In our first episode of The FreeMind Podcast, we interview co-host, Chirsan Lichtenstein, founder of National Accounts Craft Management Group in Rochester, NY.  Chirsan and Nate discuss launching the podcast, life in the beer industry, fatherhood, career reflections, Phish shows and pandemic life.

The FreeMind Podcast EP001 - Chirsan Lichtenstein, National Accounts Craft Management Group

In this episode, we talk with Gary Huether, co-founder of Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with locations in seven different states.  Arooga’s opened up their newest location in Ewing, NJ on Sunday December 12th, 2021.  Gary enlightens us on his early career with Snap-On Tools, The Arooga's Ecosystem, Impossible Burgers, The Giant Company, RTD Canned Cocktails, Private Label Liquor with Boardroom Spirits, Hershey Park & franchising your business.

Arooga’s is certified by the Green Restaurant Association to reduce their environmental impact, and certified gluten free by Beyond Celiac, offering tons of gluten-free choices on their menu.

FMG Podcast EP002 Gary Huether Jr Arooga’s Grille and Sports Bar

On this episode, we are joined by Stephen Houck, CEO of SLRRRP Shots.  SLRRP Shots is the #1 brand in pre-made gelatin shots and the world's first vegetarian-friendly, ready-to-drink, boozy gelatin shots.

Stephen takes us on a journey of his life in alcohol with his early career at Coors Brewing Company, Stone Brewing, perfecting the gelatin shot,  building a spirits based and malt based product, distributor management, the value merchandising, the power of trial, Oskar Blues,  Vecenie Distributing (Pittsburgh), frozen gelatin shots (yep, try it!) & the potential for The World's Largest Gelatin Shot!

Celebrate Everything - wise words & philosophy to live by from Stephen...

The FreeMind Podcast EP003 Stephen Houck, SLRRRP Shots

On this episode, we are joined by Adam Kroener, President & Co-Founder of Carbliss. Carbliss produces hand crafted cocktails that are free of carbohydrates, sugars and calories. (Yes, you read that right)!

We cover an array of topics including: the importance of planning, lake life, Wisconsin cheese, Keto diets, RTD cocktails, hard seltzers, pizza, federal taxation, wholesale expansion, 4th grade pen pals, Kroger, General Beverage, Badger Liquor, market presence, distributor management, pivot-adapt-overcome, the work-life balance with married partners & more!  

Adam shares the Carbliss founding story, which is a true testament (and we'll steal Adam's phrase) of what it means to "go hard where you are."

The FreeMind Podcast - EP004 - Adam Kroener - Carbliss

On this episode, we are joined by Glenn Smith, Founder of Brewery Tours, based in York, Pennsylvania. Glenn is a fascinating individual - lawyer by day and brewery tour entrepreneur by night (and weekends)!  Brewery Tours offers three different craft beer experiences via walking, The Brew Bus & virtual tours.

We cover an array of topics including: beer tourism and education, The Virtual Craft Beer Experience, community outreach and the ever important flexibility of "The Covid Pivot". 

Adam shares the Brewery Tours founding story, which starts with a personal passion and ends with a business for all to enjoy.  Be sure to check out www.UltimateCraftBeerExperience.com and Brewery Tours on all the social platforms!

The FreeMind Podcast is brought to you by The FreeMind Group & National Accounts Craft Management Group.

The FreeMind Podcast - EP005 - Glenn Smith, Brewery Tours

On this episode, we are joined by Carson Kegerreis, of Bull’s Head Public House, based in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Carson’s leadership has supported the growth of the local craft beer community of Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.

We cover an array of topics including: Rock Lititz, Clair Brothers, Cask & Belgian Beers, Buyer Time Management, Wholesaler Management, Dad Life, Bourbon & Learning from Failures.

Be sure to check out Bull’s Head Public House and Lititz Springs Inn & Spa on all the social platforms!

The FreeMind Podcast is brought to you by The FreeMind Group & National Accounts Craft Management Group.

The FreeMind Podcast EP001 - Chirsan Lichtenstein, National Accounts Craft Management Group

Nate Fochtman

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