and fun, appealing to casual viewers with good pacing and humor. Case's personal connection to the character goes back to childhood superhero creations, reinforcing the deep fan roots. The first film balanced the youthful and superhero personas well, unlike the sequel where the older cast created dissonance. Challenges with Sequel Timing and Casting (14:00) The four-year gap between the first and second Shazam movies caused problematic aging of the cast, making the characters less believable as teenagers. The COVID-19 pandemic limited crowd scenes, affecting the movie's atmosphere and fight sequences, leading to a "COVID movie" feel with socially distanced extras. The sequel's timing made character maturity inconsistent, with Zachary Levi's older age conflicting with immature superhero behavior, reducing audience sympathy. The lack of continuity in character growth and the absence of younger kid scenes weakened the family dynamic established in the first film. Plot, Powers, and Mythological Elements The movie's story and mythological adaptations were discussed, focusing on the Daughters of Atlas and their powers, plus how mythology was reinterpreted (28:58). Invented Mythology and Powers of Atlas' Daughters (29:00) The film introduced three daughters of Atlas, a creative deviation from classical mythology that was accepted as a fun concept. Helen Mirren's character uses force fields and telekinesis, Lucy Liu's character employs "chaos" powers resembling mind control, and Rachel Zegler's character has axis-based powers, visually impressive but not well explained. The powers were often scene-dependent rather than consistent, especially Helen Mirren's varying abilities. The dome barrier served as a plot device to isolate the final fight and prevent intervention from other heroes, a trope common in superhero films. Mythology vs. Comic Lore (31:33) The movie used traditional Shazam power origins (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury) rather than newer comic variations. Discussion considered linking the characters to the broader DC mythos, such as the New Gods, but the film stuck to simpler concepts. The film's magic and powers were occasionally connected to Dungeons & Dragons references, reflecting the script's mix of fantasy influences. The casting of iconic actors like Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu added gravitas despite the powers being plot-driven. Narrative and Visual Critiques of Powers and Effects (35:00) The dome and powers' visual effects felt forced or inconsistent, serving more as story contrivances than meaningful world-building. The chaotic power, mainly mind control, lacked thematic clarity despite being the most consistent. The movie struggled to integrate powers into the plot logically, often introducing new abilities at convenience moments. The limited impact of the dome on the city was noted, with little attention to realistic consequences of such an event. Family Dynamics and Character Development A major theme was how the sequel mishandled the Shazam family dynamic, focusing too much on superhero forms and not enough on the kids' human sides (40:00). Underused Supporting Characters and Forced Representation (40:00) Pedro's gay reveal felt forced due to minimal screen time and lack of character development. The less prominent kids, especially Eugene and Pedro, were overshadowed by their superhero forms, weakening emotional engagement. Darla remained the heart of the family, carrying much of the emotional weight and humor, consistent with the first film. The sequel relied heavily on superhero personas rather than showing genuine child characters, harming the family's relatability. Mismatch of Actor Ages and Character Portrayals (46:30) The aging cast, particularly Zachary Levi, struggled to convincingly portray teenage characters, making immature behavior less palatable. The lack of contrasting younger versions of Billy and other kids reduced the dynamic tension present in the original movie. The sequel missed chances to explore Billy's growth and his struggles with leadership and abandonment issues meaningfully. Sam noted the film's good attempt to show Billy's fear of aging out of foster care as a motivation, but this was not fully developed. Lost Opportunities for Emotional Payoff (53:00) The film failed to create a satisfying emotional journey for Billy, especially regarding his insecurities and leadership challenges. The family's support was underutilized in key moments, leaving Billy's character arc feeling incomplete. The sequel lacked the sense of belonging and acceptance that made the first film's family dynamic resonate. Case and Sam suggested that a powerful second-act scene showing Billy's vulnerability and the family's encouragement was needed to strengthen the story. Critique and Proposed Fixes for the Sequel The panel proposed several realistic improvements to the sequel's structure, pacing, and character focus to enhance its emotional and narrative impact (56:00). Strengthening the Second Act and Family Bonding (56:00) Add scenes where the kids remain in their human forms to highlight their vulnerabilities, creating richer character moments. Insert a confrontation scene where Billy expresses frustration at the family's lack of unity, followed by reassurance from siblings. Shorten or remove the cringy Wonder Woman date scene to maintain tone and pacing. Show more of the lesser-used kids at school, depicting their struggles balancing normal life and superhero identities. Improving the Final Battle with the Dragon (31:30, 56:00, 01:32:50) Make the fight more dynamic by having Billy repeatedly say "Shazam" to power up the staff, requiring him to transform back to human form intermittently. Introduce stages in the fight where the hero tries different tactics, fails, then devises a winning plan. Include moments of vulnerability where Billy dodges attacks and avoids damage, adding tension and realism. Use the environment inside the dome better, possibly including some civilians or other stakes, if COVID protocols allow. Enhancing Character Scenes and Emotional Arcs (01:40:00) Show the kids' defeat when Helen Mirren's character escapes by turning back into their child forms, emphasizing their youth and fallibility. Add a scene where Billy admits to failure and receives encouragement from his siblings, reinforcing the family theme. Develop more natural, character-driven moments such as a school scene involving Skittles, tying in humor and personality. Streamline the plot to reduce the number of major events, allowing more screen time for character interactions and growth. Long-Term Franchise Vision: TV Series Format (01:14:30, 01:49:00) The panel agreed a TV series would better suit the story, allowing the actors to age naturally and explore the characters in depth. Proposed dividing the cast so Billy, Mary, and Freddie attend college while the younger kids remain in high school, creating parallel storylines. This approach resembles a "Happy Days with superpowers" format, supporting gradual character evolution and maintaining audience engagement. The TV format would also allow passing powers to new kids as the original characters grow up, ensuring franchise longevity. Production Context and External Influences The discussion recognized COVID-19's major impact on production, release timing, and overall movie quality, affecting creative decisions and execution (14:00, 01:52:00). COVID-19 Pandemic Effects (14:00) Production delays and social distancing protocols limited extras and crowd scenes, affecting the movie's atmosphere and fight choreography. The necessity of a smaller dome and fewer characters in scenes was a direct result of COVID restrictions. The four-year gap between movies was unplanned but forced by the pandemic, causing casting and story continuity issues. These factors contributed to the movie feeling disjointed and less cohesive compared to the first film. Script and Franchise Challenges (25:00) Multiple script rewrites were needed after Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam was spun off into his own movie, forcing major plot changes. The absence of Black Adam as a villain removed a key expected antagonist, weakening the sequel's threat level and fan expectations. The movie was released amid DC's shifting cinematic universe plans, reducing the likelihood of future sequels or franchise expansion. Despite plans to connect with the Justice Society and tease Mr. Mind, these elements remained unresolved, signaling franchise uncertainty. Casting and Political Context (01:06:00) Gal Gadot's performance as Wonder Woman was noted as uneven and disconnected from the main cast's energy. The panel acknowledged Gadot's political stances have affected her reception among some fans, adding complexity to her role's acceptance. The awkwardness of Billy's romantic scene with Wonder Woman was criticized for tone and appropriateness, detracting from character coherence. Zachary Levi's personal controversies and public persona complicated audience reception of his performance, especially given the film's tonal demands.
3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand If your manufacturer's quote feels too cheap or the turnaround time sounds unrealistically fast, this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down three critical manufacturing red flags every apparel brand owner must know before signing with a factory. These are the costly mistakes that quietly kill margins, compromise quality, and leave founders with zero leverage when production goes wrong. You'll learn how professional factories actually operate, why "perfect samples" don't guarantee perfect production, and how to protect yourself with the right agreements, tech packs, and ownership structures, before it's too late. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:23 Understanding Manufacturing and Production Red Flags 01:54 The Importance of a Golden Sample 04:24 Protecting Yourself with Vendor Agreements 09:00 Owning Your Tech Pack and Patterns 12:41 Evaluating Manufacturer Transparency 18:06 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Board 19:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Greg and Holly speak with Rep. Candice Pierucci on a proposal that would essentially speed up Utah's death penalty process.
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Andy Tirado, co-founder of the ADAS Network. Andy discusses the challenges of delivering relevant, effective technical training across the automotive industry, highlighting the critical need for trainers to adapt content to local cultures and shop-specific needs. The conversation also explores the complexities of ADAS calibrations, from misinformation in service procedures to pressure from insurance companies.00:00 Struggles with Local Training Participation08:25 Improving Training Accessibility and Retention10:24 "Training, Culture, and Communication"20:09 "Missed Details in Calibration Procedure"23:44 "ADAS Resource and Referral Network"28:45 Greed, Insurance, and Right to Repair33:43 "Taking Control of Business Processes"40:54 Braking System Safety Concerns46:09 Counterfeit Parts and Industry Issues52:21 Car Alignment and Calibration Costs53:56 "Trusting My Chosen Shop"01:00:05 "ADAS Insights and Validation"01:03:33 "Aligned for Selfless Collaboration"
The Utah Legislature is considering a bill intended to streamline the state’s death penalty process. Greg breaks down what this legislation would do and how it would impact cases like Tyler Robinson's, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, who may face the death penalty.
Could 17-Year-Olds Go to Adult Prison? 'The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love': The Symbolism Inside Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Utah Homicides Fall in 2025, Despite High-Profile Violence Southern Border Check-In: A Conversation with Yuma, Arizona Mayor Was Kindness a Factor in Trump Signing Foreign Aid Bill? Grandfluencers Bring Nostalgia and Authenticity to Social Media ...and more!
Through his decades of work in the brewing industry, many spent in R&D and quality at Sierra Nevada, Tom Nielsen has played a critical role in getting craft beer a seat at the broader brewing table. While industry advocacy groups were once dominated by macro brewers pursuing their own narrow goals, Nielsen (and a cohort of craft contemporaries) helped change the bigger conversation, connect ingredient producers and processors with brewer end users, and usher in a new golden age for hops flavor and aroma as well as malting-barley quality. Now Nielsen is tackling a new challenge—scaling down while maintaining the same rigorous approach to quality—as he builds the brewing program for the forthcoming Emberside Brewery in his home state of New Jersey. In this episode, Nielsen discusses: the development of the innovation process at Sierra Nevada perfecting Pale Ale and how the brewery prioritized R&D factors that improve packaged beer stability evaluating quality in crystal malts testing malt quality and consistency with equipment such as the farinator moving beyond visual inspection for barley and hops improving malt flavor with new (and old) barley varieties advances in pelletizing that retain more hop punch blending science, sensory, and a bit of art to achieve great beer And more. G&D Chillers G&D now offers their Elite 290 Micro-series with 5H chillers—bringing even more flexibility to their propane-powered lineup. In fact, they're building one right now for Red Clover Ale Co in partnership with Efficiency Vermont. It runs on a Natural Refrigerant with near-zero Global Warming Potential—projected to deliver around 10% more efficiency than A2L refrigerant systems. That's smart sustainability backed by proven engineering and trusted performance. With 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. Explore the Elite 290 Micro-series and more at gdchillers.com Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex The Midea 50/50 flex is the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard If your brewery is using fruit juice concentrates, purees, and blends, then why not source everything from a one-stop shop? Old Orchard might be best-known for flavored blends, but if you need 100% purees or concentrates, then Old Orchard can likely help—even with options not listed on their website. Let Old Orchard know what you need at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
Welcome to Episode 100 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Hannah Hon of Ruministics in St. Louis, Missouri. Do you remember the blockbuster film The Perfect Storm? Today's guest, Hannah Hon, describes her entrepreneurial journey as the perfect storm convergence of fragrance, creativity, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Hannah and I discuss how these passions came together to shape her “organized” career path. If you want relatable insights into creating a business that truly aligns with your life and brings genuine joy, then don't skip this episode. (Program Note: this episode was recorded in 2023. Hannah's business may be different now than it was at that time.) Enjoy this lively conversation as Hannah's calm, magnetic energy and honest storytelling leave you inspired, energized, and ready to take meaningful next steps in your own entrepreneurial journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Hannah NOW! Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast The amazing @ruministics shares how to take your content from sleepily head scratching to undeniably mind blowing in this episode of the #indiebusinesspodcast. #ruministics #entrepreneur #contentcreatorClick To Tweet Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Hannah Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode. 1. Streamline your product line Hannah's passion for crafting led her to initially create a vast array of products when she launched her business. Seriously, she said, anything scented was fair game. However, she soon realized the challenges of maintaining a wide range of scents, sizes, and products. Gradually, she streamlined her offerings to just four staple soaps with occasional limited editions, along with six roll-on blends following the same pattern. Additionally, she introduced self-care sets featuring combinations of existing products that were already in her line. This meticulous pruning process spanned years but proved to be a strategic move for Hannah. Not only did it alleviate operational burdens, but it also simplified her marketing efforts and the overall leadership of her business. Smart move, Hannah! Like I always share with my clients, I'd rather see you make lots of money successfully selling a few products than make a little money trying to sell “all the things.” 2. Test the waters to achieve success In her early days of business, Hannah cast a wide net, eager to gauge the reception of her products by selling at lots of markets. Unsure of how her offerings would be received, she opted for quantity over quality. However, as both her business and personal brand evolved, Hannah became more discerning. As she gained a deeper understanding of her target audience, she became better at identifying the best market venues. Today, aside from carefully curated pop-ups aligned with her brand, the only market she sells at is St. Louis's largest market. This strategic shift ensures maximum return on investment, both financially and in terms of personal fulfillment. Hannah acknowledges that navigating the market landscape has been a journey of trial and error, a quintessential experience for any small business owner. 3. Create a business that works for YOUR life, on YOUR terms Hannah pointed out the dual nature of entrepreneurship: challenging yet inherently enjoyable. It's a sentiment that deeply resonates with me. As Hannah points out, entrepreneurial enjoyment isn't automatic; it requires deliberate effort. For Hannah, the fun lies in the hands-on aspect of crafting her products and the joy of personal interactions at events. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere of markets or the physical satisfaction she gets from the activity of setting up and breaking down her booth, she finds fulfillment in every step of the process. While it's undeniably hard work, she relishes the opportunity of creating a physical space that reflects her business's unique identity. For Hannah, infusing enjoyment into her work isn't just a perk—it's a priority. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode In this episode, Hannah and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Ruministics Follow Ruministics on Instagram Aromatherapy certificate: American College of Healthcare Sciences Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform. Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released. The post Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.
Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings What does it really take to build a sustainable apparel brand that lasts? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel sits down with Julia Billings, founder and CEO of Wildhaven Wool, to unpack the real story behind building a values-driven kids apparel brand from Alaska, without cutting corners, chasing trends, or underpricing the product. Julia shares how she turned a personal need into a profitable brand, why merino wool is one of the most misunderstood materials in fashion, and what most founders get wrong about sustainability, pricing, and growth. This is an unfiltered conversation about long timelines, tough decisions, pricing with confidence, and why loving your idea is non-negotiable if you want to survive entrepreneurship. If you're building (or thinking about building) an apparel brand, and want to do it ethically, profitably, and with intention, this episode is required listening. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:27 Julia Billings: Founder of Wildhaven Wools 00:54 The Origin of Wildhaven Wools 02:54 The Benefits of Merino Wool 04:28 Sustainability and Longevity in Kids' Clothing 06:42 Masterclass Announcement 07:54 Commitment to Sustainability 14:03 Advice for Aspiring Apparel Entrepreneurs 17:50 Overcoming Initial Hurdles 18:31 Starting Small and Understanding Your Customer 19:20 The Importance of Passion and Innovation 22:05 Believing in Your Vision Despite Doubts 25:02 Fail Fast and Learn from Failure 28:01 Pricing and Profitability 32:00 Community Impact and Final Thoughts CONNECT WITH JULIA: Julia Billings is the founder of Wildhaven Wools, a sustainable children's clothing brand making merino wool base layers designed to expand as kids grow and fit for 3+ years. An Alaskan mom who believes deeply in the importance of raising kids in connection with nature, Julia started Wildhaven to make warm layers that could keep up with her rowdy kids all-day outdoor play, without harming the planet and its inhabitants in the process. Since starting her brand in 2022, Julia has grown Wildhaven from a home sewing operation to US-based commercial manufacturing and a business that pays her a paycheck and employs other women in her rural community. In addition, Wildhaven has helped thousands of customers outfit their kids in 100% natural ethical merino and live the core belief that all kids deserve a childhood spent outside and wild. Website: https://wildhavenwools.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhavenwools/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildhavenwools Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
This episode is a re-run. It was originally published in June 2024.Almost 40% of subcontractors lose money on project changes and most do not see it coming.Slow approvals drain your cash flow. Vague clauses block you from getting paid for extra work.In this episode, we share 5 practical contract tips to take back control of your cash flow and approvals. Learn how top subcontractors cut delays, secure faster payments and avoid losing money on changes.Listen now and start making your contracts work for you, not against you.Struggling with unfair contracts or slow payments in construction? With 6,000+ contracts reviewed and $20 billion in contracts managed, Quantum Contracts' proven framework is designed to help you negotiate fair contracts, secure faster payments, avoid disputes, and improve cash flow.Don't let contract issues hold you back—gain the confidence to focus on growing your business. Ready to take control and make more profit per project?Click here to GRAB the FREE Industry Standards Guide: quantumcs.co/ISYtClick here to IMPROVE your contracts using the Quantum Contract System: quantumcs.co/Yt2025Click here to GAIN expert advice weekly for FREE: quantumcs.co/YTNewsOptInTimestamps:(2:41) - Negotiate better terms and have shorter approval times(3:13) - What to do before you sign a contract(4:49) - When you're next at the negotiation table, push for more time on those change orders(5:37) - Submit changes quickly and efficiently. Speed can make or break your cash flow(6:07) - Optimize your dispute resolution clause in the contractDISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice, and can not be relied upon as such. You should seek legal advice or other professional advice in relation to any matters you or your business may have.Follow our Socials and let's get connected! ⤵️Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter
Have you met “Jessica” the virtual speech helper? I certainly remember hearing about it the first time.This concept raised a lot of questions in the clinical community. Are we trying to replace clinicians, and was that the intention behind this application?If you've had these questions too, you won't want to miss this conversation. This episode is the second half of my interview with Maura Connor from BetterSpeech, the company that created an AI “virtual speech helper” to enhance and extend work being done in therapy sessions. In this conversation we talk about:✅ How the “speech helper” was intended (and NOT intended) to be used✅ Discussion on why technology initiatives fail in schools✅ How can technology decrease work for educators (instead of adding more)?Maura Connor is an accomplished executive leader with deep expertise at the intersection of education and healthcare technology. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Better Speech, where she is leading the launch of Streamline, an AI-powered special education management platform that helps districts reduce administrative complexity for providers and teachers, ensure compliance visibility, and strengthen support for students and families. With a career spanning executive roles in ed tech, health tech, and clinical operations, Maura has built a reputation for scaling organizations, driving innovation, and leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation. Her work focuses on uniting vision, strategy, and execution to deliver measurable outcomes for schools, clinicians, and the communities they serve. Maura is passionate about advancing solutions that enable educators and clinicians to spend more time on direct impact—helping children grow, thrive, and reach their potential—while ensuring that systems of care are more efficient, compliant, and sustainable.You can connect with Maura on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-connor-2508929/Learn more about BetterSpeech's telehealth platform and services here: https://www.betterspeech.com/Learn more about Streamline by BetterSpeech here: https://www.streamline-sped.com/why-streamline Streamline is an AI solution that automates evaluation, service tracking, and compliance workflows, freeing up time for clinical judgement and engagement. In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments
In this episode, I share over a dozen creative and practical ways to use my new Purposeful EdTech Tips QuickWins! Strategy Cards for lesson planning and professional learning. You'll also hear how these bite-sized tips can help spark collaboration, streamline lesson planning, and energize your teaching throughout the school year. If you want to integrate EdTech with intention and find fresh inspiration without overwhelm, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/02/03/streamline-lesson-planning-356/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: https://www.EasyEdTechClub.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business.00:00 Garage Trouble Without License06:19 "Learning Through Experience"09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey12:59 "Results Over Passion"15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling"17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process"20:52 "Morals Over Money"25:31 "Passing the Torch"26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity"29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma"33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work"37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business"42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go"45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles"46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates"51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"
Fritz Family founder Cory Buenning brewed from the mid-90's through the mid 20-teens for Wyoming craft beer pioneers Snake River, but the itch to do his own thing was strong, and after returning to Colorado after a few years in Kentucky, he leased the old Bootstrap brewery in Niwot, installed a new brewhouse and cellar, and got to work making the beers he wanted to make—a variety of primarily lager beer, brewed thoughtfully and carefully. Years later, the brewery has developed a strong following among locals, but is also a favorite hangout for the area's brewers, and you'll often find brewers from neighboring breweries at the Fritz bar for a post-shift beer. It's brewers beer, after all—easy to drink, impeccably made, and unassuming. In this episode, Buenning shares his approach to making refined lagers at a taproom scale, and along the way discusses: how cold knockouts, cold fermentation, and no diacetyl rest make better lagers brewing with an jacketed oil-heated brewhouse rather than steam-heated acidifying the mash using sauergut building body in clear beer through proteins not carbohydrates carbonating naturally via capped tank using forced fermentation tests on all lagers managing gelatinization issues with European malt through modified step mashing ingredient approaches to Pilsner, helles, and Kölsch understanding yeast timing and performance to dial in harvesting and rep itching managing head pressure with 34/70 to reduce sulfur And more. G&D Chillers G&D's new Elite 290 Micro-series runs on a Natural Refrigerant with near-zero Global Warming Potential—built for brewers who care about sustainability and performance. They recently built one for New Belgium Brewing, delivering around 50% energy savings over CO₂ systems and 9% more efficiency than A2Ls. That's real-world impact from a brewery that knows what it takes. With 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. Learn more about sustainable chiller solutions at gdchillers.com. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex The Midea 50/50 flex is the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard If your brewery is using fruit juice concentrates, purees, and blends, then why not source everything from a one-stop shop? Old Orchard might be best-known for flavored blends, but if you need 100% purees or concentrates, then Old Orchard can likely help—even with options not listed on their website. Let Old Orchard know what you need at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
On this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with industry expert Chuck Hartle to break down the nitty-gritty of parts pricing, inventory sources, and the real value of creative problem-solving at the dealership. From the pitfalls of averaging pricing strategies to why a granular approach to source setup empowers flexibility and innovation, this conversation covers actionable best practices that help parts managers turn inventory faster and unlock growth. Hear real-world stories and insights about bonus structures, collaboration between departments, and the transformative power of dealer communication. If you want to elevate your parts department, this episode is a must-listen!--------------------------------------------This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Our strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you're looking to optimize your parts management, visit
On today's episode I have special guest Lauren Melissa Ellzey also known as Autienelle.Lauren Melissa is an autistic self-advocate and author of three young adult novels, BOY AT THE WINDOW, STREAMLINE, and GIMMICKS AND GLAMOUR, which explore belonging for queer, neurodivergent youth of colour. Her advocacy work has crossed paths with New York University, Reframing Autism, Cripple Media, NeuroClastic, and the United Nations. She holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science and resides in New York City with her cat, Tifa, and her dog, Farron.Lauren Melissa's links:Instagram: Lauren Melissa Ellzey (@autienelle) Lauren Melissa on Twitch Lifelines Grounding Stone: https://www.lifelines.com/grounding-stonesAutienelle websiteBook links:Boldstroke books: https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/authors/lauren-melissa-ellzey-364Amazon link: Lauren Melissa Ellzey: books, biography, latest updateMy 21andsensory links:@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on Patreon21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
EP 152 - This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand Is the #1 thing you're avoiding right now a timeline and calendar for your brand? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel unpacks why building a detailed, backwards-planned timeline is the foundation of a successful and stress-free apparel brand. Whether you're selling direct-to-consumer or eyeing wholesale, understanding your calendar isn't just helpful, it's essential. Rachel details production schedules, fashion industry timelines, and the leadership mindset required to hit your dates and grow your brand. You'll also learn about the "invisible killer" of apparel businesses: poor decision-making at key milestones. Stick around to the end for crucial advice on Spring 2027 launch timelines and how The Board membership can give you insider tools and mentorship to level up your operations. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of a Brand Timeline 00:33 Leveraging Fashion Calendars for Success 01:14 Building a Stress-Free Timeline 02:28 Decision Making and Leadership 04:24 The Importance of Timely Decisions 06:42 Masterclass: Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands 07:27 Commitment to Timelines in Leadership 07:49 Wholesale Buying Timelines 09:38 Planning for Spring Collections 18:46 The Board: Your Strategic Advantage 20:21 Direct to Consumer Strategies 23:20 Conclusion: Join the Board for Industry Insights Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by John Presnell, a shop owner from North Carolina, who shares his journey in taking over the family business. John discusses overcoming personal and professional resentments as he transitioned from working under his parents to owning the shop. Key topics include the challenges of shop growth and efficiency, strategies for training and developing a younger team, and the importance of personal growth through forgiveness and mentorship.00:00 "Florida Drivers in Mountains"04:44 "Slow, Stressful 27-Mile Drive"08:23 Frustration Over Van Repairs12:17 "Engine Coolant Leak Fail"13:43 Flatlands Pickup Talk19:18 "Overcoming Negativity and Growing"21:26 "Parables as Framework for Success"24:34 "Career Choices and Challenges"28:52 "Family Dynamics and Influence"33:02 "Accident Leads to Lasting Injury"34:52 "From Porta Potty to Upgraded Space"39:05 "Reflections on Growth and Work"42:51 "Start at the Beginning"44:59 "Keeping Business Decisions Private"48:35 "Community Action and Attendance"50:15 "Over a Barrel Moment"55:24 "Sense Trade-off in Marriage"56:09 "Affirmative Response"
For Jaron Anderson of Helper Beer, listening to the beer itself, rather than following prescribed rules, is the only way to improve it. He's well-versed in the theory, but not a slavish adherent to dogma—what matters is the beer itself, and how it tastes, so any technique or ingredient that gets you there is worth considering. In 2025, he won GABF gold in the competitive German-style pils category, yet his pils was produced in a way that some would fine unconventional—single infusion mash, lack of mid- and late-kettle hops, two hour boil, heavy cool-pool hop charge—but for Anderson, it's not good enough to make a good beer using safe techniques. The goal is to make great beer, using every tool at his disposal. In this episode, Anderson discusses: stripping adjuncts out of light lager to reduce perception of acetaldehyde long 2+ hour boils to drive off DMS making characterful helles and pils without decoction using local water with high hardness to give structure to malt building character in lager with domestic and European malt hop use and selection in German-style pils the quirks of brewing with the Andechs strain And more. G&D Chillers G&D's new Elite 290 Micro-series is built for brewers who care about sustainability and performance. It runs on a natural refrigerant with near-zero global warming potential (GWP), has a compact footprint, and features variable speed fans for efficiency. We've chilled beer for more than 3,000 breweries across North America, and with 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. Get the details on natural refrigerant technology at gdchillers.com. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex If you're like many podcast listeners, you've got a lot of beers at home, and your regular fridge is at capacity. Enter the Midea 50/50 Flex—the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. Here's what all that means for you: options! The 50/50 has the power to be all freezer, all fridge, or a little bit of both. But you'll probably want to use those 20 cubic feet as a massive, garage-ready beer fridge. You can also change which side the door is on or how you want the shelves to be arranged—the 50/50 totally flexes to fit your life. Plus, it's designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled conditions—so you can crack a cold one even on the warmest days in the man cave. Take your garage to the next level! Check out Midea.com/us/ to get more info about this game changer today. Cheers! Old Orchard The beyond-beer space is booming, and Old Orchard is here for it, supplying breweries with fruit ingredients for all your beverage needs: low/no alcohol, hard lemonades, seltzer, cider, and more. We have supplied hundreds of industrial customers across 49 states, including nationally and internationally loved brands, so you'll be in good company. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, we're joined by Donnie Hall and Isaac Gonzales of Streamline Custom Designs for a conversation focused on where it all started.Donnie talks about his time working at Kindig-It Design, the lessons he picked up there, and how those experiences shaped his approach to custom work. Isaac shares his background outside the automotive world, including his success in nuclear cleanup and business, and how that experience translated into building a shop from the ground up.The episode dives into how two very different paths came together to form Streamline Custom Designs, the challenges of starting something new, and the importance of experience, trust, and long-term thinking.
Doug Veliky, now of beverage consulting firm BrightBev (https://www.bright-bev.com), author of the BeerCrunchers (https://beercrunchers.substack.com) newsletter and blog, and the personality behind the Beer Aficionado (https://www.instagram.com/beeraficionado/) social media account, has a knack for explaining complex beverage-business goings-on without jargon. Over the years of running first finance and then marketing for Chicago craft brewery Revolution, he developed a keen sense of brand building and market timing. Now, he shares that expertise with beverage brands both professionally and publicly, with BrightBev as well as via entertaining videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, in this episode of the podcast, we dive deeper than the minute or two that social media typically afford, and we explore the trends that Veliky sees gaining momentum over the next 12 months. Including: major flavor trends in 2026, such as apple, yuzu, pickle, and more rethinking seasonality in fruit beer balancing philosophy and consistency with effectiveness in branding the growing segments of mid-strength and “dad-strength” beer lower performance from breweries' long-tail brands building brands slowly to gain organic traction pricing trends that affect craft beer how quality is a make-or-break proposition in craft beer today And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): With refrigerant regulations changing and the cost of obsolete refrigerants skyrocketing, sometimes the fix costs more than the unit is worth. G&D Chillers is there to help, whether you're a small brew pub or large full-scale production brewery. Don't throw good money at bad equipment. Invest in a solution that grows with your brewery—and keeps your tanks cold when it counts. Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passionfruit. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com. PakTech (https://paktech-opi.com) PakTech delivers craft beer multipacking you can trust. PakTech's handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops. (https://indiehops.com) Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers or modernizing your flagship IPA, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata (https://indiehops.com/). Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea. (https://Midea.com/us/) The Midea 50/50 Flex has the power to be all freezer, all fridge, or a little bit of both. Plus, it's designed to maintain a stable temp even in non climate controlled conditions–so you can crack a cold one even on the warmest days in the man cave. Check out Midea.com/us/ to get more info on this game changer today. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Why not source everything from a one-stop shop? Old Orchard might be best-known for flavored blends, but if you need 100 percent purees or concentrates, then Old Orchard can likely help—even with options not listed on our website. Let us know what you need at oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brightly Software (https://brightlysoftware.com) is a complete asset management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com.