Shows
Craft Beer ProfessionalsUsing Your Taproom as a Profit CenterAs a brewery owner or manager, your taproom is your greatest opportunity to drive profits and build relationships. This leadership-focused session will provide you with the financial insights, actionable strategies, and data-driven tactics you need to turn your taproom into a thriving profit center. Learn how to maximize sales, manage your finances effectively, and enhance the guest experience while empowering your team to deliver results. Walk away with the tools to guide your taproom toward increased profits and keep things thriving in a constantly changing industry.Andrew Coplon is the Founder of Secret Hopper...2025-05-271h 04
Craft Brewery Financial Training PodcastHow to Drive Taproom ProfitsToday on the podcast you'll hear the audio version of our brewery financial round table meeting. Our financial round table is a place to ask questions, get answers, share ideas and best practices.In this episode, we explore tactics, tips and strategies to increase customer traffic, grow average check size, and encourage repeat visitors.Key Points5 specific action steps taproom staff can take to increase profits (with special Guest Star Andrew Coplon from Secret Hopper)5 things you could be doing to grow the bottom line (but p...2025-05-0557 min
Full Disclosure with Roben FarzadBackwashIt's "innovate or die" in craft beer -- the recently booming industry that survived the pandemic only to face lagging sales, drinkers' shifting preferences (seltzer everywhere) and even tariffs on the horizon. Andrew Coplon of Craft Beer Professionals and a pair of brewers talk to guest host Ian Stewart.2025-02-0955 min
What The Funk?Zac Coplon from 4cast on What the Funk?From Twitter hot takes to tech innovation, Zac Coplon’s journey to co-founding 4cast is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and good timing. With roots in Oklahoma and a background as a mineral buyer, Zac saw an opportunity to shake up the oil and gas industry with a fresh, user-friendly approach to forecasting. Along the way, he’s balanced building a brand on social media with navigating the personal and professional curveballs of starting a business during COVID—and doing it all while moving his family across the country. In this episode, Zac gets real about the challenges of entrep...2025-01-1646 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsThe Value of Local Guilds (Part 2)PART 2
Beer is local. In our quest for success, the most impactful efforts often start in your brewery’s own backyard. As our industry evolves, there is immense value in having a local guild to advocate for, support, and provide resources to your area’s breweries. This session will explore the fundamentals of starting a local guild from the ground up and strategies for actively engaging its members. Our guests—experienced guild leaders—will share how they’ve united their beer communities, discuss effective fundraising efforts, and provide valuable lessons learned. Whether you’re looking to s...2025-01-0857 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsThe Value of Local GuildsBeer is local. In our quest for success, the most impactful efforts often start in your brewery’s own backyard. As our industry evolves, there is immense value in having a local guild to advocate for, support, and provide resources to your area’s breweries. This session will explore the fundamentals of starting a local guild from the ground up and strategies for actively engaging its members. Our guests—experienced guild leaders—will share how they’ve united their beer communities, discuss effective fundraising efforts, and provide valuable lessons learned.
Whether you’re looking to start a g...2024-11-271h 08Craft Beer ProfessionalsWhy Breweries Collaborate (Part 2)We recommend listening to Part 1 before diving into this session.
In a competitive market, what drives breweries to collaborate? What benefits do these partnerships bring to the breweries, the craft beer community, and consumers? In this conversation, we'll dive into the motivations behind collaborations. Our panelists will share the strategic reasons they align themselves with other brewers and organizations. From gaining knowledge to increasing market awareness, our guests will reveal how they have utilized collaborations to achieve greater success.
Panelists:
Jessa Butler (Icicle Brewing)
Josh Evans (Afterglow Brewing)
...2024-09-1858 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsWhy Breweries CollaborateIn a competitive market, what drives breweries to collaborate? What benefits do these partnerships bring to the breweries, the craft beer community, and consumers? In this conversation, we'll dive into the motivations behind collaborations. Our panelists will share the strategic reasons they align themselves with other brewers and organizations. From gaining knowledge to increasing market awareness, our guests will reveal how they have utilized collaborations to achieve greater success.
Panelists:
Jessa Butler (Icicle Brewing)
Josh Evans (Afterglow Brewing)
Julie Rhodes (Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions)
William Teasley (Khonso Brewing)
...2024-09-111h 06Craft Beer ProfessionalsThe Meaning Behind the Madness: Understanding the Whys of BrewingDo this, do that. But why? Too often, teams follow instructions without understanding the reasons behind their tasks. Imagine if your head brewer suddenly left—would their assistant know how to create new recipes or troubleshoot unexpected challenges? This session emphasizes the importance of team members not only following standard operating procedures but also comprehending the underlying principles.
Join our panel of experts as they discuss effective strategies for educating, training, and building a knowledgeable team. Whether you’re in brewing, event planning, or any other industry role, you'll gain valuable insights on how to e...2024-08-241h 03
Access Your Leadership with Hakim LakhdarCommunity, Connection and Leadership in the Craft Beer IndustryAndrew Coplon is the Founder of Craft Beer Professionals, a national network dedicated to the growth and betterment of the Craft Beer industry and Founder of Secret Hopper, a mystery shopping and consulting company for craft beer businesses. Andrew joins Access Your Leadership to talk about his journey that’s led him to developing a community of over 17,000 craft beer industry professionals. He shares his take on the current state of the industry, what experiences he’s had and created for his craft beer peers and how leadership plays into any and all careers in this industry. For instance, what...2024-07-0853 min
Right Thinking with Steve CoplonApplied Passion, the Key to Success | Episode #381 | Encore Edition #170Right Thinking with Steve Coplon | Guests: Andrew CoplonThis week's show is "Applied Passion, the Key to Success" with guest Andrew Coplon. Tune in and hear Steve and Andrew, a successful young entrepreneur, talk about how combining hard work with your passion will lead you to success. Success is defined by the strength of the community you build around yourself.https://www.talknetworkradio.com/hosts/right-thinking2024-06-0350 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsTaproom Staff Motivation in a Tip Pool WorldWho's ready to go swimming? Tip pooling is becoming increasingly prevalent in taprooms, and motivating and engaging staff members requires a nuanced approach. In this conversation, we will learn why our panelists chose the tip pool model, the challenges they've faced, and how it has been a "win" for their team. We will explore the strategies they've used to boost staff morale, foster teamwork, and ultimately create more successful taproom experiences for both guests and staff.
Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)
Panelists:
Bobbi Gabler...2024-06-0156 min
The True Craft PodcastE83: Elevate Your Taproom Experience with Andrew Coplon of CBP and Secret HopperIn this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we welcome Andrew Coplon, Founder of Craft Beer Professionals and Secret Hopper to explore his unique insights on curating a fantastic customer experience in the taproom... and why that’s more important than ever.Just a few of the topics we cover:How to create what Andrew calls a “Wow! Experience” using his Taproom Venn Diagram: beer, memorable atmosphere, and engaging staff.Andrew’s take on the current epidemic of taproom staffing issues, and how to tap into the personalized motivations of each of your staff members through rewards...2024-04-1244 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsFrom Paper to Digital: Taproom Menu InsightsAre digital menus good or bad for taproom business? How do they compare in performance to paper menus or wallboards? What should you take into consideration for the visual design of a tap list?
Join Adrian Pawliszko (Kegshoe Inc.) and Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper) as they discuss the latest insights from the world of taproom menus. From recent research conducted by Secret Hopper, to menu design tips and tricks from Sippo, this talk is perfect for any taproom owner or manager.
Adrian Pawliszko is the cofounder...2024-01-2447 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsBrand Authenticity in an A.I. (-Infatuated) WorldAuthenticity has been a core principle of the craft beer community since its inception. It’s even in the name: “craft” beer. Machines make things. Humans craft things. The vast majority of craft breweries are modestly-sized labors of love built by real people with literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Join Brian Winkeler and Jennings Hammack from Oklahoma City-based branding & packaging design shop Robot House as they discuss with CBP’s Andrew Coplon all the ways in which authenticity matters in every aspect of a craft brewery’s brand experience (from branding & packaging to taproom & shelf presence) and the impact of A.I. on...2023-12-0654 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsHow to Write a Brewery Job DescriptionNationwide breweries are experiencing staffing challenges. Breweries are not only competing with each other for talent, but also big box retailers often offering comparable pay with less responsibilities. In this conversation, we will speak with our panelists on how to create a job description that will attract candidates, what to include, and discuss best practices with regard to transforming a potential hire into a valuable employee.
Panelists:
Justin Riopelle (Brewing Industry HR Consultant)
Katie Rado (Trace Brewing)
Kyle Smith (Gorman Smith Beverage Equipment)
Lance Furer (Bright...2023-11-081h 00Craft Brewery Financial Training PodcastTaproom Data: A Powerful Tool to Increase ProfitsToday we hear from Andrew Coplon, founder of Secret Hopper, a mystery shopping service for taprooms and brewpubs.Andrew has tons of data to share from over 6,000 unique taproom visits. Examples include adding paper menus to increase guest spending by 25% and increasing to-go beer sales by 5x with one simple question. Key TakeawaysThe most important taproom data points to measure and manage Tactics to train and motivate your staff How Secret Hopper provides feedback and data on the customer experience ResourcesLearn how Secret Hopper can t...2023-10-0537 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsFuture-Proofing Your Brewery: A Conversation on Navigating ChangeLet's explore the brewing industry's pressure points and the solutions to tackle them. We'll take a closer look at a wide range of factors that put pressure on the industry, like market competition, changing customer demands, sustainability, technology advancements, and economic fluctuations. Our panelists will shed insight on market forces at large, agronomics, and technology with the goal to better prepare you for the future.
Panelists: Adrian Hot (Blue Point Brewery), Michael Roy (Roy Farms), Ross Hunsinger (Abstrax Hops), Tyler Thurman (Highland Park Brewery)
Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer...2023-08-301h 06Craft Beer ProfessionalsEffective Communication Between DepartmentsFor a brewery to see maximum success, effective communication must exist between departments. Unfortunately, there is often a great disconnect between front-of-house and back, and beyond. In this session, we will be joined by panelists across brewery roles to discuss strategies to improve intra-brewery communication.
Panelists: Alison Wisneski (Lady Justice Brewing), Brittany Waiss (KettleHouse Brewing Co.), Jen Tooman (Jamesport Brewing Company), Josh Lindsay (MarketMyBrewery)
Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)2023-08-1259 min
Taproom SuccessHow to Use Menus to Increase Taproom SalesAndrew Coplon loves taproom menus. And he has lots of data to share about how menus drive taproom revenue. One key takeaway: Guests spend 35% more when offered a physical menu. Andrew teases out data from over 6000 unique taproom visits, and provides tips on how you can use menu to increase brewery taproom sales. 2023-06-2319 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsSelling? What a Buyer is Looking for in Your BreweryIs now the time to sell your brewery? What is a buyer going to be looking at when they evaluate your brewery for a potential purchase? In this panel discussion, we will be joined by some experts who can tell you about what makes a brewery attractive to a buyer, what you should be doing if you want to sell and how profitability and key drivers will determine what you will ultimately walk away with.
Panelists: Jason Sleeman (United Community Bank, Brewery Lender), David Lentz (Saucy Brew Works, Controller), Jeff Adam (Adam Noble Group...2023-05-0356 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsCBP Connects Milwaukee Event PreviewAndrew Coplon joins us to answer some questions about the upcoming Craft Beer Professionals Connects Workshop in Milwaukee this June. Their event is very different from other conferences/expos, and we wanted to uncover what actually makes it so unique. Andrew answers a ton of questions and shares a little secret about the event that you won't find online.
This episode is also featured on the Get Hoptimized Podcast.
Join us in-person for CBP Connects | Half workshop, half networking
Milwaukee, WI | June 19-21, 2023
Grab your...2023-04-1928 min
Get Hoptimized PodcastCBP Connects Milwaukee Event Preview with Andrew CoplonAndrew Coplon joins us to answer some questions about the upcoming Craft Beer Professionals Connects Workshop in Milwaukee this June. Their event is very different from other conferences/expos, and we wanted to uncover what actually makes it so unique. Andrew answers a ton of questions and shares a little secret about the event that you won't find online. To register and learn more about CBP Connects, go to craftbeerprofessionals.org/cbp-connects---For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.www.gethoptimized...2023-04-1729 min
Business of BeveragesCoach Me Coach! - Executive Coaching used to be the preserve of the C-Suite but anybody working from the bar to the boardroom can benefitSend us a textIn this episode you'll learn how coaching in a professional context differs from mentoring and how it can become a powerful to tool to make you a better, happier and more productive worker or manager, no matter what stage your career is at. We are joined by not one, but two qualified Executive Coaches to better understand how coaching can play a role in everybody's career. Formerly of Carlsberg, Daniel Savill, of Savill Transformations, is a professional Executive Coach in addition to his very senior position in a M&A consultancy...2023-04-1059 min
Restaurant Rockstars Podcast332. Lessons Learned from Secret Shopping Breweries - Andrew CoplonThis country has gone crazy about breweries, and a strong beer program is highly profitable for every restaurant! Whether you love and serve beer or not, it’s important to put yourself in your guest’s shoes to find out what they experience in your operation.
We’ve all heard of secret shoppers who come in and evaluate a restaurant’s ambiance, service and food and drink quality, but have you heard of “Secret Hopper”?
In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Andrew Coplon, the founder of secret shopping for breweries. Secret Hopper hires beer crazy...2023-03-0345 minCraft Beer ProfessionalsBeer Before Liquor: Adding a Distillery to Your BreweryCraft beer is all about innovation and more breweries are diversifying their product lineup to reach more potential customers. In past panels we have featured breweries also operating as coffee shops and soon will be discussing breweries also producing wine. In this session, we will learn from several Craft Beer Professionals who have ventured into the world of distilling. We will dive into why our panelists chose this model, strategies for success, lessons they've learned, and items for you to consider if looking into a similar concept.
Panelists:
Brendan Moylan (Moylan’s Brew...2023-02-041h 00Craft Beer ProfessionalsOut of this World Brewery ExperiencesBeer gardens, sport leagues, bed and brews, OH MY!
Join the team at Harvest Hosts as well as a great line up of breweries who are doing much more than brewing awesome beer! Hear from Pals Brewing Co., R & R Brewing, and Wiedemann's Fine Beer about the exceptional experiences offered at their breweries. Each will share ideas on how to grow your brand organically through in person experiences and overnight stays.
Panelists:
Betsy and Jon Newberry (Wiedemann's Fine Beer)
Paul Oettinger (Pals Brewing Company)
Ryan Bevell (R&R Br...2023-01-2557 min