289 – Taking Maker’s Mark From a Regional to a National Brand with Gregg Walker


Gregg Walker joins the show to share some inside stories about the history at Maker’s Mark. Gregg was the second salesperson hired by Maker’s Mark and took part in 3X growth. Hear some of his stories about the struggle of growth, but also how him and Bill Samuels Jr. had a lot of fun as well.

Show Notes:

  • This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about raffles.
  • What song would you pick for karaoke?
  • When did you get into the liquor business?
  • Did you have to take the personality test before working at Maker’s Mark?
  • Were you part of any of the Maker’s taste offs?
  • Tell us about traveling for Makers.
  • How do you plan for aggressive growth?
  • What was the tipping point?
  • How many cases were they selling?
  • Talk about Maker’s marketing.
  • Were you there when the did the special edition UK bottle in 1996?
  • Any memories with Bill Samuels that you’ll never forget?
  • What was your sales force like in the later years?
  • What do you do today?

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