Making MAKA

Making MAKA

MAKING MAKA is a behind the scenes look (or should we say listen) into our beverage startup’s journey to launching, building, scaling, and sustaining our CPG brand: MAKA. Episodes are hosted by the company’s founder, Brian Hill, the amazingly talented & memorable Russell Hirshon.

Each week Making MAKA will take you on the ups & downs of the rollercoaster ride that is called entrepreneurship – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the sometimes funny. Whether you’re considering your own CPG startup or simply interested in listening about an entrepreneurial journey, we hope that by sharing our experiences, mistakes, learnings, and interviews that you feel better armed to tackle your goals, or at minimum have a giggle or two.

If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with friends & family and follow & review Making MAKA on your preferred listening platform. Try MAKA beverages at www.livingmaka.com.

Recent

E13: Awards Season (Expo West & NEXTY Award)

March 7, 2023

Brian & Russ talk about preparing for Expo West, the company's expo strategy, and winning the NEXTY Award for Best New Beverage of 2023! The team is joined by a special guest, Jeff Maher, who was recently hired at MAKA as it…

E12: Sprouting Up! (Retailer Launch)

Feb. 7, 2023

Brian & Russ talk about preparing to launch nationwide in Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as provide important updates on being selected as an Expo West NEXTY finalist for Best New Beverage of 2023, hiring Jeff Maher as SVP …

E11: Give It To Me Baby! (Sampling)

Jan. 24, 2023

In this episode Brian & Russ discuss in-store (and out-of-store) sampling best practices, plus an update on a new investor... here's a hint "shots, shots, shots, everybody!" and he means wheatgrass shots by the way! Follow t…

E10: A table between us! (Selling Shows)

Jan. 3, 2023

Brian & Russ recap MAKA's 2022 and then dive into their experience at the company's first trade selling show. Follow the podcast at: Making MAKA Website Making MAKA Instagram Making MAKA Facebook Making MAKA Youtube Follow t…

E9: Make a plan... and then scrap it (Go to Market Strategy)

Dec. 20, 2022

Brian & Russ talk about MAKA's go to market strategy and some of their experiences along the way. Follow the podcast at: Making MAKA Website Making MAKA Instagram Making MAKA Facebook Making MAKA Youtube Follow the Brand at:…

E8: Pitching is a cabaret, be ready to bare it all (Pitch Decks)

Dec. 13, 2022

Brian & Russ hit the spiked egg nog hard and early, but to your benefit they are chattier than usual, breaking down their pitch deck and discussing how to effectively use various decks depending on your target audience. Fol…

About the Hosts

Brian HillProfile Photo

Brian Hill

Founder & CEO, MāKā

Russell HirshonProfile Photo

Russell Hirshon

Director, MāKā