Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast

We are excited to welcome Chema Mora, Business Development Manager of the Cicerone® Certification Program. We talk regularly of the importance of professional development, and programs like Cicerone are a valuable opportunity for you and your brewery taproom team to further your education. The Cicerone Certification Program offers a path to advance your career and the knowledge of your team. Join Advanced Cicerone Chema Mora, Business Development Manager for the Cicerone Program, as he shares an inside look at the program and shares tips and strategies to meet your goal. Whether you are studying for the next exam or just hearing about the program for the first time, there is something for you. ResourcesContact Chema at chema@cicerone.orgLearn more about the Taproom Success Manager CertificationSign up for the brewery financial newsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Today we hear from Tim Irvin and Chris Murphy from Clifton, Larson, Allen, LLP, a CPA firm that specializes in craft beverage businesses.  Tim and Chris share their insights and best practices on brewery financial planning, cash flow planning, debt structures, and wealth management. Key TopicsBrewery financial planning best practicesTactics to get a good understanding of your brewery cost structure How to develop your capital planWealth management considerations and resourcesResourcesLearn more about CLAConnect with Tim Irvin and Chris Murphy Sign up for the brewery financial training newsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Today we talk about open book management with Larry Chase.  Larry served for eight years on the brewer's association board of directors on the finance committee and as treasurer. Larry's passion is to show brewery managers and employees how their role impacts the financial success of the business.  Key TopicsHow to build a culture of ownershipKeys to high involvement planningTactics to create consistent financial results in your businessLarry's favorite industry publicationsResourcesConnect with Larry ChaseLearn more about the Brewery Open Book Management CourseSign up for the brewery financial training newsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Learn about the critical measurements and essential reports for your taproom business from Nancy Trigg, the Chief People Officer at Arryved. Discover the future innovations in point of sale systems and strategies for customer-centric success in the craft beer industry.

In today's podcast we hear from Lift Bridge Brewing CEO Dan Schwartz.  We talk about all aspects of financial planning, business planning, compensation structure and much more. We'll dig into the nitty gritty of the brewery financial planning process. Who should be involved, how long it should take, and exactly what you should be doing to build your plan. Key TopicsBest practices to improve financial results in your breweryBrewery software stack used by Lift Bridge BreweryTips to build a detailed sales forecastSoftware stack used by Lift Bridge BreweryResourcesLearn more about Lift Bridge BrewerySign up for the brewery financial training newsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

In today's podcast we talk strategies for marketing beer to women with Kristen Bernier.  Kristen is a brand and communication strategist, and shares her insights on how breweries can grow sales in a challenging market.  Key TopicsHow do identify what your brand is, what you stand for, and how to stand out from the crowdHow to be intentional and build your brand 'on purpose' Data points: 75% of buying decisions are made by womenTips and strategies: What breweries can do to appeal to women beer drinkersHow to benchmark your marketing campaigns, and track a return on investmentResourcesLearn more about Kristen and connect with herSign up for the financial newsletter for craft breweriesReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Beer industry expert Bump Williams joins today with an update on retail beer sales. Bump shares trends in packaging, pricing, brands, styles and market channels.As a special bonus, Bump gives his Top 3 Brewery Sales Growth Tactics that every brewery owner should consider to achieve sales success in 2022.  Key TopicsTrends in pricing and promotionsNew product innovationMarket share tracking tactics2022 Summer selling season outlookResourcesLearn more about Bump Williams ConsultingSign up to receive The Brewery Financial Training NewsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Financial literacy is a super power. It means learning to understand the numbers of your business so that you know how your business is doing financially.  Marketing literacy is a super power. It means learning how to identify your customer and communicate the value your brewery has to offer.  When you combine marketing and finance together...well, you have something special on your hands.  In today's podcast, I talk with Chris Overlay from Hoptimized Digital, a marketing firm for craft breweries. Chris and I talk numbers, finance, marketing, and how to combine these ingredients to help you supercharge your brewery results. Key TopicsBeer Pricing (related to margins, market positioning, and ultimately business success) Sales forecasting / budgeting / projects (as it relates to the marketing budget) Sales Growth KPIs (related to measuring ROI with marketing)ResourcesLearn more about Hoptimized DigitalGet the financial training newsletter for the beer industryReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

How much should you spend on brewery marketing?  What is the right amount, and how do you figure this out?  Julie Rhodes from Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions joins the podcast with answers.  Julie specializes in helping breweries optimize retail sales plans, execute digital marketing plans and improve distribution management. And she has lots of great information to share about proven and profitable brewery marketing strategies.  Key TopicsHow to budget your marketing dollars (benchmarks and rules of thumb)Profitable brewery marketing tactics The brewery marketing plan (starting points to build a good one)ResourcesLearn more about Julie and Not Your Hobby Marketing SolutionsGet the Case Equivalent Conversion CalculatorCheck out the brewery financial training newsletterReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.

Today we talk about the research and development tax credit with Brent Williams from Small Batch Standard.Brent breaks down what the R&D tax credit is, how the calculation works, and how to determine if your brewery business will qualify.Many breweries don't realize they qualify for this tax credit, and could be leaving money on the table. Listen to the podcast to learn whether your business qualifies. Key TopicsHow the R&D tax credit worksHow to know if your brewery qualifiesWhat types of costs are included to calculate the R&D credit How much of a credit may be available for your breweryWhere to get help to claim your R&D tax creditResourcesLearn more about R&D Tax Credits and Small Batch StandardGet the financial newsletter for craft breweriesReady to transform financial results in your beer business? Learn more about the Beer Business Finance Association, a network of owners and managers working together to build more profitable companies.