Wild Bill's Franchise - Top 10 Reasons To Invest - 1851 Franchise

The Top 10 Reasons To Invest in Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.

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How Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. Built a 23-Year Brand That Empowers Veterans Through Franchising

A Day in the Life of Wild Bill’s Franchisee Courtney Brown

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After more than two decades as a fixture on the American event circuit,&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a> is more than just a beloved soda brand. In 2025, the veteran-founded company also strengthened its franchise model by shifting more control to franchisees, laying a strong foundation for a franchise-focused push in 2026.&nbsp;“This was a big transition year for us” said Chief Growth Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mruddo/">Michael Russo</a>.&nbsp; “This was when we shifted our focus to franchising in a meaningful way.”Having built a strong brand at events, fairs, festivals and more, the shift marks a deliberate evolution for the heritage soda brand. While events remain a core element of its brand,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a> spent 2025 restructuring how the event-based activations can drive further franchise growth.“Events have been our core since 2002, for 23 years, and they always will be. And as a system, we’ll have done about 500 events this year,” Russo said. “But the brand has evolved beyond events. The big focus next year is selling more franchises while staying authentic to who we are: veteran-owned and operated, doing this for veterans and turning them into business owners.”<h2>Building a Veteran-First Franchise Engine</h2>Wild Bill’s has famously focused on a veteran-first approach to its business, a model that remains at the heart of the current franchising efforts. This year, the company converted veteran employees into franchise owners and added additional new operators through its military network, including an Air Force veteran in Las Vegas and a pair of Army veterans in Phoenix.That momentum will be even more visible moving forward. One franchise is slated to open in Utah under a West Point graduate and another will be launched by a Marine Corps veteran in the San Diego area in early 2026.The company is also expanding franchisee support, a key selling point for many veterans transitioning into franchise ownership. In an effort to better aid growth while supporting franchise owners, Wild Bill’s has invested heavily in operational infrastructure, including promoting Army veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnorvold/">Chris Norvold</a> to vice president of operations.“One of the biggest wins this year was converting veteran employees into franchisees. We’ve also built a pipeline,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-quilty-4b973b4/">Michael Quilty</a>.&nbsp;“Veteran entrepreneurship is part of our foundation. But we also include first responders and people who share our values. Not all franchisees are veterans. Cultural fit and shared values matter most.”<h2>Expansion Efforts</h2>This year, Wild Bill’s returned to the New York Comic Con and made its company debut at The Oceana Air Show. But 2025 saw retail growth as well, with the brand adding new retail locations.“We added about 15 to 20 new retail trading partners, including direct retailers and distributors. 1,500 new locations,” Russo said. “We have canned soda available nationally&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/79706560-FFE0-4A84-B9FF-50A385F28213/">online through Amazon</a> and we’re in about 4,000 retail stores across the country.“Product innovation also played a key role in that evolution, with Wild Bill’s introducing a zero-sugar line featuring root beer, key lime, pineapple and blueberry flavors. The lineup is intended to address changing consumer trends without sacrificing authenticity.<h2>Investing in Infrastructure</h2>Behind the scenes, Wild Bill’s invested significantly in marketing, training and infrastructure, consolidating both its headquarters and warehouse at a larger facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The marketing efforts resulted in a substantial growth of presence on social media.“We invested heavily in marketing this year,” Russo said. “Our Instagram following grew from under 20,000 to over 35,000.”<h2>A Disciplined Roadmap in 2026</h2>Wild Bill’s is eyeing an exciting 2026, one focused on disciplined franchise expansion by carefully vetting potential franchise owners to ensure proper alignment. With plans to add another 10 franchise locations, Wild Bill’s will support potential franchise owners through the rollout of new equipment, new product offerings, updated marketing materials, and enhanced backend support, including IT and accounting services, prioritizing markets like San Jose, Portland, Denver, Louisville, West Virginia and the Carolinas.“Starting a business is hard,” Quilty said. “We’re building infrastructure to provide strong support, especially on the financial side. We’re focused on finding the right people in the right markets at the right time, not just signing a lot of franchisees.”That growth philosophy reflects Wild Bill’s broader mission to create opportunity through service, camaraderie and shared values, especially within the veteran community. As the brand moves with momentum into 2026, Wild Bill’s stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation as a heritage-driven Americana brand building a modern franchise system rooted in purpose, discipline, nostalgia and long-term vision.“Our four core values are commitment, integrity, growth and service,” Russo said. “We’re committed to our franchisees, focused on their growth as business owners and individuals and dedicated to serving our communities.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills">https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills</a>.About Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Co.Wild Bill's has been crafting premium, non-alcoholic craft sodas for over 20 years, serving customers at events nationwide. With a focus on creating nostalgia-evoking flavors, Wild Bill's sodas are available online, at local retailers, and at hundreds of events annually.As a veteran-owned and operated business, Wild Bill's is dedicated to supporting veterans through meaningful employment opportunities and partnerships with veteran-focused non-profits.

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Wild Bill’s Caps a Transformational 2025 With Market Expansion, Product Innovation and Franchise Momentum

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bauerschmidt-704a207/">Kurt Bauerschmidt</a> discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a>, a traveling craft soda brand known for its stainless-steel mugs, refill stations and presence at fairs and festivals, he immediately saw a strong business opportunity.&nbsp;"I was exposed to the concept at an event I was at, did some research and discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a>," he said. "I thought the concept was great and then did the financials and saw it was a great business financially. That was 11 years ago."Since then, Bauerschmidt has become a leading force behind Wild Bill's growing presence in the Northeast. Running the New England region for more than a decade, he has helped thousands of people experience Wild Bill’s classic handcrafted sodas and distinctive event-based model.&nbsp;<h2>From Service to Soda&nbsp;</h2>Drawing on his time in the Navy reserves, along with his business background and leadership experience, Bauerschmidt has shaped a disciplined approach to running his operation. "I saw that my sales experience and management would allow me to function well in this business space," he said.That mix of discipline and entrepreneurship has helped him expand Wild Bill’s footprint across the region. Over the past 11 years, Bauerschmidt has steadily built event partnerships and brand visibility, representing Wild Bill’s at fairs, festivals and community gatherings that capture the adventurous, all-American feel the brand is known for.“I’ve expanded the Wild Bill’s brand quite a bit in eleven years running New England,” Bauerschmidt said. “I see the next expansion bringing private events and opening a different silo of revenue.”He’s passionate about taking the brand beyond public events by creating opportunities for customers to bring Wild Bill’s to their own celebrations. "By exposing more people at events to our great products, they can expose their friends and family to Wild Bills at a private event such as a party," he said.<h2>Making an Impact Beyond Business</h2>One of Bauerschmidt's proudest achievements has been sharing Wild Bill’s with the campers at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doublehranch.org/">Double H Ranch</a>, a camp for children with serious illnesses. “During the summer we would go up about six times and make ice cream floats for about 100 campers as a donation on my part," he said. "My employees have helped over the years as well."&nbsp;This commitment to giving back reflects Wild Bill’s mission to connect with people and spread joy, values that align closely with Bauerschmidt’s own purpose and leadership.<h2>Building a Legacy</h2>For other veterans thinking about franchising, Bauerschmidt says not to wait for the perfect moment.&nbsp; "Make the jump sooner then later as it will change your life forever and give you the freedom to be in control of your success," he said.&nbsp;Looking ahead, Bauerschmidt is excited about where Wild Bill’s is heading. “What excites me most is creating a legacy for my family,” he said.From serving his country to serving up handcrafted soda across New England, Bauerschmidt has built a life and business powered by purpose and a taste of American tradition.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills.">https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills.</a>&nbsp;

Fueled by Freedom: How This Veteran Franchisee Is Expanding Wild Bill’s Across New England

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For Courtney Brown, a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/wild-bills-craft-beverage-co-veteran-franchise-opportunity-2730574#featured">U.S. Marine Corps veteran</a>, discipline sets the pace. He is a franchisee of&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a>, a traveling craft-soda brand known for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/wild-bills-craft-beverage-franchise-opportunity-consumer-2730236#featured">stainless-steel mugs</a>, refill stations and a regular presence at fairs, festivals and fan conventions. Brown joined the company on Jan. 4, 2018, on the corporate side, with a brief pause during COVID. In January 2025, he made the jump to ownership and became a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a> franchisee in Tampa, Florida. The job didn’t change his rhythm so much as his stakes: the load-ins, forecasting and crew training he learned at corporate now fuel a business with his name on it.<h2>Resetting the Week</h2>The workweek starts with a reset, not a rest. “Mondays and Tuesdays, we’re unloading from the previous weekend. We reload on Tuesday or Wednesday for the upcoming weekend,” Brown said. “We’re doing safety checks, planning lodging and making sure we have all the accurate equipment needed, because some events require generators and portable water tanks. It’s all our checks and prechecks.”&nbsp;By the time the trucks are staged, the back office is buttoned up, too; payroll closes on Monday, reports are filed and an accountant touchpoint keeps weekly and quarterly numbers on track.<h2>Territory and Event Mix</h2>Brown’s territory is broad and his calendar busy. “I’ve been operating the Southeast since 2018 — North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida,” he said. “I’m doing all sorts of events — fairs, festivals, art shows. We do NASCAR, IndyCar — anything that you can pretty much think of that’s an event, we’re there.”Some runs demand hard choices. Renaissance fairs can deliver, but the multiday format locks up gear. “Once you commit, you’re committed and that stand is out of operation,” he said.<h2>Load-Ins, Not Luck</h2>Load-ins are as much choreography as muscle. “Every event is different. The bigger the event, the more complicated the load-in,” Brown said. “Convention centers are the most challenging because you’re loading inside a venue. You have to try to get in and get out before 300 or 400 vendors come in behind you.” His crew moves a 25-foot trailer fast on those days; outdoors, the work eases — especially on pavement. “For the most part, it’s routine once you master it.”<h2>Forecast First, Then Stock</h2>Forecasting is where Brown’s experience earns its keep. “In a convention center, our projections are a lot higher,” he said. “I go off our historical data. If we don’t have historical data and this is a first-time event, I pull as much information as I can — connecting with the promoter on projected ticket sales and expected attendance, then looking at show hours.”That groundwork turns into concrete orders and a weather-adjusted plan. “Once I get that data, I pack out sufficient inventory,” he said. “If it’s hot outside, then I know people are going to drink more — so I’m going to need more ice, more syrups. If it’s cooler, I can scale back.”Merch assortment is tailored to the venue and pace. “Indoor events, I typically take more options — six to seven mug options at higher price points ranging,” Brown said. “Outdoors is more traditional — two to three basic options at a lower price.”<h2>Show-Day Ops</h2>Show day turns plans into flow. At a crush like MegaCon Orlando, Brown splits roles to keep lines moving. “I’m running four to five people on a stand. I’m running two stands, so I’m coming with a team of 10,” he said. “I have two cashiers, one person managing inventory in the back of house — restocking the mugs, making sure the CO₂ is good, keeping both capers situated with ice. I have one person out front issuing ice to people who already have mugs and one person outside managing the line flow, explaining the purchase process and the product.”Smaller outdoor shows may run with one operator, especially with newer, lighter stands that tow behind a van or SUV.<h2>Troubleshooting on the Fly</h2>Redundancy keeps revenue alive when hardware fails.“If it’s made, it will break down,” Brown said. “Most of the time, it’s our flow jets. We have seven taps; one will go out and we can turn that tap off and still offer six other flavors. We’ve had CO₂ gauges break; at that point, the system’s completely down. We bring spare parts. You really need to be able to change out a part and get it back up and running within 10 to 15 minutes, tops.”&nbsp;To keep uptime high when he isn’t on site, Brown arms his crew with an on-demand playbook. “We make training videos and put them in digital files so they can view those files when they’re out there,” he said. “Start with basic troubleshooting and then call me if you have higher questions.”<h2>Tear-Down and Turnaround</h2>The exit is as disciplined as the setup. “Most promoters give you a certain time you’re allowed to tear down,” Brown said. “If it’s a two-person team, one person gets the truck and trailer and the other starts breaking down everything they can — cleaning, putting everything back neatly.”With a 25-foot trailer, “teardown takes about 45 minutes to an hour on a good day.” Safety closes the night. “I try not to have anybody drive directly home after the show,” he said, “unless we’re local.”<h2>Fueling the Pipeline and the Payoff</h2>Filling the pipeline is a team effort with the franchisor. “The most beneficial thing is the prospecting because if you don’t have events, you can’t make money,” Brown said. “Corporate provides resources—marketing, event forecasting—whatever areas you need support.”As for the model’s fit, Brown sees room to tailor it. “You decide your own success,” he said. “You can design it to be a full-time job or additional income… or you can go all in and fully book your calendar with events.”&nbsp;However, the biggest payoff isn’t just weekend revenue — it’s the transferable skill set that makes the next venture easier.&nbsp;“Once you learn cash-flow management, how to run P&amp;Ls and manage staff, you have the fundamentals to do other businesses later,” Brown said. “You can scale it as big as you want or keep it small and simple.”Brown’s year is a loop of preparation, execution and review, but it’s never on autopilot. He treats every show as a fresh plan to build, prove and refine, balancing tight logistics with a service mindset that keeps lines moving and guests returning. With strong forecasting, trained crews and a steady event pipeline, he’s built a model that scales when he wants it to and eases off when he doesn’t — discipline first, flexibility by design.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills">https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills</a>.

Wild Bill's Franchise - Courtney Brown - A Day in the Life - 1851 Franchise

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<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a> has been turning fairs, festivals and fan conventions into high-throughput, owner-led businesses since 2002. The promise is simple: guests buy a stainless-steel mug, enjoy unlimited refills of small-batch craft sodas and take home a keepsake they’ll use again. If you’re weighing franchise options, here are 10 reasons Wild Bill’s stands out — backed by the people running the system.<h2>1. A Draw That’s Obvious From 50 Feet Away</h2>The wagon, the taps and the gleaming mugs make the value proposition easy to see in a crowded venue. As Chief Growth Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mruddo/">Michael Russo</a> said, “For those who don’t know, we have a big Wild West mobile soda saloon that we bring to fairs, festivals, conventions — and we do an unlimited soda offering at live events. You buy one of these big, beautiful mugs and get unlimited craft soda.”&nbsp;With nostalgic flavors like Root Beer, Vanilla Cream and Birch Beer alongside seasonal favorites such as Rocket Pop or Pumpkin Spice, the concept attracts crowds of all ages and creates steady throughput.<h2>2. More Than 20 Years of Proof and Iteration</h2>Wild Bill’s has been in the field for over two decades, refining its model and equipment every step of the way. Mike Quilty, CEO, described it as “the 23-year overnight success,” adding that “We’re on our fifth version of a stand and have our sixth one in development.” That kind of longevity and iteration means today’s franchisees work with equipment designed for fast setup, efficient service and minimal breakdowns. The system already supports more than 50 wagons, with another 10 currently in development.<h2>3. Access to Doors That Matter</h2>Success at events depends on getting booked, and Wild Bill’s has already built relationships to make that possible. Russo said the team works with “almost 100 convention centers and expo centers and arenas across the country.” Those ties, paired with two decades of presence across everything from Comic-Con to local street fairs, give new franchisees an immediate leg up in filling their calendars. Priority markets include Salt Lake City, Denver, San Jose, Portland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Alabama and Calgary/Edmonton in Canada.<h2>4. A Veteran-Led Mission Baked Into Operations</h2>Wild Bill’s is proudly veteran-owned and deliberate about helping other veterans transition into entrepreneurship. Quilty said, “I’ve just been really focused on this — finding, training, hiring, engaging veterans and turning them into successful entrepreneurs.” Early hires from a retreat for returning service members eventually became franchisees themselves. That mission-driven ethos shows up in the professionalism of the crews, the respect for event partners and the loyalty of guests who appreciate the story behind the mug.<h2>5. Growth Paced To Support Franchisees</h2>The company is intentional about not outgrowing its ability to provide real support. “We’re very focused on making sure that folks are successful,” Quilty said. “Right now we have 15 franchisees, and we’re in the process of doubling that over the next year … continuing to add franchisees, continuing to grow geographically.” Instead of chasing numbers, the brand aims to add around 15 new franchises annually, aligned with its internal capacity and the quality of candidates.<h2>6. Resilience Through Disruption</h2>When COVID-19 shut down live events, Wild Bill’s helped every operator in the system survive. “We’re really proud that all of our franchisees made it through COVID,” Quilty said, “an event business where our revenue went to zero and we were able to get everybody through that.” That resilience reflects a brand willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with its operators in the hardest conditions. Today, indoor events and convention-center ties help balance seasonality and hedge against similar shocks.<h2>7. Owner-Operator Economics With Room To Scale</h2>This is a hands-on business for people who like logistics, crowds and leading small crews. “It’s really a weekend warrior type of job,” Russo said. “It’s very much an owner-operator concept.”From there, owners can grow by adding wagons and teams. Quilty explained the challenge clearly: “If you’ve got three stands and you’re going out with one stand, you have to hire and train people to operate those other two stands … People, people, people is the hard part.”<h2>8. Depth Across Niche Communities</h2>The brand’s reach goes far beyond mainstream festivals. “It’s amazing with 23 years of history, what’s become of Wild Bill’s,” Russo said. “You’d be amazed — Renaissance fairs,&nbsp;regatas, pickle festivals, things you’ve never heard of.” That depth gives franchisees more ways to build a full season of events, and the collectible mugs keep fans coming back — many arrive at new events carrying mugs from previous shows.<h2>9. Retail Buzz That Feeds Event Demand</h2>Cans of Wild Bill’s craft soda are on shelves and online, creating awareness that often drives people to the wagons. Quilty recalled a franchise prospect who said, “‘Oh, I buy your soda … I scanned the QR code (on the can) and I saw it on your website.’” That kind of omnichannel connection turns retail shoppers into event customers — and sometimes into franchise candidates. The brand services almost 500 events a year, so shelf recognition converts into lines and repeat visits when those customers encounter the wagon.<h2>10. A Culture of Overdelivering on Value</h2>At events where customers expect to be overcharged, Wild Bill’s flips the script with a model that feels generous. “Everybody’s your competition,” Quilt said. “You have to position yourself in all these ways to produce outsized value.” With unlimited refills, small-batch flavors and mugs that double as souvenirs, guests feel like they’ve gotten more than their money’s worth. That sense of value, reinforced by friendly service, makes the wagon a ritual stop at every fair and con.<h2>Raise Your Mug to This Franchise Opportunity</h2>A Wild Bill’s franchise costs between $155,800 and $214,700, with a $40,000 franchise fee for a territory of 2 million people. Most markets run heavy from spring through fall, with indoor events helping smooth out winter months, and new owners receive training at headquarters in&nbsp;Allentown, PA&nbsp;&nbsp;or on-site, followed by corporate support at their first event.&nbsp;But investing in Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. means more than serving sodas — it’s about stepping into a proven system with a loyal following, a purpose-driven culture and a model that keeps drawing crowds year after year. With two decades of brand equity, veteran-led leadership and a disciplined approach to growth, Wild Bill’s offers entrepreneurs the chance to own a business that’s both profitable and meaningful. For those who thrive in high-energy environments and want a franchise that blends community, culture and commerce, the opportunity to join Wild Bill’s is as refreshing as the first sip from one of its iconic mugs.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity</a>.