Bottled Up

In this episode, Andrew Allen talks to John Carter about his journey from casino worker to real estate expert and charity founder. John shares heartfelt memories of his late aunt, who battled triple-negative breast cancer, inspiring him to start Carter's Champions . The charity hosts events like the " Pink Dress Run " to support cancer patients. John also discusses his family's Blackjack Ranch, kn...

Andrew Allen welcomes guests Charles Duggan and Junior Estes Graves in this episode. They discuss changes in work ethic and communication in today's workforce, emphasizing the need for face-to-face interaction. Andrew shares a crucial lesson about building confidence he learned on the job. The group reminisces about winning the "Bottler of the Year" award and memorable experiences in the business,...

In this episode, Andrew Allen sits down with Troy Guillotte, a prominent figure from Gautier, Mississippi. Troy, the owner and PR/Marketing Director of Hickory Hills Golf Club and Resort shares his incredible journey of reviving a 226-acre gem along the scenic Pascagoula River. Hickory Hills features an 18-hole championship golf course, a restaurant, a bar, event venues, and condos for rent. Troy...

In this episode, Andrew Allen talks with Cindy DeFrances, Executive Director of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. They delve into the museum's history, community impact, and new additions like a sensory tree house and Mars rover exhibit. Cindy highlights how the museum has grown from an idea in the 1960s to a beloved family destination, attracting over 120,000 visitors annually. They discuss communit...

In this episode of Bottled Up,  Andrew Allen chats with Jeepin' The Coast event organizers Jennifer Moran, Kim Farve, and Julie Bradley about their annual gathering that unites Jeep enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2011, this event has grown significantly, attracting thousands to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with its family-friendly atmosphere. The conversation highlights how the event showcases...

On this episode, Andrew Allen has a conversation with the incredible Kyle Johnson, captain and owner of  Coastal Waters Outfitters . Kyle shared his passion for fishing, his journey from military electrician to full-time fishing guide, and the thrill of providing unique on-the-water experiences on the Mississippi coast. He digs deep into his commitment to client satisfaction, environmental conserv...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks with Chuck Kelly, owner of Chuck's Salon, as he recounts his childhood upbringing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, his journey into the hairdressing industry, and the development of his successful salon business on the Gulf Coast. Chuck emphasizes the importance of providing a customer-centric experience in his salon, focusing on exceptional technical skills and p...

In this Bottled Up episode, host Andrew Allen sits down with special guest Tom Bennett, owner of Tom's Extreme Pizzeria in Ocean Springs, to delve into the world of running a successful business. Tom shares the challenges of finding reliable employees and navigating increasing costs, all while maintaining a casual, friendly environment at his pizzeria. They discuss the importance of quality, fresh...

In this episode, Andrew Allen talks with special guests Duane Dyess and Jesus Ramirez from Allen Beverages. These long-time Allen Beverages team members discuss their experiences working under their legendary mentor, Andre, emphasizing the importance of following instructions and completing tasks diligently. Duane shares his extensive history at the company, working in various departments, while J...

In this episode, host Andrew Allen welcomes guest Drake Killingsworth, owner of Killer Crab and Seafood Company. The conversation revolves around Drake's deep-rooted involvement in the seafood business, his strong family ties, and the challenges and successes of running a seafood restaurant. Drake emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and appreciates the personalized customer service...

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Dave Melton, owner-operator of the popular  Rockin' Chicken and Waffles restaurant. Joining our host, Andrew Allen, Dave shares his journey as an entrepreneur and his passion for music and radio. As they delve into the world of local business, they discuss the importance of customer satisfaction and the excellent service that sets Rockin' Chicken and Wa...

In today's episode, Andrew Allen talks with  Ann Marie Walley , a stylist and the owner of Antonian Salon, with a passion for style, branding, and building strong relationships with her clients. Ann Marie takes us on a heartfelt journey as she shares her experiences serving clients and witnessing their lives' joys and sorrows. From weddings and first haircuts to proms and Mardi Gras, she has becom...

Welcome back to another episode of Bottled Up, where we pop open the stories and lives of local business owners, artists, and unique characters!  In this episode, we talk with Butch Simpson of Negrotto's Frame + Art , and he takes us on his journey from the military and humble beginnings to owning a successful custom framing shop and art gallery. Butch recounts how he found his way to the Mississi...

Welcome back to Bottled Up, and on this episode, Andrew Allen goes deep diving into the fascinating world of Japanese Art, fishing, and coastal conservation with the talented artist, avid sport fisherman, and founder of One Gulf One Goal, Captain Marty Wilson. Capt Marty takes us on a journey through the ancient Japanese Art of gyotaku, a unique form of fish printing with deep cultural significanc...

On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Stephen Stiglets of local radio stations Kicker 108 , Coast 102, and 95.3 The Gorilla, and he educates us on the power and importance of local radio and his career journey as a fourth-generation owner of the Coast Radio Group. He shares the advantage of being a local radio station on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and how it benefits their custome...

On the latest Bottled Up Podcast episode, where we share stories from the local businesses and business owners on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we have some special guests, Ferrell and Rose Alman, the owners of S.F. Alman . Allen Andrew and the Almans discuss how they got into the fashion retail business, the successes and struggles of making it a success, and their plans for the future. Plus, we wa...

On this episode of the Bottled Up podcast, we speak with Todd Durbin , the Creative Director of WLOX TV . Todd discussed his background growing up in Biloxi and how he eventually got his start at WLOX 33 years ago. Todd also shared his responsibilities at WLOX and how they produce local advertising for businesses. He and Andrew also discussed how they have won multiple ADDY awards for their local...

In this episode of The Bottled Up Podcast, Oren Zweig, owner of the Lil Market Deli and Bagelry in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, talks about his journey from avid poker player and dealer to business owner and, eventually, restauranteur. He also shares his advice for anyone wanting to get into the restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of having a quality product, starting lean, and organica...

This episode of Bottled Up features Kenny Williams, co-owner of  Mosaic in Ocean Springs, MS. Kenny talks to Andrew Allen about the unique and consistent experience he seeks to provide his patrons, from the décor to the music. He also shares his knowledge about having a team of managers who are bought into a shared vision, compensating talent accordingly, and using the assets of Ocean Springs to m...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks to a man known to be able to get you things. From a lawnmower to a bucket picker, to a large wedding tent, and even an elephant, this supplier of goods and needs is David Delk of ABC Rental , and he reveals the ins and outs of the rental business trade and how he and his father have built a successful and respected local 55-year-old business. Plus, David will ta...

Welcome back to the first Bottled Up episode of 2023. Today, we talk with Tim Thibideau of the legendary Frosty Mug in Wiggins, Mississippi. Mr. Tim and his wife Jan, lifelong successful entrepreneurs who have a track record of always finding juicy business opportunities, took over the Frosty Mug in 2008 and have maintained and evolved the excellent food, consistent presence, and the essential com...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks about the ins and outs, and we get a peek behind the curtain of "the best Christmas Event in Mississippi, the Harbor Lights Winter Festival, with Communications & Marketing Manager of Gulfport, MS. Jase Payne . Jase will discuss how his work in the movie industry prepared him for his showcasing job with the city; and he gives advice for others wanting to start a...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks with Alex Roberts, the co-owner of Monster Subs and Sandwiches , one of Gulfport's best places to get large, premium meat, deli-style sandwiches, and subs. Alex tells us the origins of why he and his father started Monster Subs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, some of the challenges in his shop with outrageous rising food prices, how he manages working close with...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks with Chef Stephen Morgan the Director of Food & Beverage Services of the Boyd Gaming and the IP Casino Restaurants in Biloxi, MS. Chef Morgan walks Andrew through his amazing culinary career that started at the age of 12, through his schooling at the Culinary Institute of America, earning his Chef stripes with Ritz Carlton and eventually to reorganizing the IP C...

On this episode, Andrew Allen talks with the Scuba Steve Johnson of Scuba Steve Clothing Company, a coastal lifestyle apparel brand he started in Gulfport, MS. Steve's incredible success story of persistence, hard work, positivity, and overcoming immense adversity has more twists and turns than the 1000s of miles he has driven from festival to festival selling his popular and unique t-shirts. So,...