086 | Andrew Friedman | Community Education in Bartending | Industry Spirits, Seattle WA

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, I continue the conversation with Andrew Friedman, an ex-bar Owner (Liberty, Seattle, WA) and the brand builder behind Industry Spirits. Andrew shares his journey from bar owner to brand owner, highlighting the importance of community, education, and strategic planning in the drinks industry. The discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of creating a bartender-owned brand, the nuances of marketing and sales strategies, and the decision-making process behind scaling a business organically versus aiming for a large-scale buyout. This episode, which includes anecdotes about industry dynamics and practical advice for aspiring brand creators, underscores the value of thoughtful growth and collaborative success in the beverage industry. Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:26 The Value of Listener Feedback 01:37 Training and Collaboration in the Bar Industry 03:16 Challenges and Realities of Brand Promotion 05:44 From Bar Owner to Brand Owner 07:56 Building a Bartender-Owned Brand 09:09 Strategies for Brand Relevance 27:59 The Importance of Legacy and Scale 35:26 Wrapping Up and Contact Information About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Andrew Friedman