E010: Turning Brand into a DTC Moat & How to Win in the Alcohol Industry | The Still Austin Whiskey Co. Story | Mike Spadier

If you want to turn your "brand" into an asset for your DTC business, this one is for you. Mike Spadier is the CMO of Still Austin Whiskey Co., Austin's pride in grain-to-glass whiskey distillation. We delve into the art of brand storytelling as Mike gives us a taste of marketing in the spirits industry. Mike's vast experience in the marketing world, from leading branding efforts at the health and fitness titan, Onnit, to running his own full-service marketing agency (HOTS), makes this conversation nothing short of a brand marketing masterclass.
Mike dives deep into the world of spirits branding, exploring how Still Austin stands out in a saturated market. With a unique Austin-inspired aesthetic that defies the traditional Texas imagery, Mike delves into the strategy behind the brand's artistic direction. Emphasizing the value of community, we discuss the integration of local pride into marketing campaigns and the brand's intricate relationship with Austin's vibrant art, comedy, and culinary scenes as well as partnerships with institutions like UT Austin.
Beyond just branding, Mike offers invaluable insights on metrics in the spirits industry, the nuances of market expansion, and the careful dance between genuine consumer demand and distribution.
Whether you're intrigued by the spirits industry's evolution towards direct-to-consumer models, or the art of brand differentiation in a crowded market, this conversation drops a goldmine of insights.
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This episode is brought to you cost-free by Carro, the #1 collaborative commerce platform for DTCs best brands. Get started for free at https://www.getcarro.com/Resources:

Connect with Mike Spadier & Still Austin
Still Austin - https://stillaustin.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikespadier/
Connect with Blake ImperlLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperlResources mentioned
Onnit Labs ReserveBar DrizlyInstacart