Beer Business Finance

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, an...

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% wh...

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 ho...

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, relatio...

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-de...

Financial results shouldn’t live only in the accounting office, they belong to every department.  In this podcast, I'll share how beer wholesalers can build a culture of financial accountability by giving managers the tools, training, and systems to understand and own their numbers.  You’ll learn how to provide financial literacy education, involve department leaders in high-involvement plann...

In today's episode, we hear from RJ Martucci, Partner and Co-Lead of the Food & Beverage Practice at PKF O’Connor Davies, to break down the latest tax rules and strategies affecting beer wholesalers.  From entity structure and depreciation rules to credits, incentives, and estate planning, RJ shares practical guidance to help wholesalers reduce taxes, avoid surprises, and build long-term...

In today's podcast we dig into the "state of beer" with economist Lester Jones , separating structural shifts from cyclical noise and outlining a practical playbook to drive sales growth.  From broken pricing elasticity to on-premise strategy and demographics, we share data and specific moves. Key Topics:    • industry volumes down and dollars soft  • structural vs cyclical drivers...

A CFO who became a head of marketing, eliminated millions in debt , and then built a company to fix distribution blind spots—Doug Veliky’s journey is a masterclass in making beer businesses sturdier and smarter.   We dig into the decisions that actually move the needle : building an internal audit team at Reyes that focused on real compliance risk, redesigning systems at Revolution to produce mark...

In today's podcast you'll hear the audio version of our workshop on how to grow sales, increase gross profits and reduced finished product loss.  In this session, you’ll learn how to: Increase gross profit using the powerful VxP tool Reduce finished product loss through more efficient inventory management Identify key opportunities to grow top-line sales Key Takeaways Gain actionable ins...

Health insurance costs are spiraling out of control for many beer wholesalers, with annual increases of 5-10% that seem impossible to escape.  But what if there was a better way?  What if you could not only stop these relentless increases but actually reduce costs while improving benefits? Erin Butler from BevCap Management reveals how beer distributors across the country are doing exactly that th...

In this financial workshop with with RJ Martucci from PKF O’Connor Davies, we explore powerful and practical ways for beer wholesalers to get more value from their financial statements. Instead of just glancing at the P&L each month, RJ encourages a layered approach to financial analysis—using multiple tools and perspectives to uncover the full story behind the numbers . From trend analysis to...

In today's podcast you'll hear the audio version of our Wholesaler Financial Round Table meeting.  This month's topic is on financial analysis techniques and wholesaler financial benchmarks.  Summary of Key Points Financial analysis basics: How to focus on the most important numbers How to follow a financial month-end process to speed up production of the financial statements Standa...

This podcast is all about how to reduce finished product loss (FPL) in your beer business.  Bud Dunn from VxP shares best practices, training ideas, and a cool software tool to help you significantly reduce out of code beer in your business.  Step 1: Calculate how much FPL costs your business each year (probably around 10cents/CE) Step 2: Reach out to Bud to see how you can reduce your FPL to 2-3c...

Today on the podcast we hear from Dan Lust, Beverage Industry Consultant with Pints, LLC. Dan and I review the top challenges facing the industry and share data analytics, business planning, and performance measurement tactics for distributors and breweries.  Summary Hot topics: Tariffs, pricing, and the importance of sales training Strategic growth planning tactics for breweries  Tools to make da...

Today on the podcast we talk all-things truck leasing with Jenn King, Field Sales Manager from Penske. The lease vs. buy question is a big one when it comes to your truck fleet.  Jenn gives us a high-level overview of how truck leasing works, what's included, and a tool to perform a cost analysis so you get the best scenario for your business.  Key Points Lease vs. own analysis tool - how to...

In our beer wholesaler business we used a self-funded insurance plan to save millions of dollars over the cost of traditional fully funded health plan.  In today's podcast, Erin Butler of BevCap Management will show you how to do the same in your beer business.  Key Takeaways Wholesalers in the BevCap group save $640 per month, per employee compared to the average fully funded insurance premi...

Today on the podcast we hear from Bob Higgins of P3 Cost Analysts. Bob and his team specialize in identifying and reducing over-spending in your business. We talk all things expense management, cost reduction strategies, and share ideas on how your wholesaler business can save money. Highlights Bob's process for identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses Biggest cost-saving opportunitie...

Today on the podcast we hear from Dave Williams, the Analytics Czar from Bump Williams Consulting . Dave provides a recap of 2024 beer industry data, trends, and insights. We also cover “Dave’s Top 7”. These are the hot topics that he's been hearing about recently in the beer business. Key Points Growth in non-alcohol beer and ready-to-drink products On-premise results Health guidelines and t...

Today on the podcast we hear from Rebecca Maisel from Gulf Distributing. Rebecca is the Senior VP of Legal and Governmental Affairs and recently elected Chair of the National Beer Wholesalers Association.  Rebecca and I talk about how to become a world class beer wholesaler, her vision for wholesalers to adapt, grow, protect, and invest, and how to continue to innovate in the beer distribution spa...

Today on the podcast NBWA's Chief Economist Lester Jones breaks down beer sales data from 2024 and provides an outlook for 2025.  Key Points How did beer do in 2024? What is the data telling us?  Total beer sales / consumption On / Off premise trends Surprising trends and predictions for 2025 Tariffs, inflation, and interest rates...what does it mean for beer sales in 2025? Resources Connect...

In today's podcast you'll get best practices, tools, and inspiration to build your 2025 beer wholesaler financial plan. Topics Covered: Open Q&A: What is your BIG budget challenge right now? 3 Steps to take right now to build a great budget Budget prep outline template to keep you organized 6 Budget questions you need to answer Sample wholesaler budget templates - sales, GP, OPEX, et...

Today on the podcast we dive deep into the world of supplier incentives. What they are, how they work, and how to get alignment between these incentives and bottom line company goals. Summary How supplier incentives fit into the bigger picture of compensation The ideal compensation mix: Base, commissions, PFP, and supplier incentives The complexity of managing different categories of supplier ince...

Today on the podcast we hear from Sean McLaren and Adam Bush from OMAC Beverage Advisors. OMAC has worked on hundreds of transactions in the beverage industry, and understand the unique considerations for these types of deals. Sean and Adam share insights and analysis on the state of wholesaler consolidation, trends in valuation multiples, and best practices to make ready for a sale.  Summary Mult...

Tom DeMayo is a partner with PKF O'Connor Davies, specializes in cybersecurity, and is a self-described 'ethical hacker'. Cybercrime is a $10 trillion problem globally, and beer wholesalers are target. In today's podcast, Tom shares how these crimes occur, how to find out if your company is vulnerable, and what steps you can take right now to prevent a ransomware attack.  Key P...