Building Beverage Brands with Vision and Grit with Dan Fahrner

Executive Evolution

“Enjoy the process and don't just focus on the future and the outcomes so much.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson sits down with Dan Fahrner, founder and CEO of Shake Up Cocktails and Hi & Mighty Distillery. From touring the country in a van with his band to leading a fast-growing canned cocktail brand, Dan shares how his leadership style evolved across wildly different stages of life. He reflects on lessons from working with creatives, managing part-time ambassadors across multiple states, and building a company around inspiration rather than control. He and Craig explore how casting a clear vision, pivoting with purpose, and aligning team incentives have been key to scaling with intention.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dan Fahrner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfahrner/

• Check out Shake Up Cocktails: https://drinkshakeup.com/

• Check out Hi & Mighty Distillery: https://www.drinkhiandmighty.com/

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with inspiration, not fear, to unlock your team's potential

• Align incentives to drive behavior and reinforce company values

• Stay open to pivoting when new information reveals a better path

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Lessons from leadership in a call center

(01:55) Dan’s leadership insights

(06:56) The privileges and challenges of leadership

(14:30) Building Shake Up Cocktails

(19:36) Adapting and pivoting in business

(23:58) Managing a part-time workforce

(28:02) The importance of enjoying the process