Behind the Beverage: Equipment Excellence with Mike Peek

Behind the Beverage: Equipment Excellence with Mike Peek

On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Peek, Market Equipment Manager at Allen Beverages. Mike shares his journey growing up across several Southern states, where he learned the value of hard work early on. From tending plants in nurseries to mastering skills in machine shops and hospital maintenance, he built a strong technical foundation that eventually led him to Allen Beverages. He opens up about the importance of quality service, the everyday challenges of keeping equipment running smoothly, and the real rewards that come from leading a team. Mike also highlights the family-oriented, team-driven culture at Allen Beverages and why doing things right the first time matters so much, both for his crew and their customers. This conversation gives a genuine look at the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the beverages flowing and customers coming back happy. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Diverse and Evolving Career Path Mike Peek walked a varied road to get where he is today, starting in plant nurseries, then working as a machinist, moving into industrial maintenance, and later handling hospital refrigeration and maintenance before stepping into his current role as market equipment manager. His willingness to keep learning and adapting has been the key to his success, with each chapter building skills for the next. 2. Focus on Team Development and Customer Service As a leader, Mike stresses the importance of building a confident, capable team and delivering outstanding customer service. He invests heavily in training, sets high standards for installs and maintenance, and works hard to reduce repeat service calls while boosting customer satisfaction. 3. The Role of Leadership and Workplace Culture Both Andrew and Mike highlight the power of a supportive, family-like environment at Allen Beverages. Mike focuses on open communication, building trust, and empowering his team to take initiative while learning to delegate. That kind of culture leads to better motivation, stronger retention, and a shared commitment to exceptional service.

Surviving & Thriving in the Restaurant Game with Will Sams

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen interviews Will Sams [https://www.pearlfairhope.com/story], owner and head chef at Pearl [https://www.pearlfairhope.com/] restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. Will Sams shares his journey from working his first deli job in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, to cooking in New Orleans and Orange Beach. He explains how he developed Pearl's seafood-focused menu, sources fresh ingredients from local and regional suppliers, and maintains a family atmosphere at his small but popular restaurant. He also talks about the challenges of building a business, keeping quality high, and retaining employees. The episode wraps up with recommendations for first-time Pearl diners and where to find the restaurant online. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Diverse Culinary Journey and Education Will Sams shared his path from his beginnings at Bulldog Deli in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through finishing his business degree at Southern Miss while working nights in restaurants, to attending and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His hands-on experience, including working both front and back of house during school, built the foundation for his later success. 2. The Importance of Adaptability and Understanding Local Markets Throughout his career, Will Sams highlighted the significance of adapting to customer needs and local demographics. While building menus for restaurants like Playa, he learned to balance creative themes with customer expectations, such as including well-loved staples like burgers even in themed spaces, and always considering what will actually sell. 3. Community and Relationships Drive Business Success Will Sams emphasized the role of strong relationships, both with local ingredient purveyors and with staff, in the ongoing success of his restaurant, Pearl. He described leveraging existing relationships with suppliers for quality ingredients and running a hands-on, supportive, and family-like work environment to retain employees and provide great customer experiences.

Growing Together: The Story Behind Building the Reform Pilates Brand

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen interviews Reform Pilates [https://www.reformbsl.com/] studio owners Brandon Pike and Christina Pike. Christina shares her journey from nursing to running three Pilates studios on the Gulf Coast, beginning with nutrition coaching before expanding into fitness instruction. Brandon explains his role handling business operations and design, while Christina leads client relationships and classes. The conversation covers the studios' growth, how they balance client experience with expanding capacity, and the importance of building a supportive, tight-knit instructor team. They also discuss their approach to competition, why each location offers different fitness modalities, and their organic, passion-driven business philosophy. The episode closes with advice for listeners who want to join classes and a look ahead at what's next for their family and business. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Organic Business Growth Fueled by Passion and Community Needs Christina Pike and Brandon Pike described how their Pilates business started organically and unintentionally. Christina Pike began by helping friends with nutrition and accountability coaching, something that sprang from her own background in nursing and love of fitness. Her transition into opening a Pilates studio was driven not by a grand business plan but by client requests and her own desire to continue helping people. Their growth to multiple locations came from responding to community demand, referrals, and staying attentive to what their clients wanted, rather than aiming for rapid expansion. 2. Intentional Culture Centered on Relationships and Experience The Pikes put heavy emphasis on building a welcoming, intimate, and relationship-driven environment at their studios. Class sizes are deliberately kept small to maintain an individualized and friendly feel, allowing instructors to truly get to know and support their clients. Brandon Pike stressed how this atmosphere drives strong retention and sets them apart from bigger, impersonal studios. They also emphasized the positive, non-competitive culture among instructors, which, in turn, supports a happy, supportive client community. 3. Adaptation, Balance, and Staying True to Core Values The growth of their business, from one-on-ones to three studios, required adapting and trusting the opportunities that came their way. However, Christina Pike emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions from industry competition or trendy new fitness offerings. Instead, they focus on delivering what they do best and staying true to their vision and core values. Future expansion will only happen if it fits with these principles and their ability to maintain quality, rather than chasing growth for growth's sake.

From Small Towns to Big Impact: The Story Behind CTR Response Agency

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Clay Tyler and Ryan Meisch, co-founders of CTR Response, a digital ad agency in Southern Alabama. Ryan Meisch, originally from Illinois, shares how he moved from film school to advertising, driven by a desire for better career options. Clay Tyler talks about growing up in rural Alabama, his fascination with technology, and his journey into digital marketing. The two explain how they met, teamed up, and eventually launched CTR Response right before the pandemic hit. Together, they break down how digital advertising has changed, the importance of transparency and data, and how they've helped local businesses compete with big agencies using cutting-edge tools. If you want to understand digital marketing from the ground up, and hear some great entrepreneurial stories, this episode is for you. 3 Episode Key Takeaways The Power of Complementary Partnerships The origin story of CTR Response highlights how Ryan Meisch and Clay Tyler brought together complementary skill sets, Ryan's business and sales background and Clay's technical expertise. This "yin and yang" dynamic is emphasized throughout their journey, showing how their collaboration filled each other's gaps and ultimately laid the groundwork for their agency's success. The Shift from Traditional to Digital Advertising Both guests reflect on their careers, starting in traditional media (like TV and radio), and on how they witnessed the rapid evolution and growth of digital advertising. Ryan Meisch shared how he was initially more drawn to digital because of its transparency and measurable results, a clear advantage over traditional channels. Their story illustrates the broader industry transformation and how adapting to digital trends unlocked new opportunities for both themselves and their clients. Advertising Education Before Implementation A major part of CTR's philosophy is their focus on educating clients before jumping into execution. Clay Tyler explains that helping clients truly understand what digital advertising is (and isn't) empowers them to make better decisions and sets realistic expectations. This "education before implementation" approach aims to build trust and long-term relationships, and it's one of the key differentiators they bring to their boutique agency.

Lisa Engel: A Lifetime Prepped For The Jump To The Gulf Coast Winter Classic.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Lisa Engel, Director of Sponsorship and Marketing for Classic Company [https://www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com/], about her journey into equestrian sports and event marketing. Lisa Engel shares how she went from growing up on a family farm in New Jersey to running major show jumping events across the Gulf Coast, including the Gulf Coast Winter Classic [https://www.facebook.com/ClassicCompanyltd/]. She explains what makes show jumping unique, the variety of events at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, and how the community gets involved. They discuss her career pivots from corporate America to full-time horse show management, balancing family life, and the passion behind these events. Listeners also get tips on attending the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, which runs from February 12th to March 22nd and is free and open to the public. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Deep Roots in Equestrian Sports: Lisa Engel has a lifelong connection to horses and equestrian events, starting from her childhood in New Jersey. Her family was not originally horse people, but after getting a free (unbroken) pony, riding became a central activity. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion that shaped her career and continues to drive her involvement in equestrian events. 2. Versatile Experience and Unique Skillset: Lisa Engel has worked in almost every role within the horse show world, from competitor to barn owner, trainer, and event producer. She also brings marketing and corporate experience to her current role as Director of Sponsorship and Marketing for Classic Company. This combination allows her to effectively bridge the gap between sponsors, vendors, and the riding community, something she believes is key to her success and "staying power" in the industry. 3. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is a Community Hub: The Gulf Coast Classic horse show in Gulfport, Mississippi, is a major event running for six weeks, welcoming riders of all levels—from beginners to Olympic athletes. The event is open to the public with free admission, offering family-friendly experiences and a chance to witness world-class show jumping in a unique setting. Lisa Engel emphasized how the local community has become invested in the event, creating lasting traditions and connections between competitors and spectators.