Shows
Market PlateEpisode 20 - Jason Burke - New PrimalSummaryIn this conversation, Michael Wangbickler interviews Jason Burke, the founder of a successful meat snacks company. Jason shares his unexpected journey into the food industry, driven by personal experiences with health and nutrition. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, including funding, supply chain issues, and the importance of maintaining core values while adapting to consumer demands. Jason emphasizes the need for focus in business strategy and the significance of leveraging e-commerce platforms like Amazon for growth. The conversation concludes with valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector.Takeaways2025-05-1729 minMarket PlateEpisode 19 - Katherine Harvey - Bare BonesSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Katherine Harvey, co-founder of Bare Bones, about the evolution of their bone broth products, the challenges of navigating the food and beverage industry, and the importance of protein in consumer diets. They discuss the market strategy that led to their success in major retailers, the impact of economic conditions on supply chains, and the future initiatives for the brand. Katherine shares insights on consumer trends and the significance of providing food that is both nutritious and flavorful.TakeawaysKatherine Harvey is a...2025-05-1720 minMarket PlateEpisode 18 - Jimmy Kleiman - Uncle Arnie'sSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, Michael Wangbickler speaks with Jimmy Kleiman, COO of Uncle Arnie's, about the evolving landscape of THC beverages. They discuss the company's journey since its inception in 2020, the trends driving growth in the THC beverage market, and the importance of consumer education. Jimmy shares insights on dosage equivalency to alcohol, the challenges of distribution and marketing in a heavily regulated industry, and the innovative subscription model that Uncle Arnie's has implemented. The conversation highlights the need for adaptability in the cannabis sector and the exciting potential for THC beverages in the...2025-05-1722 minMarket PlateEpisode 17 - Liz Butts - Sprinkle PopSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Liz Butts, founder of Sprinkle Pop, about her journey from cake decorating to creating a successful sprinkle business. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry, the importance of understanding customer needs, current trends in the sprinkle market, and effective marketing strategies. Liz shares insights on regulatory compliance, the significance of delegation in business, and her growth plans for the future.TakeawaysLiz Butts transitioned from a finance career to cake decorating.She identified a gap in the...2025-05-0228 minMarket PlateEpisode 16 - Michael Dean - Cali SoberSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Michael Dean from Cali Sober about the emerging market of THC-infused beverages. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the beverage industry, particularly focusing on the rise of alternative drinks among younger consumers. Dean shares insights on building a brand, navigating regulations, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on funding strategies and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the beverage space.TakeawaysThe THC beverage market is rapidly evolving and expanding.Cali Sober targets a younger demographic seeking...2025-05-0223 minMarket PlateEpisode 15 - Scott O'Malley - clr!tySummaryIn this episode of MarketPlate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Scott O'Malley from clr!ty, a THC beverage company. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the THC beverage market, including product lines, dosage, market trends, consumer education, and the impact of legislation and insurance on the industry. Scott shares insights on the evolution of the market, the importance of educating consumers, and the future of THC beverages as they expand into new states and product offerings.TakeawaysScott O'Malley has diverse business experience, including in THC beverages.Clarity offers...2025-05-0223 minMarket PlateEpisode 14 - Bobby Barton - RPC BrandsSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, Michael Wangbickler speaks with Bobby Barton about the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for emerging brands. Bobby shares insights on building RPC Brands, the importance of consumer connection, and the need for consultative selling in a competitive market. They discuss trends in wine and spirits, including the rise of rum and the impact of health and wellness on consumer choices.TakeawaysRPC Brands was created to support small to mid-sized beverage brands.Building a sales team around a few products...2025-05-0227 minMarket PlateEpisode 13 - Anne Djerai - Metropolis CoffeeSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Anne Djerai, CEO of Metropolis Coffee, about the evolving landscape of the coffee industry. They discuss the company's culture, innovations, and the impact of consumer preferences on coffee consumption. Anne shares insights on sourcing challenges, pricing fluctuations, and the influence of major brands like Starbucks on coffee culture. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical sourcing and the growing trend of convenience in coffee consumption, especially in the wake of COVID-19.TakeawaysMetropolis Coffee has a personal and approachable culture.Innovation is key in the coffee industry...2025-05-0221 minMarket PlateEpisode 12 - Chad Copher - Heringer EstatesIn this episode, Michael Wangbickler interviews Chad Copher, the general manager of Heringer Estates, a family-run winery in Clarksburg, California. They discuss Chad's journey into the wine industry, the history and operations of Heringer Estates, and the challenges the wine market is currently facing. The conversation also explores strategies for attracting younger generations of wine drinkers, the importance of creating memorable experiences, and innovative event strategies to drive growth. Chad shares insights on current trends in wine consumption and production, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and authenticity in the industry.TakeawaysChad Copher transitioned from retail...2025-04-1627 minMarket PlateEpisode 11 - Alex Sarnow - Spruce ConfectionsIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Alex Sarnow from Spruce Confections about the challenges and opportunities in the baked goods industry. They discuss the company's growth plans, market trends, specialty baked goods, and the challenges faced by the industry, including staffing and pricing. Alex shares insights on building relationships in the wholesale market and the importance of marketing strategies. The conversation concludes with Alex's favorite product and thoughts on the future of Spruce Confections.TakeawaysSpruce Confections has been around since 1992, starting from a home kitchen.The company has four retail...2025-04-1624 minMarket PlateEpisode 10 - Pete Ferrari - Jaca SugarIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Pete Ferrari, the founder of Healthy for Life Foods, about his entrepreneurial journey and the introduction of Jaka sugar, a healthier alternative to traditional sugar. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the food industry, the importance of consumer education, and the company's commitment to social responsibility through initiatives aimed at combating nutritional inequality. Ferrari shares insights on market trends, consumer behavior, and the need for transparency and trust in the food industry.TakeawaysPete Ferrari has built five companies across different industries over 35 years...2025-04-1628 minMarket PlateEpisode 8 - Josh Rothstein - Redstone FoodsIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Josh Rothstein from Redstone Foods about the current challenges in the candy industry. They discuss market trends, consumer behavior, the impact of tariffs, and the shift towards online business models. Rothstein shares insights on regional preferences for snack products, emerging flavor trends, and the importance of building long-term relationships in business. The conversation highlights the need for adaptability and innovation in a rapidly changing market.TakeawaysConsumers are trading down in size or price due to economic concerns.Online business models are becoming increasingly important...2025-04-0423 minMarket PlateEpisode 6 - Justin Honeysuckle - Tended BarIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Justin Honeysuckle, co-founder of Tended Bar, an innovative automated cocktail dispensing system. They discuss the evolution of Tended Bar, its unique features, and the challenges faced in the hospitality industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin shares insights on market positioning, operational challenges, and the importance of customer experience. He emphasizes the need for passion in entrepreneurship and the adaptability required to thrive in a changing market.TakeawaysTended Bar started as a college project and evolved into a business.The system allows for self-service...2025-04-0120 minMarket PlateEpisode 5 - Jody Hall - WundergroundIn this episode of Market Plate, Michael Wangbickler speaks with Jody Hall, founder of Wunderground, about the innovative approach to coffee that incorporates adaptogens for wellness. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the coffee market, and how Wunderground positions itself as a leader in this emerging category. Jody shares insights on the importance of taste, the role of their cafe as a research and development space, and the future plans for growth and fundraising.TakeawaysWunderground aims to add wellness to daily coffee rituals.Adaptogens are natural substances...2025-04-0126 minMarket PlateEpisode 4 - Jim Birch - Salsa QueenIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Jim Birch, co-founder of Salsa Queen, about the journey of the company, its innovative product lines, and the challenges faced in the food and beverage industry. Jim shares insights on managing hyper growth, supply chain strategies, maintaining quality, and marketing efforts. The conversation also touches on future growth plans and the adoption of technology in production processes.TakeawaysSalsa Queen started as a local business and has expanded significantly.The company transitioned from local deliveries to a broader distribution network during COVID...2025-04-0113 minMarket PlateEpisode 3 - Charles Alpers - Zeppole BakeryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Charles Alpers from Zeppole Bakery about the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry. They discuss the evolution of the bakery, competition, rising costs, and the importance of consumer education regarding artisan products. Alpers shares insights from his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and the unique aspects of running an artisan bakery in Boise, Idaho.TakeawaysCharles Alpers has extensive experience in the hospitality industry.Zeppole Bakery has doubled its revenue since Alpers took over.Artisan bread is known for its unique...2025-04-0121 minMarket PlateEpisode 2 - Michael Memsic - Sanitas BrewingIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler speaks with Michael Memsic, co-founder and CEO of Sanitas Brewing, about the challenges and opportunities in the craft brewing industry. They discuss the journey of Sanitas Brewing, the importance of community, navigating competition, current trends in craft beer, and the future of alcohol consumption. Memsic emphasizes the need for breweries to focus on experience and hospitality while adapting to changing consumer preferences.TakeawaysSanitas Brewing was founded in 2013 and has expanded to multiple locations.The craft beer industry has seen significant growth, with nearly 10,000 breweries in the...2025-03-2627 minMarket PlateEpsiode 1 - Mark Samuel - CPG EntrepreneurSummaryIn this episode of Market Plate, host Michael Wangbickler engages with Mark Samuel, a seasoned entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry. They discuss the current challenges and opportunities within the CPG sector, the importance of having a strong product and brand story, and the realities of launching a new snack company. Mark shares his insights on market trends, the significance of packaging, and the emotional connection brands need to establish with consumers. The conversation also touches on personal growth, finding peace amidst business challenges, and the value of gratitude.TakeawaysMark Samuel...2025-03-2425 min
Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldLeveraging Marketing Data for Success in the Food & Beverage IndustryThe power of successful marketing comes down to data. Michael Wangbickler is CEO of Balzac Communications & Marketing, a bespoke marketing agency for the F&B industry. He discusses changes in the industry that are impacting marketing campaigns, shares insights into the power of data, making customers feel special, building trust with consumers, and stories of marketing success and failures. Michael also introduces the Balzac Method for gathering and applying data to create a successful marketing campaign. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Our Food and Beverage M&A Experience Food...2023-08-2343 min
Beats Vines and LifeHello Grappa! Exploring the Diversity of Grappa Terroirs and Why It Is The Italian Spirit You Need to Try!Welcome to a bonus episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. In this episode, I was joined by guests Lisa Tosolini and Michael Wangbickler to discuss the intricacies of Grappa, an Italian spirit distilled from grape skins.The episode began with the announcement of some upcoming events, including two master classes at Bar Convent, two workshops at Eataly Flatiron, and a Mixology contest at Hometown BBQ in Industry City on Thursday, June 15th. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Grappa, taste various producers, and try out cocktail creations made by 10 Mixologists competing for a...2023-06-131h 24
Cork & Taylor Wine PodcastEpisode 37: Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast - Michael Wangbickler, Balzac Communications/Hit The Bottle PodcastNew Year New Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast as Balzac Communications President and fellow Wine Podcaster Michael Wangbickler join us. We talk wine, wine tastings with dogs, the Union Grands Cru Bordeaux which unfortunately was postponed until June but really great stuff. Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.https://balzac.com/ - The Leading Wine PR and Marketing Agencyhttp://htbpodcast.com/ - Hit the Bottle PodcastAlso, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to...2022-01-1343 min
Hit the BottleEp 27 - Wine Media in the Wine BizOn today’s episode, Mike talks with his good friend, Jeff Siegel, otherwise known as the Wine Curmudgeon; writer, author of The Wine Curmudgeon's Guide to Cheap Wine, and excellent freelance writer. The two discuss wine media – how it’s changed from the 'good old days', and how it continues to change moving into the future.
The two also chat about how the wine biz has changed in 'modern' times, and how it's perceived by new generations. This is definitely an episode you don’t want to miss!
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easie...2021-07-2338 min
Hit the BottleEp 26 - Cheers to Vinexpo and Drinks AmericaMeet Beckie Kier, Event Director for Vinexpo America and Drinks America, who has led the team on the U.S.-based Vinexpo event since its launch in 2018. Learn all about how Vinexpo New York transformed to Vinexpo America, and the brand-new Drinks America that was created in response to a forecasted continuing rise in consumption of spirits and ready-to-drink beverages. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/htbpodcast/support2021-07-0214 min
Hit the BottleEp 25 - All About WineFuture 2021Four crises happening at once – pandemic, economic recession, climate crisis and systemic inequalities - the largest (and perhaps best) online conference we’ll probably see this year addresses all four: WineFuture 2021.
On today’s episode, Mike and Emma are joined by our esteemed guests, Pancho Campo and David Furer, the ringleaders of this auspicious conference, who give us insights on the conference itself, as well as a number of the special guests participating this year. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a po...2021-02-0321 min
Hit the BottleEp 24 - International Wine in the U.S.A.For a change of pace on today's episode, Mike and Emma talk amongst themselves weighing in on what it takes for International Wines to have a presence here in the U.S. Their combined multi-years of experience is well worth a listen. Be sure to pay attention!
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/htbpodcast/support2021-01-2923 min
Hit the BottleEp 23 - Podcast about PodcastsAccording to multiple sources, there are over 1.5 million podcasts and 34 million episodes as of October 2020. 50% of all U.S. homes are podcast fans, 49% of podcast listening is done at home, and 22% of listening is done in the car. 45 percent of monthly podcast listeners have household income over $75,000.
All the major media companies like NPR, BBC, New York Times, ABC, CBS, Fox have moved some content to the podcast format and they're very popular. Podcasts are here to stay, and a potential opportunity for smart marketers. So, on today's episode, we chat with Jason Stubblefield, a veteran...2020-12-1832 min
Hit the BottleEp 22 - Sexual Harassment in the Wine BizYou may have read (or heard of) the explosive report by The New York Times that reveals an ongoing culture of sexual abuse and harassment in one of the upper levels of the gourmet food world, the master sommeliers.
Certified master sommeliers are an elite circle, considering that only 155 people have earned the title since the Americas chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers was founded in 1997.
Of that 155, only 24 are women. That’s only 15.48% over the last 23 years.
On today’s episode, Emma and Mike talk to two master sommeliers that fall into...2020-11-2000 min
Hit the BottleEp 21 - Web Savvy in the Wine Biz2020 has taught us many things. One of the biggest lessons learned is just how important it is to be Web Savvy in the Wine Industry.
To that end, today Emma and Mike speak with George Christie, founder of the Wine Industry Network and purveyor of arguably the most read newsletter in the wine business, Wine Industry Advisor.
The three discuss how to best utilize WIN's tools as a producer, if the hype around wine and cannabis is here to stay, and how we see the future of trade events, lectures, and seminars moving forward. It's...2020-11-0600 min
Hit the BottleEp 20 - Crisis Communications in the Wine BizCrisis communications is something that we rarely think about until we actually need it. If 2020 has proven anything, it's that a crisis can and will happen any time: Covid, fires, an injury in the winery, a tank spill, or something along those lines.
How you react can be a make or break situation, so it's better to be prepared and think of solutions now rather than think of a solution later when you have to engage panic mode.
On today's show, Mike chats with Doug Levy, who is a personal friend and an expert in...2020-10-2300 min
Hit the BottleEp 19 - Marketing Automation in the Wine BizMarketing automation refers to software platforms and services that are created for marketing professionals to communicate on multiple channels online more effectively and automate repetitive tasks. Things such as setting up email workflows, integrating your CRM with your email marketing system, automating social media online. This is something that the wine business has been slow to adopt, but those that have, have shown some real return on it.
Today Mike talks with Morgan Bell, who is one of the principals at SharpSpring, which is one of the leaders in the marketing automation space. While this was recorded...2020-10-1600 min
Hit the BottleEp 18 - Leadership in the Wine BizLate last year, I had a conversation with Christine Moll from O'Neill Vintner's about leadership. And she actually defines it as three things - good leadership has the great ability to inspire, motivate, and mobilize. That it really kind of takes into consideration the individual rather than the role. So, it's like people over tasks.
There's no black and white, there's no formulas, it's very contextual, and as we look towards the next generation of leaders, it's important for us to realize that there are certain things that the upcoming generations value more than previous generations did...2020-10-0900 min
Hit the BottleEp 17 - Simplifying DTC in the Wine BizAre you frustrated with the slowness of adoption of marketing technologies in the wine biz? It still lags behind many other industries, and the feeling is that we're falling behind.
That is, until Covid happened, and it's forced many wineries to move out of their comfort zone and embrace more marketing, automation, integrating email marketing, and really focus on DTC.
On this episode, your host Mike Wangbickler talks with Chris Towt, the co-founder of VineSpring, a subscription focused commerce platform. It's one of the leading platforms in the business. They discussed late last year these...2020-10-0128 min
One Bourbon, One Chard, Or One Beer PodcastWhat Day IS It Even with Michael WangbicklerStub is in the umpire's chair this week spinning a playlist called "What Day IS It Even?" as he and Kern welcome VERY SPECIAL GUEST Michael Wangbickler, President of Balzac Communications and host of the Hit The Bottle Podcast. This week's playlist includes: Everyday Is Like Sunday - Morrissey Rainy Days And Mondays - Carpenters Ruby Tuesday - The Rolling Stones Wednesday - Drive-By Truckers (Thursday) Here's Why I Did Not Go To Work Today - Harry Nilsson Black Friday - Steely Dan...2020-09-251h 23One Bourbon, One Chard, Or One Beer PodcastRave Like You F*****g Mean It with Michael WangbicklerKern is in the umpire's chair this week spinning a playlist called "Rave Like You F*****g Mean It" as he and Stub welcome VERY SPECIAL GUEST Michael Wangbickler, President of Balzac Communications and host of the Hit The Bottle Podcast. This week's playlist includes: Something Good - Utah Saints How To Dance - Bingoboys Life - Haddaway The Only Living Boy In New Cross - Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine Total Eclipse Of the Heart - Nicki French This Is How It F...2020-09-111h 30
Hit the BottleEp 16 - Beverage Industry Compliance Tips and TricksOne of the many challenges facing beverage marketers is working within a highly regulated industry. Selling Wine and Spirits can be complicated for the uninitiated.
From knowing the difference between a front label and a brand label, to the strict limits on samples to retailers, to Tied House laws and social media. Remaining compliant with the laws of the land is kind of a requirement.
In today's episode we chat with Liz Holtzclaw, one of the nation's foremost authorities on beverage industry compliance. Recorded late last year, she gives us some very practical advice on...2020-09-1030 min
Hit the BottleEp 15 - Blogging and Digital Communication in the Wine BizWelcome, Hit the Bottle listeners, I'm your host, Michael Wangbickler. When you have an opportunity to spend an hour with one of your respected peers, it's a refreshing experience. It makes you remember why you do what you do, and that there are others out there that have similar experiences and thoughts.
That was the case when Tom Wark, founder of Wark Communications, joined me on the podcast late last year. It is one of our longer interviews, but there were so many valuable insights that we felt guilty about cutting it down, so we didn't.
2020-09-041h 07
Hit the BottleEp 14 - Leadership and Mentorship in the Wine BizWelcome back Hit the Bottle with your host, Michael Wangbickler.
They say, “You should never meet your heroes.” The people that you admire may disappoint you by not living up to your expectations when you encounter them in real life. The internet is full of horror stories about people meeting their celebrity idols and being crushed by the experience. Leadership comes at a price.
While Mike has had the opportunity to meet his heroes (most of which are in the wine biz, naturally), it’s always been a dream come true. That was the case when h...2020-08-2732 min
Hit the BottleEp 13 - PR vs. MarketingWelcome back to Hit the Bottle. Your host, Michael Wangbickler, has been managing public relations programs for more than 25 years. During that time, the means of communication may have evolved, but the basic principles remain the same. PR is necessary to communicating your message and story to media, trade, partners, employees, and stakeholders. Each public has different needs, and it’s up to the PR professional to effectively engage with each.
In today’s episode, Mike chats with Michelle Kaufmann, Communications Director for Stoller Wine Group in Oregon. They’ve had many discussions off air about this very s...2020-08-2033 min
Hit the BottleEp 12 - Building Positive Emotional ExperiencesAs mentioned in our last episode, we have about ten episodes we recorded late last year that we are rolling out over the next two months. The following show is one of those. Angelica Mabray is a rock star in the Napa Sonoma wine scene, currently the CEO of the Donum Estate, she leads the team there in creating world-class customer experiences.
With many wine producers being forced to Pivot as of late, customer experience and loyalty are more important than ever.
The oft ignored digital experience is now mission critical to all businesses, especially...2020-08-1328 min
Hit the BottleEp 11 - Breaking Down Barriers in the Wine BizHit the Bottle is back! It’s been several months since we last published any episodes, and in that time the world changed. Fires in Australia, a global pandemic, and the tragic killing of George Floyd, leading to a large part of the population questioning police practices and racial bias in the US and abroad.
The following interview with Elaine Chukan Brown was recorded in December last year, when there were far fewer conversations of this sort happening. She is someone highly qualified in speaking on diversity inclusivity and equity, but you will see that even she is...2020-08-0639 min