Beer Business Finance

Beer Business Finance

Beer Business Finance is financial intelligence for beer wholesalers. We are dedicated to giving you clear, common-sense financial guidance so that you can improve financial results in your beer business. More profits, better cash flow, that’s Beer Business Finance. Listen to the podcast. The journey to a stronger financial business begins now.

  1. Jun 18

    Execution Wins: What Top Beverage Distributors Do Differently

    Sales teams today have more data than ever but many distributors still struggle to translate insights into action.  In this episode, I talk with Bud Dunn and Alicia Henrichs from VxP to unpack what recent sales execution data reveals about distributor performance, why execution gaps continue to widen, and the practical systems leading wholesalers are using to improve accountability, visibility, and profitable growth. Key Takeaways Why execution is increasingly becoming the differentiator in beverage distribution performance.The biggest pressures facing distributor sales teams today: rep turnover, spreadsheet-driven workflows, and limited visibility into field performance.How top-performing distributors translate goals into daily execution and manage to profit not just volume.Practical steps leaders can take in the next 30–60 days to assess execution gaps and improve results.Resources  Connect with Bud Dunn, bud@vxptech.com and Alicia Henrichs, alicia@vxptech.com to learn more about VxP Get the Beer Wholesaler Profit Brief - tactics, strategies and best practices to build a more profitable beer business Today’s episode is brought to you by BevCap. At Beer Business Finance, we talk a lot about installing systems that improve profitability and health insurance should be no exception. BevCap helps beverage companies apply the same discipline they use across the rest of the P&L to employee benefits, helping create smarter plans, more visibility into costs, and significant savings over time. To learn more visit BevCapManagement.com.

  2. Jun 12

    Captive Insurance: The Secret Weapon to Slash Health Costs

    Health insurance is one of the largest expenses on the P&L, but for most businesses it remains a complete black box.  In this episode, we hear from Erin Butler from BevCap to unpack how employer health insurance really works, why costs keep rising, and how captive insurance arrangements are giving companies a way to take control.  Learn how businesses are reducing healthcare spend by 20–40% while improving employee benefits. You'll also hear a case study of a beer wholesaler saving more than $1 million annually with a captive arrangement.  Key Takeaways: Why health insurance deserves the same financial discipline and cost management as any other major operating expense.What captive health insurance is and how it differs from traditional fully insured plans.How employers can create more transparency and control over healthcare costs.The types of businesses that tend to benefit most from a captive approach (and who may not).A real-world case study showing how one beer wholesaler saved over $1 million per year while improving employee benefits.Resources Connect with Erin from BevCap, ebutler@bevcapmanagement.com Get the Beer Wholesaler Profit Brief - tactics, strategies and best practices to run a more profitable beer business Today’s episode is brought to you by BevCap. At Beer Business Finance, we talk a lot about installing systems that improve profitability and health insurance should be no exception. BevCap helps beverage companies apply the same discipline they use across the rest of the P&L to employee benefits, helping create smarter plans, more visibility into costs, and significant savings over time. To learn more visit BevCapManagement.com.

  3. Mar 11

    Using AI Without the Anxiety: Practical Ways Beer Wholesalers Can Start Today

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere in business conversations right now, but for many beer wholesalers, the real challenge is simply knowing where to start.  In this conversation with Bud Dunn from VxP, we cut through the hype and focus on practical ways AI can help wholesalers save time, improve decision-making, and support their teams. Instead of complicated technology projects, Bud shares how AI can assist with sales insights, forecasting, reporting, and everyday administrative work, while reinforcing the roles of experienced people in the business.  If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure how it fits into a wholesale operation, this discussion provides a clear, low-risk framework for getting started. Key Takeaways • Start simple and practical. AI can deliver value quickly by helping summarize reports, analyze sales data, and assist with administrative tasks—no major technology overhaul required. • Use AI to support your sales and leadership teams. Tools can help identify trends, prepare for customer visits, and highlight opportunities in existing sales data. • Focus on time savings first. One of the biggest benefits of AI is reducing repetitive work so managers and teams can focus on strategy, relationships, and decision-making. • Separate real opportunity from hype. AI works best today as a tool for analysis and efficiency—not as a replacement for human judgment or industry experience. • Experiment safely. The best way to adopt AI is through small experiments with clear guardrails, allowing organizations to learn what works without overwhelming the team. Resources Connect with Bud Dunn to learn more about how VxP can supercharge your sales and margin growth - bud@vxptech.com  Grab the free and value-packed Wholesaler Profit Brief -  Clear Numbers, Cash Flow Clarity, and One Practical Action to Improve Financial Results  Today’s episode is brought to you by BevCap. At Beer Business Finance, we talk a lot about installing systems that improve profitability and health insurance should be no exception. BevCap helps beverage companies apply the same discipline they use across the rest of the P&L to employee benefits, helping create smarter plans, more visibility into costs, and significant savings over time. To learn more visit BevCapManagement.com.

  4. Jan 16

    Leading Beer Forward: Advocacy, Growth, and the Next Generation with Kim McKinnish (NBWA)

    In this episode, we hear from Kim McKinnish SVP and COO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) to talk about the future of beer.  Kim shares insights on the current state of the industry, the power of advocacy, and key NBWA initiatives including the BREW Initiative, the Next Generation of Leaders Group, and the Beer First Campaign.  Our conversation explores how leadership, relationships, and culture drive stronger businesses — and what distributors can do right now to build a healthier, more sustainable beer industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: An insider’s perspective on the current state of the beer industry and the biggest challenges and opportunities aheadWhat the BREW Initiative (Building Relationships & Empowering Women) is and how it’s helping develop talent across the industryWhy empowering women and building inclusive cultures leads to stronger leadership teams and better business resultsThe purpose behind NBWA’s Next Generation of Leaders Group and how it’s preparing future industry leadersThe leadership skills and mindset shifts the next wave of beer professionals need to succeedAn overview of the Beer Growth Initiative and NBWA’s Beer First CampaignPractical ways distributors and breweries can put the Beer First mindset into action in sales, marketing, and operationsKim’s outlook on where the beer industry is headed over the next 3–5 yearsActionable takeaways for building better teams, better partnerships, and a stronger beer businessDo you need tips and strategies to improve cash flow in your beer business?  Get the Beer Business Finance newsletter.  Packed with actionable tactics and best strategies you can implement right away to see real results on your income statement.  Today’s episode is brought to you by BevCap. At Beer Business Finance, we talk a lot about installing systems that improve profitability and health insurance should be no exception. BevCap helps beverage companies apply the same discipline they use across the rest of the P&L to employee benefits, helping create smarter plans, more visibility into costs, and significant savings over time. To learn more visit BevCapManagement.com.

  5. 11/11/2025

    The Future of Functional Beverages with Julie Rhodes of Kick Beverages

    Today, I’m joined by Julie Rhodes, co-founder of Kick Beverages and industry consultant with Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions.  Julie and her team are making waves with Kick Fizz, a hemp-derived beverage that’s redefining how consumers think about social and functional drinks. In this conversation, we dig into: The inspiration behind Kick Fizz and how Julie identified an opening for a hemp-derived beverage in today’s evolving market.How Kick Beverages positions itself in the space between beer and cannabis—and what that means for brand identity, compliance, and distribution.The science and art behind flavor formulation and dosage, and how Kick Fizz balances taste, experience, and safety.The unique challenges of consumer education in a category that’s still new to many drinkers.And finally, where Julie sees the future of THC beverages heading in the next few years—from retail placement to mainstream adoption.It’s a fascinating look at innovation, regulation, and the business of bringing a completely new beverage category to market. Want to learn more? Connect with Julie@KickBeverages.com.  Sign up for the beer industry financial training newsletter. Today’s episode is brought to you by BevCap. At Beer Business Finance, we talk a lot about installing systems that improve profitability and health insurance should be no exception. BevCap helps beverage companies apply the same discipline they use across the rest of the P&L to employee benefits, helping create smarter plans, more visibility into costs, and significant savings over time. To learn more visit BevCapManagement.com.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Beer Business Finance is financial intelligence for beer wholesalers. We are dedicated to giving you clear, common-sense financial guidance so that you can improve financial results in your beer business. More profits, better cash flow, that’s Beer Business Finance. Listen to the podcast. The journey to a stronger financial business begins now.

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