Shows
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsMerchandising with Stephen ThompsonCorey and Rachel engage in a lively discussion with Stephen Thompson, founder of Weld Manufacturing. They explore the importance of quality merchandise in the hospitality industry, the evolution of Weld, and how to create non-gimmicky branded goods that enhance the guest experience. The conversation also delves into the balance between trends and timelessness in merchandise, the significance of regionalism, and creative marketing strategies that resonate with consumers.
2025-11-1836 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsCreative Inspiration with Natalie Hope McDonaldCorey and Rachel chat with Natalie Hope McDonald and explore her multifaceted journey as an artist, discussing the various sources of her creative inspiration, the importance of rituals and environment in her creative process, and her upcoming projects. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present, embracing solitude, and finding inspiration 'in the wild' as means to foster creativity.
2025-11-1035 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsEfficiency vs. Experience with Joseph QuintelaCorey and Rachel engage with Joseph Quintela, the director of operations for SPB Hospitality, Amada and Village Whiskey by Chef Jose Garces. They discuss the nuances of hospitality, the balance between operational efficiency and guest experience, and the importance of team dynamics in the restaurant industry. Joseph shares his journey in hospitality, insights on defining great hospitality, and the role of technology in enhancing guest experiences. The conversation culminates in discussing future plans for Amada and the significance of human connection in the hospitality sector.
2025-11-0330 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsMobile & Seasonal Retail with Suzanne HaszCorey and Rachel chat with Suzanne Hasz, founder of Hudson Trailer Co., about the growth potential of mobile retail and seasonal pop-up experiences for wineries, exploring how evolving consumer behaviors are driving brands to meet audiences wherever they are. She highlights why design and branding are crucial for turning mobile units into “moving billboards” and social media magnets, shares insights on cost-to-return considerations, and discusses examples where the model exceeded expectations. Suzanne also weighs in on emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of on-the-go tasting experiences.
2025-10-2227 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsBuy Local!Corey and Rachel discuss the significance of buying local, particularly in the context of the wine and hospitality industries. They explore the benefits of farmers markets, the importance of connecting with local producers, and the economic impact of supporting local suppliers. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about local wine quality and emphasizes the need for open communication in tasting rooms. Ultimately, they highlight how local buying fosters community and strengthens relationships between consumers and producers.
2025-10-1031 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsAI & Hospitality with Dustin EngelRachel and Corey discuss the intersection of AI and the wine and hospitality industries, particularly focusing on how AI can enhance guest experiences while maintaining the human touch. Dustin Engel, founder and principal consultant at Elegant Disruption, shares insights on the importance of personalization, the role of AI in streamlining operations, and the balance between automation and authentic customer interactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for industry leaders to embrace AI as a tool for innovation and efficiency, while also addressing concerns about brand voice and customer connection.
2025-10-0235 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsChallenging Status Quo with Laura BattenCorey and Rachel chat with Canadian sommelier and owner of CRUSHABLE Wine Club, Laura Batten, to discuss the complexities and challenges facing the wine industry. They explore themes of authenticity, communication, and the need to challenge the status quo. The discussion highlights the importance of changing perceptions about wine, encouraging consumers to embrace local products, and the value of personal experiences in learning about wine. The conversation also touches on the significance of exploring emerging wine regions and the future of the industry as it adapts to new trends and consumer demands.
2025-09-2756 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsAuthenticity with Ed FeuchukCorey and Rachel chat with Ed Feuchuk, General Manager of Tank Garage Winery, to dive into what makes Tank one of the most unconventional and exciting players in the wine world. From their entire portfolio of one-off bottlings that constantly push creative boundaries, to the community they’ve built through their MADE Club, Tank thrives on breaking the mold. Ed shares how authenticity, storytelling, and passion drive every decision—offering a behind-the-scenes look at a brand that proves wine doesn’t have to play by the rules to succeed.
2025-09-2049 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsExperiential Marketing | Adult Trick-or-TreatCorey and Rachel discuss the success of Chaddsford Winery's "Adult Trick-or-Treat" program, which has become a masterclass in experiential marketing. They explore how the program effectively combines novel food and wine pairings, unique seasonality, and educational elements to create memorable customer interactions. Corey highlights the four key aspects of what makes this program so impactful: immersion, nostalgia, social share-ability, and stickiness, while Rachel stresses the importance of tailoring experiences to fit each winery's unique audience and brand identity.
2025-09-1325 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsStorytelling with Eastfolk Creative Corey and Rachel chat with Carly Jones and Jesse Eldredge of Eastfolk Creative Co., a video and photo production studio that focuses on authentic, documentary-style content that helps small business owners tell their stories effectively. The group dives into the nuances of each format, discusses how each can be applied in wine and hospitality, and stresses how authenticity and intentionality in storytelling are crucial for creating memorable first impressions both in-person and online.
2025-09-0319 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsPublic Relations with Kylie FlettCorey and Rachel interview food and beverage PR vet Kylie Flett about starting her own agency, Banter PR, and how wine and hospitality brands can leverage public relations to achieve sales growth. Kylie advises businesses to focus their efforts on areas where they can win rather than spreading resources too thin. She also suggests identifying specific goals, such as increasing tasting room visitors or promoting flagship products, and recommends looking for opportunities when competitors aren't active. Ultimately, PR doesn't require large budgets but does need strategic thinking about what's truly newsworthy to consumers rather than just to the business...
2025-08-2732 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsTraining & DevelopmentRachel and Corey discuss the importance of staff training and development in winery tasting rooms, emphasizing the need to hire people with the right intangible qualities rather than solely focusing on wine experience. They cover what wine knowledge is essential for new hires and highlight the significance of creating authentic connections with customers to enhance overall experience and drive sales.
2025-08-2221 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsSustainability with Shawn HoganCorey and Rachel chat with Shawn Hogan, Sustainability Consultant at Re:Vision. This podcast unpacks a lot of information for wine and hospitality businesses looking to embrace more sustainable practices - specifically within tasting room and production facilities. Additional topics include B Corp and Just certifications and assessments for organizations. Resources referenced in the podcast can be found below:Re:Vision’s Food + Retail Portfolio B CorpB Impact AssessmentJust ProgramSME Climate HubFree business emissions calculator
2025-08-1834 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsVibe & AestheticCorey and Rachel discuss the importance of vibe and aesthetic in order to attract, retain, and build consumer loyalty. The conversation dives into how vibe extends beyond the confines of a physical tasting room and should permeate every element of a brand - creating a cohesive customer impression of what your wine experience is all about.
2025-08-0713 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsWine Education with Noelle AllenRachel and Corey speak with Noelle Allen, DipWSET, about the importance of emphasizing wine education for both tasting room staff and customers. Noelle is co-owner of PhillyWine, a wine education company that provides WSET Certification in wine, spirits, and sake, as well as independent, non-certification wine classes and events.
2025-07-2520 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsUser Experience with Mike MadaioCorey and Rachel talk with Mike Madio, user experience (UX) expert, author, and local wine historian. The group discusses the importance of UX in both physical tasting rooms and digital platforms, especially for mobile. For more information on Mike's UX services visit: https://lifeattable.com/ux-consulting-practice/
2025-07-1517 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsBrand Identity with Steve KleinCorey and Rachel talk with Steve Klein, owner of Dakota Diesel (dakota-diesel.com), a full-service design and advertising firm, about the importance of brand identity.
2025-07-0813 min
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy SessionsMeet the TeamMeet founder Corey Krejcik and consultant Rachel Brown as they introduce you to the vision behind Thirsty Bandit. Served-up in a quick 5-minute format, ‘Strategy Sessions’ will be a recurring micro-podcast that interviews collaborators and experts as we tackle common challenges found in the wine industry.
2025-06-2905 min