The Chad Carden Podcast

Chad Carden

The Chad Carden Podcast dives into what it truly takes to build high-performing cultures that empower people and drive real results. Each episode features practical insights, proven strategies, and compelling conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of work—one culture at a time.

  1. Jul 16

    EP #28: Experience Sells Beer: Leadership Story of Building Trust With Brian Reames

    Most companies overlook the secret weapon in their leadership playbook—building the right relationships. Brian Reames, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Duval, pulls back the curtain on how investing in people, fostering trust, and creating unforgettable brand experiences can fuel explosive growth in competitive industries like craft beer and spirits. In this energizing episode, Brian shares how he transforms teams to operate like CEOs in their markets, emphasizing the importance of personalized training, continuous education, and relentless relationship-building. You'll discover how his leadership style—rooted in authenticity, presence, and a passion for creating experiences—drives not just sales but loyalty in an increasingly saturated market. We break down the innovative strategies behind Duval’s growth—like their signature Perfect Pour contest that turns bartenders into advocates and brand ambassadors. Brian also reveals how partnerships, storytelling, and memorable activations—like collaborations with Fandango—keep the brand fresh, relevant, and top-of-mind for consumers. Plus, get practical insights on managing a spread-out team, leveraging cultural nuances, and staying ahead amid rapid industry shifts like the rise of e-commerce and AI.EP Guest: Brian Reames, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Duvel Moortgat USA Ltd.https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-reames-bb145ba4/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.duvelmoortgat.com/en

  2. Jun 18

    EP #26: Driving Success: Trust and Growth in the Trucking Industry with Nick Thummel

    Most successful leaders don’t just grow their companies—they grow themselves. Nick Thummel’s journey from humble beginnings on a pig farm in Iowa to leading a 175-truck trucking company exemplifies a powerful philosophy: day-by-day service, authentic relationships, and quiet humility drive lasting success. In this rare, candid conversation, Nick shares the core principles behind his leadership—trust, culture, and relentless focus on serving customers as invited guests. You'll discover how he built a trustworthy partner relationship with clients and employees alike—by focusing on soft details like communication, consistency, and safety. Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding the job at every level—driving, operations, people—to earn credibility and foster a culture of accountability and humility. You'll learn about the organic growth model that’s been more about listening than planning. From coming back after college to take over the family business to navigating industry headwinds, Nick discusses the power of humility, resilience, and staying true to core values—not chasing big strategic plans but trusting the process. His insights on the importance of humility, continuous learning, and community-building will resonate with both seasoned executives and aspiring entrepreneurs. EP Guest: Nick Thummel, President at Keane Thummel TruckingLinkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-thummel-882b6847/Website: https://keanethummel.com/

About

The Chad Carden Podcast dives into what it truly takes to build high-performing cultures that empower people and drive real results. Each episode features practical insights, proven strategies, and compelling conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of work—one culture at a time.