a proud member of the AIA community

Search

Go

FAMILY-OWNED EXPERTISE

We do business face-to-face, with a handshake and a bespoke approach tailored to the specific needs of each client. We’ve worked in promotions growing some of the biggest brands in the world, and we bring top-level expertise to the table.

We offer solutions to craft brewing marketing issues through The Market The Brew Podcast, Electronic courses such as the Retail Merchandising Workshop, The Empowered Apparel Buyer Workshop and an assembled community of resources to elevate the marketing and promotion knowledge of the industry.

Scott gained deep knowledge and expertise in marketing and promoting brands through working with major companies like Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Miller Brewing Co., Kohler, Ecolab, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Snap-on. We bring the marketing playbook the big guys use to independent craft breweries.

We are not just a vendor, we work to be trusted partners, mentors, and friends.

Scott Schmidt started Promote The Brew in 2016.

My father took an old refrigerator, sunk a tap into the side, and always had a quarter barrel of cold beer on tap. This rig was in the basement and several times a night both my dad and mom would ask one of us kids for a refill. We were weaned on PBR. We’d fill their mug and get to enjoy the foam off the top. We have a long history of beer.

Growing up in Milwaukee, we fondly remember when it was the Beer Capital of the World. At one point we were the home to such names as Miller, Pabst, Gettleman, Blatz, Schlitz, Hamm’s and a whole lot of other Wisconsin breweries. It was a source of pride for a city that didn’t seem to have a lot going for it in the 70’s and 80’s.

Miller was one of the two brewing superpowers in the US. Because there was not much of a selection of, or differentiation in product, Miller and Anheuser-Busch’s main battle ground was advertising and promotion. During this time I did a lot of promotional marketing work with Miller including their annual Distributor Promotional Catalog, custom designed Red Dog and Girl in the Moon branded merchandise, and Spring Break and New Orleans Jazz Festival promotions.

We understand how beer brands go to market!
I could see that with the number of craft breweries, breweries would have to address their marketing to compete for the consumer’s attention and dollars.

With over 35+ years in marketing and promotions for major brands like Harley-Davidson, Miller Brewing Co., Kohler, Ecolab, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Snap-on. I bring that knowledge and expertise to the independent craft breweries.

It all started with the Market The Brew Podcast. A way to profile the unique and effective strategies and tactics breweries are using to market and promote their brands and breweries, but it has grown to so much more. Every brewery has a story to tell, and we are here to help you tell that story. Most breweries we've met, and those we've had the pleasure to work with, are not leveraging their unique story throughout their entire digital marketing and merchandise programs. 

Promote The Brew and Market The Brew are industry leading resources for messaging, digital marketing, social media content, newsletters, copywriting, press releases, educational workshops, event and promotional marketing, branded merchandise program and inventory management. We help you turn your customers into brand ambassadors and driving traffic to your location putting more "Butts In Barstools!"



“…early on as we were a Brewery in Planning, they had so many ideas for us as we were remodeling a bank into a brewery. Such ideas as the coins for free beers, key tags engraved with the member number to coincide with the safety deposit boxes we use for our beer club, and of course the great deal on the traveling tent and Jockey box cover for all our beer gigs last summer. We could not be happier with the quality of products sourced with Promote the Brew! We actually look like we know what we are doing :)”

Ann from East Troy Brewery



Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

August 30, 2018
This brewery gift shop sells pint glasses, chicken hats, beer salsa — and Wisconsin



Please, you’re too kind!
“They were very attentive to our needs when it came to designing our custom bandannas. From the artwork approval process to the production lead time, we were very happy with the quick turnaround, excellent service and one-of-a-kind product for our taproom!” 


Ashley from Steel Hands Brewing
“Working with the gang at Promote The Brew was a seamless process. They helped create a one of a kind item that turned out just like I imagined. They were also helpful in working through a very detailed order to make sure everything came out correctly.”

Chris from Lakefront Brewery
“It has been a pleasure working with Scott at Promote the Brew. He works hard to find us products that are unique and advantageous to our business. We love the quality and pricing Promote the Brew offers and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”

Kayla from MobCraft Beer

Is Buying More Really Saving You Money?

“We couldn’t agree more! Sadly, our local t shirt printing businesses require the 144 pieces as a minimum and it’s hard for us to afford such a large amount, we are small and try to keep inventory low. This absolutely helps with cash flow. You guys have been awesome!!”
Cheers!

Whitney

About Us

We Understand How Beer Brands Go to Market!

[ X ]
Enter your name and email to receive a copy of: Checklist For A Successful Retail Merchandise Program