Episode #175 - Chris Maffeo, Bottom Up Brand Building

In this episode, I chatted with Danil Nevsky, the cocktailman, and the indie bartender. He has become one of the most prolific bartending personalities in the world, this is a great chat for young bartenders. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER -https://twitter.com/ShawnSooleFOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I have the privilege to chat to journalist and author, Camper English. We chat about his work with creating perfect ice, his rabbit hole investigative style and what he is loving about the industry right now. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I want to chat to the younger generation about what is next for them. Been asked how I stay motivated in the industry after almost 30 years, so I break it down for you. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I am lucky enough to have a chat with Iain McPherson from Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland. He and his team have been behind some of the most advanced bar techniques in the last decade. We not only talk about the creative element of his work but also the business side of things. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, this came out of a little mentor session about how I manage my time. From the outside looking in, I achieve a lot in my day; but I still have plenty of time for family and sleep. Time Management is about compartmentalizing your priorities. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat with Evan Rogers,  @BeardFoundation  Award Winning Film Maker. We discuss the need for small market food space voices along with his take on the filming and making of The Great Wall, his James Beard Award Winning Short Documentary. Here is the documentary link - https://vimeo.com/undercurrentfilmco/greatwallfilm FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

I recorded this just yesterday, and the governments have flopped back to allowing US products. I have always been compliant on government issues like this, but this one felt like the industry was being used as a whipping pole yet again. Will all this revert back in 30 days? Tough to say! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat to  Chris Maffeo about brand building for small brands. A great start to 2025, if you are a small brand in the liquor sphere, this is the episode that you need to listen to. Tons of value and advice on what you should be doing to succeed in 2025. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat about how to how to build a solid foundation as a new hospitality industry person. I break down the 5 key points below. Master the Basics: Learn bar setup, how to use tools properly, and the key techniques for efficiency and speed. Memorize the Classics: Start with 20-30 go-to cocktails (e.g., Martini, Old Fashioned) and build from there. Be Humble and Eager: Show a willingness to learn, ask questions, and absorb knowledge from veteran bartenders. Develop Professional Habits: Be punctual, have a clean uniform, and show respect for coworkers and the bar. Understand the Industry Culture: Learn the unwritten rules, how to build relationships, and the value of teamwork. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat with BCRFA President and CEO, Ian Tosteson and the state of 2024, the GST holiday rollout and the outlook for 2025. Another indepth chat with the people on the ground for legislation and governmental changes. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast