From a handwritten card in an avocado-green Tupperware box to a top-selling, gluten-free coffee liqueur poured across Colorado and beyond—this founder story is packed with grit, family legacy, and smart growth. David and Monica Kowalski share how Lebowski's Taproom (a Lebowski-themed spot in Colorado Springs) turned a house-made coffee liqueur into a rapidly expanding brand—pre-selling 1,500 bottles, landing marquee accounts, and building community through unforgettable cocktail experiences.

Talking points:

• Rediscovering a long-lost, handwritten family recipe and perfecting it in-house
• Turning a taproom “house pour” into a commercial product with Black Hat Distillery
• Pre-selling 1,500 bottles before launch and scaling into restaurants and liquor stores
• Why the liqueur is different: gluten-free, no additives or caramel coloring, vodka-based, Colombian coffee, coffee-forward flavor
• Creative cocktail applications (espresso martinis, white Russians, tequila riffs) and menu education for restaurants
• Licensing and expansion strategy (CO, FL, TX, CA, NY) and the realities of state-by-state permits
• Marketing what actually works for hospitality now: events, experience, and daily content
• Building a team culture with low turnover and “connection-first” service
• Five-year vision: second location, franchise conversations, national and international distribution
• Entrepreneur lessons: paperwork, patience, controlled chaos, and relentless outreach

This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/

⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application

⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com

Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.

Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

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In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Austin McMillan, founder of Flywheel Financial, to talk about building profitable businesses through financial clarity and smart systems. Austin shares his journey from acquisitions in the landscaping industry to launching his own fractional CFO firm. They dive into why chasing revenue can sink businesses, the importance of profit-first strategies, and how to avoid burnout while scaling.

Main Talking Points:

• Austin’s journey into entrepreneurship and Flywheel Financial’s mission
• Why profit—not revenue—is the real scorecard for business health
• The importance of financial rhythms and owner KPIs
• Red flags that lead to burnout and financial stress
• Building accountability systems and effective team culture
• How AI is reshaping bookkeeping and financial services
• The role of margin in creating freedom and creativity
• Personal legacy, integrity, and family impact

This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/

⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application

⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com

Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.

Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Mike Pritchett to unpack the brutal but rewarding journey of entrepreneurship. Mike shares why grit—not talent or luck—is the ultimate factor that separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else. From getting knocked down to rising again, his perspective will inspire anyone chasing their dream.

Main Talking Points:

• Why grit is the #1 trait for entrepreneurial success
• The harsh but honest reality of building a business
• How to know if entrepreneurship is truly your path
• Why persistence and resilience matter more than strategy
• Encouragement for early-stage entrepreneurs to keep going

This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/

⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application

⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com

Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.

Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.