Drinks Strategies & Brand Advocacy with Kaitlin Wilkes | 101

Summary

Join host Chris Maffeo as he chats with Kait Wilkes, an industry veteran with 15 years of global experience (just nominated #40 on the Drinks International Top 100 List). The episode was recorded during the Mirror Hospitality Expo, hosted by Mirror Bar in Bratislava (Just nominated #62 on 50 Best Bars). Kait shares her journey from bartending to advocacy, offering insights on navigating the drinks and hospitality industry. They discuss the different perspectives between bartenders and brands, the importance of a well-thought-out drink strategy, and how smaller brands can thrive. Kait also emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships, authenticity, and mentorship in the industry. Tune in to understand how to build a sustainable brand bottom-up and hear Kaits' expert advice for upcoming bartenders and brand advocates. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:26 Guest Introduction: Kait's Journey in the Drinks Industry 03:35 The Disconnect Between Drinks and Hospitality Industries 05:53 Building Authentic Brand Partnerships 11:54 Challenges and Strategies for Small Brands 18:26 Long-Term Brand Advocacy and Relationship Building 21:25 Crafting a Purposeful Drink Strategy 22:01 The Role of Drink Strategy in Brand Promotion 22:32 Simplifying Cocktails for the Consumer 24:22 Understanding Drink Trends and Market Adaptation 28:07 Supporting Bartenders and Their Career Growth 31:48 Navigating Cocktail Competitions 37:04 Final Thoughts and Authentic Connections