Artificial intelligence is everywhere in business conversations right now, but for many beer wholesalers, the real challenge is simply knowing where to start.

In this conversation with Bud Dunn from VxP, we cut through the hype and focus on practical ways AI can help wholesalers save time, improve decision-making, and support their teams.

Instead of complicated technology projects, Bud shares how AI can assist with sales insights, forecasting, reporting, and everyday administrative work, while reinforcing the roles of experienced people in the business.

If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure how it fits into a wholesale operation, this discussion provides a clear, low-risk framework for getting started.

Key Takeaways

• Start simple and practical. AI can deliver value quickly by helping summarize reports, analyze sales data, and assist with administrative tasks—no major technology overhaul required.

• Use AI to support your sales and leadership teams. Tools can help identify trends, prepare for customer visits, and highlight opportunities in existing sales data.

• Focus on time savings first. One of the biggest benefits of AI is reducing repetitive work so managers and teams can focus on strategy, relationships, and decision-making.

• Separate real opportunity from hype. AI works best today as a tool for analysis and efficiency—not as a replacement for human judgment or industry experience.

• Experiment safely. The best way to adopt AI is through small experiments with clear guardrails, allowing organizations to learn what works without overwhelming the team.

Resources

Connect with Bud Dunn to learn more about how VxP can supercharge your sales and margin growth - bud@vxptech.com

Grab the free and value-packed Wholesaler Profit Brief - Clear Numbers, Cash Flow Clarity, and One Practical Action to Improve Financial Results

In this episode, we hear from Kim McKinnish SVP and COO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) to talk about the future of beer.

Kim shares insights on the current state of the industry, the power of advocacy, and key NBWA initiatives including the BREW Initiative, the Next Generation of Leaders Group, and the Beer First Campaign.

Our conversation explores how leadership, relationships, and culture drive stronger businesses — and what distributors can do right now to build a healthier, more sustainable beer industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• An insider’s perspective on the current state of the beer industry and the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead
• What the BREW Initiative (Building Relationships & Empowering Women) is and how it’s helping develop talent across the industry
• Why empowering women and building inclusive cultures leads to stronger leadership teams and better business results
• The purpose behind NBWA’s Next Generation of Leaders Group and how it’s preparing future industry leaders
• The leadership skills and mindset shifts the next wave of beer professionals need to succeed
• An overview of the Beer Growth Initiative and NBWA’s Beer First Campaign
• Practical ways distributors and breweries can put the Beer First mindset into action in sales, marketing, and operations
• Kim’s outlook on where the beer industry is headed over the next 3–5 years
• Actionable takeaways for building better teams, better partnerships, and a stronger beer business

Do you need tips and strategies to improve cash flow in your beer business?

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Today, I’m joined by Julie Rhodes, co-founder of Kick Beverages and industry consultant with Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions.

Julie and her team are making waves with Kick Fizz, a hemp-derived beverage that’s redefining how consumers think about social and functional drinks.

In this conversation, we dig into:

• The inspiration behind Kick Fizz and how Julie identified an opening for a hemp-derived beverage in today’s evolving market.
• How Kick Beverages positions itself in the space between beer and cannabis—and what that means for brand identity, compliance, and distribution.
• The science and art behind flavor formulation and dosage, and how Kick Fizz balances taste, experience, and safety.
• The unique challenges of consumer education in a category that’s still new to many drinkers.
• And finally, where Julie sees the future of THC beverages heading in the next few years—from retail placement to mainstream adoption.

It’s a fascinating look at innovation, regulation, and the business of bringing a completely new beverage category to market.

Want to learn more? Connect with Julie@KickBeverages.com.

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