Jan 31, 2018
This episode of Brandstorm features Michael Stodola, brand manager at Milwaukee’s largest craft brewery, Lakefront Brewery. Michael talks about the brand’s history, how Lakefront distinguishes itself from other craft breweries and its grassroots marketing efforts.
Michael Stodola
Michael has a wealth of experience in brand strategy and
development, having served as a motivational brand speaker adept at
explaining the benefits, value and relevant moving parts of a
successful brands. He was previously director of brand strategy at
Boelter + Lincoln Marketing Communications in Milwaukee, where he
was also the creative director for many years.
Lakefront Brewery
Originating in 1987 by its owners Russ and Jim Klisch, Lakefront
Brewery is an industrious and inventive microbrewery located along
the Milwaukee River. Its rich history includes partnerships with
local taverns, preservation of local historical pieces, unique
tours, family-style dining and great beer. Lakefront Brewery
created the first gluten-free beer, New Grist, and the first
certified organic beers, Organika and Fuel, in the nation.
Carving a Niche in a Crowded Space
The craft brew industry is a crowded space with more than 5300
craft breweries in the U.S. alone. Lakefront Brewery went through a
branding process six years ago, rediscovering its positioning as a
regular guy brand that is honest, true and hardworking and creating
a persona of its core user to measure its design and marketing
efforts against. The brewery makes 30 different beers each year and
is present in 39 states and in several international companies.
Defending the Homefront Through Grassroots Marketing
Efforts
Lakefront Brewery aggressively markets its beer locally through
attention-grabbing internal and external special events, beer
tastings and taps, sponsorships. It also leverages its brand with
unique and hilarious beer tours, a gift shop, beer hall and
original recipes that create an authentic Milwaukee experience.
Contact Michael:
Website: http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com
Brew Tour Reservations: http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/tour
BeerFinder: http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/beerfinder
Email: stodola@lakefrontbrewery.com