thealexicashenpodcast

James Miles is the Chairman, Managing Director, and Co-founder of Liv-ex, the leading marketplace and data source for secondary sales of fine wine. Liv-ex has a membership that spans across 560 wine companies from 43 countries. Members can trade confidently and anonymously with other wine businesses worldwide.

James attended Harris Manchester College in the UK, and in 1991 he started his career with Jardine Fleming Investment Management in Hong Kong (which later became Banque Paribas and then BNP Paribas). He is also the Director of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

In this episode…

Do you struggle with juggling logistics, buying, and selling in the wine industry? Are you a wine brand looking for a worldwide marketplace to connect with consumers?

Engaging with consumers through the three-tier system can be complicated. It can be difficult for many brands and individuals to analyze, visualize, and trust that you’re working with tried and trusted merchants. That’s why James Miles curated the Liv-ex platform that created a comprehensive database of brands and their products to reach and engage consumers through wine. In fact, they are the world’s largest open-sourced database of wine information. Want to learn more?

Listen to this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast as Alexi sits down with James Miles, Chairman, Managing Director, and Co-founder of Liv-ex. Hear his narration of launching an online stock exchange for wine. James talks about solving consumer problems in real-time, how to unclog the supply chain issues of shipping overseas, and how a platform can connect and educate consumers on brand behavior.

Sarah Shadonix is the Founder and CEO of Scout & Cellar, a Clean-Crafted™, woman-founded and led winery that has created a higher standard for how wine is made by creating a more authentic, sustainable, and delicious approach to the wine-making process. After several years of practicing commercial litigation, Sarah decided to pursue her passion for wine instead. In 2014, she earned her Advanced Certificate from the Wines & Spirit Education Trust and became a Certified Specialist of Wine. Armed with both passion and extensive knowledge, Sarah began working in the wine industry in California, curating wine offerings for online retailers, honing the skills to help contribute to the success of Scout & Cellar.

In this episode…

Creating an authentic wine brand starts in the vineyard. So, how can you craft exceptional wines for a satisfying customer experience? 

Sarah Shadonix is pioneering a community of like-minded wine enthusiasts dedicated to crafting wines without the use of pesticides, artificial ingredients, or added sugar. From grape to bottle, Sarah is committed to delivering a Clean-Crafted™ wine focused on sustainability. Today, Sarah shares how you can deliver environmentally-friendly wines for the consumer. 

In this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, Alexi sits down with Sarah Shadonix, Founder and CEO of Scout & Cellar, to discuss delivering a quality product through authenticity and transparency. Sarah shares the story behind launching an e-commerce wine brand, how to successfully deliver a consultant-based model, and the importance of making the consumer journey unique and engaging.

Bryan Monteleone is the Co-founder of Drinkubator, a company that lives at the collision of beverages and technology and leverages digital strategy for spirits, RTDs, wine, and non-alcoholic brands to help them make better business decisions based on live data and analytics.

Bryan oversees business development and relationship management and brings his ability and experience in developing, building, and selling technology solutions to Drinkubator and its roster of clients. As a passionate tech geek, startup junkie, and serial entrepreneur, Bryan bridges an eye for emerging technology and online tactics together with his background in the craft alcohol business to help Drinkubator brand partners grow their footprint in the ever-growing and uber-competitive beverage industry.

In this episode…

How can your brand stay relevant in today’s competitive digital market? Is it possible to tap into data to make better decisions and invest in a market where your beverage brand will succeed?

The spirits digital market can be difficult to navigate. So, how can you find your niche and unlock your digital potential? Bryan Monteleone is a trailblazer in the digital industry and helps build successful spirits brands.  

By being digitally forward and paying attention to the data and analytics of where your customers are, you can accelerate your brand growth and drive sales. The industry is competitive, so it can be a game-changer if your brand focuses on reaching customers through monetizing available data. 

In this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, join Alexi as she sits down with Bryan Monteleone, Co-founder of Drinkubator, to discuss navigating and overcoming digital marketing challenges for a spirits brand. Bryan talks about meeting brand needs in a digital space, the importance of flexible marketing strategies, and the endless possibilities of content delivery for spirits brands.

Anna Lundstrom and her husband founded Folksy Hard Kombucha, a better-for-you alcoholic beverage that’s more thoughtful and more enjoyable. At Folksy, they are committed to pure ingredients and honest practices that put people and the planet first. Their better-for-you alcoholic drink is made from a light combination of organic fruit juices and natural botanicals, and it’s low in sugar and brewed to a breezy 5% — so you can feel good today and tomorrow, too!

In this episode…

Do you want to make an alcoholic beverage with more natural ingredients and lower sugar? How can you launch towards your north star while remaining true to your values and beliefs?

Anna Lundstrom of Folksy Hard Kombucha created a refreshing, sweet alcoholic drink without the weight of processed ingredients and added sugar. She believes consumers can have clean ingredients and natural botanicals with zero compromises. Anna stayed true to her principles and aligned herself with partnerships that encouraged growth opportunities. Today, Anna is here to share the birth of her product and how you can remain true to your vision.

In this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, Alexi sits down with Anna Lundstrom, Co-founder of Folksy Hard Kombucha, to discuss creating an alcoholic beverage without compromising on ingredients. Anna talks about crafting a selection of kombucha using organic ingredients, the importance of aligning your brand with your core values, and letting the customer define how your brand speaks.

Carlos de Jesus is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Amorim Cork, the largest cork producer in the world. He played rugby at the national level before cutting his teeth at Breakstone & Ruth LLP, a leading New York-based investor and shareholder relations firm where he worked in media and investor relations and corporate communications. 

Originally hailing from Portugal, his natural curiosity and interest in environmental sustainability led him back there 16 years ago to contribute to the global defense of cork forests and the species that rely on their existence.

In this episode…

Wine-making has been around for thousands of years — and cork seals bottles effectively. Cork may be an environmentally friendlier option than single-use plastic, but not without many challenges. How can a brand continue fostering change and innovative technologies?

Modernizing the cork industry and educating consumers on the environmental impacts is crucial as cork brands face a sustainability problem. Carlos de Jesus pours his passion into helping winemakers focus on growth while cultivating a better ecosystem through cork stoppers. More importantly, cork is harvested without felling trees. By carefully stripping it, the tree can balance the ecosystem by continuing to grow until the next harvest.

On this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, join Alexi Cashen as she talks with Carlos de Jesus, Director of Marketing and Communications at Amorim, about producing cork and the fundamentals of cork forests. Carlos discusses the positive impact cork has on the environment, the balance between nature and technology, and what is threatening the sustainability of the cork industry.

Alexi Cashen is the Co-founder and CEO of Elenteny Imports, a multifaceted logistics company dedicated to growing its partners’ businesses in the wine, beer, and spirits industry. She is also the Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of St. Hildie's Spiked Tincture Tonics, boozy craft tonics made with natural ingredients and botanical tinctures. 

Alexi is fondly called the “Chief Executive Optimist” — spreading the gospel of empathetic customer service, sales panache, and meticulous operations. She scours ideas and drives home solutions, strategy, and above all else, positivity! Alexi is also the host of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, where she talks with inspirational people in the wine, beer, and spirits space.

In this episode…

Ever wondered how — and why — brands scale and thrive in the wine and alcohol beverage industry? Where can you find the tools for success of brands that engage in the same struggles?

This week, Alexi Cashen highlights brand e-commerce, retail models, and entrepreneurial struggles and solutions in the wine and beverage industry. From flavors and ingredients, mentorships and inspiring women’s roles, and importing and distribution, this episode has it all. Dig into this collection of inspiring stories and industry aspects.

In this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, Rise25 Co-founder John Corcoran sits down with host Alexi Cashen to talk about Alexi’s most memorable past episodes and encouraging conversations. Alexi shares how brands pivoted during challenging times to produce growth, ways women are refashioning the industry, and how the alcohol beverage industry is embracing diversity and inclusion.

Gina Fugina is a passionate female Spanish wine importer and the Owner of Able Beverage LLC, a Maine-based Spanish wine import company. Able Beverage imports high-quality biodynamic, vegan, and certified organic Spanish wines to more than 15 states, including Maine, California, New York, Colorado, and New Jersey.

Gina is also the owner of her sip for a cure brand, pALS CAVA. She was inspired by a friend’s fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and runs the company by the motto, “Sip For A Cure.” Gina’s passion for the wine business and experience came from her time working with Steve Miles as the Operations Manager for Steve Miles Selections.

In this episode…

Have you ever wondered about the role of a wine importer? The role of an importer is associated with buying and selling wine, but how does an independent importer select a bottle? What are these factors, and what role do they play in wine selection?

An importer deals with more than just suppliers. They establish relationships with wineries, need to understand logistics and compliance, and know how to prepare a delectable portfolio of wines. Gina Fugina started her own brand based on a passion and love for Spanish wines, and she has become an industry pioneer — in sparkling wine and giving back. Inspired by a personal friend and mentor, she shows how a wine-loving community can make a difference.

On this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, hear from Gina Fugina, Owner of Able Beverage and pALS Cava, as she details creating a unique experience from imported wine from Spain. Gina talks about her journey into the alcohol beverage industry, lessons she’s learned in the process of scaling her brand, and the inspiration behind her “Sip For A Cure” motto.

Helen Johannesen is the Owner and Founder of Helen’s Wines, a naturally-driven and organically farmed wine shop. She is also the Director of Operations and the Beverage Director at Jon & Vinny’s restaurant and all associated restaurants, including Animal, Son of a Gun, and Petit Trois. She is passionate about food and wine and was titled Best New Sommelier by Food & Wine in 2016.

Helen graduated from the University of Wisconsin and began her career in the food industry working at L’Etoile, where she gained valuable experience in the fine dining and farm-to-table sector. After moving to Los Angeles, Helen worked as a manager at Craft before taking a position with Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo and eventually became their partner at Jon & Vinny’s.

In this episode…

How do new brands connect and educate consumers? What does it mean to stay humble in the rapidly growing ecosystem of the wine industry, and how can you remain authentic?

For Helen Johannesen, connecting and establishing a personal relationship between her consumers and the brand they love begins with a conversation. Helen has had a colorful career in the food and beverage industry — and her experience as a leader has inspired and shaped the foundation of her wine shop, Helen’s. By remaining authentic and firm to her roots, she has successfully scaled her brand and positively impacted the lives of her consumers. 

Listen to this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast to hear from Helen Johannesen, Owner and Founder of Helen’s and Partner at Jon & Vinny’s. Alexi and Helen discuss keeping true to your roots, increasing revenue, and staying humble in a diverse industry. Helen talks about the importance of educating the consumer, setting brand expectations for authenticity, and being persistent in your personal growth. Stay tuned!

Donna Katz is the Founder and CEO of G’s Hard Ginger Beer, a ready-to-drink dry hard ginger beer brand made with 100% real ingredients. She is focused on bringing natural, cleaner, and transparent ingredients to the alcohol beverage space. Donna is an Australian native and moved to Napa Valley, California, in 2013. She began dry-farming a small block of grapevines organically by hand and making restrained-style wines in 2014. Donna started fermenting ginger for her own digestive health when she was struck with the idea to create a brand of clean and functional alcoholic ginger beers. 

In this episode…

How can you create a business model centered around consumer and distribution relationships? What does it take to craft quality beverages with natural ingredients? 

Donna Katz saw a gap in the market for cleaner alcohol options that were fresh-tasting and not overly sweetened with added sugar. She was inspired to create her beverage while fermenting ginger for her own gut health. After sourcing natural and local ingredients, Donna decided to produce an agriculturally sourced brand. She believes in her brew and puts in the time to establish connections with her consumers and distributors to showcase the value of her canned ginger beer. 

On this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, hear from Donna Katz, Founder and CEO of G’s Hard Ginger Beer, as she details her process of crafting a clean, organic beverage brand. Alexi and Donna talk about the importance of transparency on nutritional beverage labels, how in-person networking scaled Donna’s brand, and an exemplary business model to connect with consumers and distributors.

Marisa Wilairat is the Alcohol Compliance Manager at Elenteny Imports, a multi-faceted logistics company dedicated to growing its partners’ businesses in the wine, beer, and spirits industry. The Elenteny team handles all the details of compliance, logistics, and delivery for their clients so their team can focus on sourcing and selling exceptional wines, beers, and spirits.

Before joining Elenteny Imports, Marisa was an Associate Attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. As a member of the honorary scholastic society, The Order of the Coif, Marisa graduated magna cum laude with a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

In this episode…

Are you seeking a better opportunity in the alcohol compliance industry? If so, this episode is for you. 

Elenteny Imports devotes itself to helping importers navigate the waters of distribution, logistics, and compliance — and they’re looking for dedicated and eager team members. According to Marisa Wilairat, her role at Elenteny Imports is rewarding and fulfilling. Every day, she enjoys the opportunity to solve a new puzzle of the compliance chain.

On this episode of The Alexi Cashen Podcast, Alexi Cashen sits down with Marisa Wilairat, Alcohol Compliance Manager at Elenteny Imports, to discuss the opportunities available to join an array of accomplished professionals. Marisa talks about why she enjoys working in the alcohol compliance industry, the requirements for their open career opportunities, and the outstanding benefits of working at Elenteny Imports — including a killer holiday party!

Roni Ginach is the Owner of Roni Selects, an importer and distributor of natural wine made by a community of savants. When she was studying at New York Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, she worked in the food hospitality and wine industry — and had her first taste of being a sommelier. Roni has experience as a Wine Director for Cliff’s Edge and Michael’s Santa Monica, a Beverage Director for Kidmet Los Angeles, and a Sales Representative for Joli Vin.

In this episode…

Where can you turn to education and consulting to reach the end consumer as a wine producer? How can an importer and distributor of wine connect consumers to discover and experience wine in a new way? 

For Roni Ganich, to be a successful importer of wine begins with learning and understanding the value beyond the bottle. Winemakers are guardians of their creations, and it is a means of communication for connecting people across the globe. In part, Roni’s brand was formed to nurture and organically grow wineries — because everyone deserves to drink something exceptional. 

On this episode of the Alexi Cashen Podcast, hear from Roni Ginach, Owner at Roni Selects, as she shares her story of camaraderie in the wine community to promote wines. Alexi and Roni discuss how wine savants are working to connect natural wine with consumers, how the pandemic encouraged growth in the wine industry, and the creativity and passion behind being an importer and distributor.

Diana Novak joined Palm Bay International in 2010, one of the leading wine and spirits importers in the country, to spearhead education for the spirits portfolio and serve as a connection between distributors and key accounts in Chicago and the Midwest markets. Diana was promoted as the National Director of Craft Spirits Education in fall 2013 – a role she continues to hold today. In her capacity as National Director, she can be found creating the cocktails for the national market and educating each segment of business about a wide array of spirits categories, competitive sets, and how to use spirits in new and exciting ways.

Following her passion for food and drink led her to pursue a degree from the esteemed Johnson and Wales University. Diana began formally bartending during college and after graduation and returned to her home in North Carolina to continue her growth in the bar industry. There she opened a team with the Carolina Hospitality Group. Using flavor and texture skills combined with pure experimentation, Diana developed a fast consumer following by creating unique and thoughtful cocktails.

She studied in Jerez, Spain with the Consejo Regulador of the Sherry Triangle, ultimately receiving her certificate as a sherry expert and educator in September 2019.  She has also achieved certifications in BarSmarts, WSET II Spirits and is studying for the WSET III Spirits. Diana has been featured in Tasting Panel Magazine for her cocktails featuring Los Amantes Mezcal, Boulard Calvados, and more. Her recipe, “Smoke, Spice, and Everything Nice,” recently won the About.com “Savory Cocktail” competition and was most recently awarded “Best Gin Cocktail” at San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2019.  She was also featured as a guest editor for Chilled Magazine in 2018.

In this episode…

Are you looking to discover quality brands from across the globe that offer authenticity? How do you promote your wine and spirit brand uniquely and in an eye-catching way?

For Diana Novak, creating flavorful recipes is a way to establish a personal connection to the brands she represents. With her background in the culinary arts, Diana uses her flavor skills to experiment with wines and spirits to craft brand-promoting cocktails. She has built a stellar team across the United States focused on brand education, loyalty, and integration.

Listen to this episode of the Alexi Cashen Podcast to hear from Diana Novak, National Director of Crafts Spirits Education for Palm Bay International. Alexi and Diana discuss how to establish an emotional connection between brands and consumers, how digital media is scaling brand loyalty and education, and how Diana fuses flavors to build unique portfolios for clients.

Jordan Salcito has been curious about wine since learning her grandfather made it in his basement and fell head over heels for it since her first harvest in Burgundy in 2006. She began her career in New York as a hostess at wd~50 before becoming a prep cook at DANIEL, sommelier and manager at Eleven Madison Park, then eventually Wine & Beverage Director for David Chang's Momofuku restaurants. After investing over a decade working her way through several facets of the wine and restaurant industries, Jordan founded RAMONA, an organic Italian wine spritz. She continues to work harvests each year at world-renowned wineries across the globe, from Burgundy and Tuscany to Patagonia and California.

Jordan has received widespread recognition for both her wine programs and entrepreneurial pursuits. Her wine program at Momofuku was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist multiple times and, in 2017, was awarded “Most Original Wine List in the World” from World Of Fine Wine. On her first try, Jordan passed her Master Sommelier Blind Tasting exam, was named a Wine Enthusiast “40 Under 40” Tastemaker. She was recognized as a 2018 and 2019 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional," tied to her brand RAMONA. In 2019, RAMONA received two Double Gold Medals and one Gold Medal in the world-renowned San Francisco International Wine Competition. Salcito has appeared everywhere from the TODAY show to WSJ and has also been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Goop, The Cut, Coveteur, and Into the Gloss, among others.

In the fall of 2020, Salcito debuted a new podcast series, Opening Up with Jordan Salcito. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

In this episode…

Are you looking to fill the void of organic beverages built with high standards and value? How do you craft an experience that can get the attention of consumers?

It starts by crafting a beverage with organic, all-natural ingredients held to the highest agricultural standards. Jordan Salcito is paving the way in the alcohol beverage industry to deliver honest drinks with honest ingredients. Through her marketing technique of connecting the winemaker with the consumer through photographs, she brings to light the invention of canned wine spritz with Italian components.

Listen to this episode of the Alexi Cashen Show to hear from Jordan Salcito, the Founder and CEO of Drink RAMONA. Alexi and Jordan discuss Jordan’s inspiring story and experience in culinary arts and as a sommelier, the organic and value-built vision behind RAMONA, and the importance of building a culture of kindness and remaining authentic in the wine industry. Stay tuned!

Kat Hantas is the CEO of 21 Seeds, an all-female-founded, all-natural, fruit-infused tequila brand. They are committed to using all-natural ingredients, both in their tequilas and cocktails. Their three signature infusions are Cucumber Jalapeño, Grapefruit Hibiscus, and Valencia Orange, which can be turned into delicious, low-calorie cocktails.

In this episode…

What makes a successful brand hold true? Do you want to make the spirits beverage industry more female-inclusive? 

It starts by creating and bringing a quality, premium-infused product to market, which blows away the competition. Kat Hantas is digging deeper into the alcohol industry and pioneering a community founded and led by women. With wellness in mind, Kat is breaking barriers and producing a smooth, drinkable tequila. She uses all-natural, non-chemical ingredients to ensure quality tequila without sacrificing taste.

Listen to this episode of the Alexi Cashen Podcast featuring Kat Hantas, CEO of 21 Seeds, as she shares her story and vision behind crafting a wine-occasion tequila. Kat discusses her unique twist on the 3-tier alcohol system, empowering women-led and generational teams, and connecting with consumers to produce and scale her brand. Stay tuned!

Caitlin Landesberg was the Founder and CEO of Sufferfest Beer Company. She grew and scaled her brand to success through strategic marketing and determination — ultimately, selling her brand to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. She has experience as a marketing executive working for Adobe, Strava, and Mozilla. Caitlin is a passionate investor at This Is Water, focused on helping others grow their brands.

In this episode…

In an oversaturated market, how do you make your brand stand out? Is there a way to craft a beer geared towards athletes?

Crafting a beer that can cater to functionality and an active lifestyle is no easy take, but Caitlin Landesberg was up to the task. With her experience building digital platforms, Caitlin crafted a beer with vitamins and nutrients aimed at athletes. With negativity coupled with health reservations, she grew and scaled her brand. She built a stellar team using unique storytelling marketing techniques, and her brand excelled in a saturated beer market.

In this episode of the Alexi Cashen Show, Caitlin Landesberg tells her entrepreneurial story and motivation behind upstarting Sufferfest Beer. Alexi and Caitlin discuss pushing yourself to grow, the challenge of efficiently scaling a brand, and the innovation and creativity it takes to market a beer brand successfully.

Harmon Skurnik is the President of Skurnik Wines, an importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits headquartered in the heart of New York City. Harmon has been the President of Skurnik Wines since he joined his brother, Michael, at the company in 1989 to run the now 33-year-old successful fine wine and spirits importation and distribution company.

In this episode…

The wine industry is grappling with a massive drop in business since the outbreak of COVID-19. While companies struggle to get a respite from that by pivoting their businesses to focus online retail sales, there is still the 25% tariff on wines imported from Europe to contend with. With seemingly continuous challenges posed against the industry, can wineries and other industry players still survive?

For Harmon Skurnik, President of Skurnik Wines, what businesses need to emphasize right now are three things: integrity, opportunities, and resilience.  He also encourages everyone to learn more about the tariffs imposed on the wine industry in order to make informed comments and join in the conversation on the USTR website before July 26

Join Alexi Cashen on this episode of the Alexi Cashen Podcasts she talks with Harmon Skurnik of Skurnik Wines about his company’s success for the past 33 years, how the wine business is pivoting in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and why it’s important for stakeholders in the industry to take part in the conversation about tariffs that are imposed upon them. Stay tuned.