Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Company

Event-based franchising runs on momentum, not routine. You’re not relying on steady daily traffic or a fixed set of regulars. You’re showing up, setting up and earning every sale in a fast-moving environment where crowds, timing and weather can change everything. For Andrew Hollander, a&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=craft-soda-franchise-success-andrew-hollander-2731612" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wild Bill’s Craft BeverageCo.</a> franchisee in New Jersey, success has come from treating the business like a craft: show up prepared, stay disciplined about where you work and never let presentation slip. After more than a decade in the system, Hollander has also become a top validator for the brand, helping new candidates understand what it really takes to run the model.<h2>A Work Ethic Built Before Franchising</h2>Hollander’s pace was shaped long before he entered franchising. “I went to school to become a teacher, and I was struggling to find a full-time position, which led me to work at Chipotle,” he said. “I was a manager in training at Chipotle, and at the same time, I was a substitute teacher at my local schools. So I was working essentially from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school, and then I would transition over to Chipotle from a 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift.”That experience carried over directly into&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a>, where weekends are prime time and the work rewards operators who are ready to show up with energy and consistency. “It’s a busy lifestyle, but it’s been a great fit for me,” Hollander said. “You have to be committed, and weekends are a big part of it, but that’s also where the opportunity is.”<h2>How He Got Connected to Wild Bill’s — and Why New Jersey Worked</h2>In 2011, Hollander was looking for a change of pace, and a job posting for an event manager with Wild Bill’s sealed it. “I found a position for an event manager on Craigslist,” he said. “It involved traveling, which I thought at that time was a great opportunity for me. I was single. I was young.”The role pulled him in quickly through big events and new experiences. “Right away, I was traveling to Tennessee for an event at Jack Daniel’s. I met Guy Fieri there,” he said. “So it kind of drew me in right away because I was experiencing these things and places that I’d never been before.”Over time, he chose to build in New Jersey because relationships and repetition became a strategic advantage. “This is home,” Hollander said. “I’ve been doing the same route of events since 2011, so I have all these relationships with the events and the people — the other vendors. It’s like I know these things like the back of my hand.”<h2>First Impressions Win the Weekend</h2>As a validator, Hollander stresses one lesson: you don’t get many do-overs at an event. “You have one chance to make a first impression at these events because the pace is so high,” he said. “Your presentation has to be on point. You have that one opportunity to make that connection, make that sale.”That includes energy and customer engagement, not just signage and cleanliness. “That starts with a smile on your face,” he said. “I think it sounds silly, but it leads to sales.”<h2>Grow Carefully, Manage the Variables</h2>Hollander credits his early growth to being selective and building repeatable wins before chasing “bigger” dates. “I think sticking with what works and then kind of sprinkling in new events,” he said. Instead of gambling on hype, he builds his calendar around what’s proven — reliable venues, strong organizers and patterns he can plan around.Because most events are outdoors, Hollander plans with weather in mind and builds margins into every weekend. “The biggest factor is the weather,” he said, which is why he focuses on smart scheduling, tight execution and the kinds of events that still perform when conditions are less than perfect.Staffing is just as intentional. Hollander looks for people who can handle the pace and represent the brand well, especially at the point of sale. “It’s really important to have people who you trust working that cash register,” he said. For him, the goal is simple: a small, reliable team that can deliver the same customer experience every time.<h2>Consistency Is the Competitive Edge</h2>For Hollander, strong results come from running the same play every weekend: choose events with the right fit, show up prepared and deliver a sharp guest experience every time. Instead of chasing the next “big” date, he builds around repeatable wins — tight execution, a dependable team and a consistent setup that customers recognize. Over time, that discipline turns weekends into momentum and momentum into a strong year. Hollander serviced 75+ events in 2025 and looks to carry that success into 2026 and beyond.&nbsp;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 Craft Soda Franchise Success: Lessons From a Top Validator

1851 Franchise

A decade of running Wild Bill’s at fairs and festivals taught Andrew Hollander to win on presentation, disciplined event selection, and tight staffing — the keys to repeatable results year after year.

This brand page has been paid for by WILD BILL'S CRAFT BEVERAGE COMPANY. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How This Franchisee Built a Sustainable Business With Wild Bill’s Craft BeverageCo.

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

Wild Bill’s Taps Military Veteran Chris Creamer for Las Vegas

Wild Bill’s Expands in the Valley as Two Army Veterans Launch Scottsdale-Phoenix Operations

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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.

Wild Bill's Soda, Wild Bill's Craft Beverages

As the handcrafted soda brand expands its retail footprint and nationwide presence, it enters 2026 with stronger distribution, new partnerships and a solid foundation for further growth.

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

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Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Co. Franchise Opportunity - 1851 Franchise

Omnichannel Buzz, Collectible Mugs and a 23-Year Event Footprint Position Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. for Disciplined Franchise Growth

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. —&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a> is expanding its presence in the Scottsdale-Phoenix market as entrepreneurs and Army veterans Jadon Barber and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/reed-schaaf-32533139a/">Reed Schaaf</a> bring the brand’s craft soda experience to the Valley, pairing event-driven growth with a community-first mindset shaped by their time in uniform.Barber and Schaaf served together in the Army and built their partnership on shared discipline, trust and follow-through — the same traits they now carry into their day-to-day operations as they establish&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a> across Arizona through events, private bookings and local relationships.For Barber, the draw to Wild Bill’s started with the people behind the brand and the culture they experienced firsthand.“Once we actually met the team, we met [Chief Growth Officer]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mruddo/">Michael Russo</a> — they really set the tone for the company, and you can tell it’s a genuine company, too,” Barber said. “It’s a good, genuine company, and they’re the type of people that will help anybody at any time, including their customers, including their loyal fan base. I think that’s why Wild Bill’s is growing so much, because they have such a good, loyal fan base.”That emphasis on preparation and execution has been central as the pair ramps up in a market where awareness is still building and momentum is won one event at a time. Barber said the operational lift behind major events feels familiar — and that’s intentional.“It all comes down to the planning, the execution and the communication,” Barber said. “Those are the three very similar things that I believe go hand in hand with the military, and honestly doing a good job on a mission — or any objective — it really comes down to prepping, your communication and all that good stuff.”Schaaf said his own decision to pursue Wild Bill’s came at a time when he wasn’t looking for a franchise path — he was looking for structure, purpose and a way to build something alongside school and recovery. He found that in the brand’s culture and the way its leadership encouraged him to keep pushing forward.“To be 100% transparent, I wanted to go to school, and that was going to be at the forefront for me,” Schaaf said. “I really care about school, as the military is taking care of it. I got hurt, and this is additional rehabilitation I’m being offered, and they didn’t bat an eye. They said, ‘No, continue. We believe school is important. We want you to do that. Continue with that and do this.’”Schaaf said the appeal of Wild Bill’s went beyond product. It was about joining a system that felt aligned with what he valued in the service: transparency, low ego and a team-first culture that doesn’t reduce success to dollars alone.“I really liked how Wild Bill’s was structured and community-based, and how they are from the top down. There are no real egos. It’s really transparent, and the morals and ethics are good,” Schaaf said. “I realized when I was in the service that actually meant a lot to me — how I identify with individuals and the culture, while also being able to get the job done. It’s not just about making money. It’s forming a culture and a community where people are excited to go and get these Wild Bill mugs and take photos with them. It’s really like a community we help create, and that’s joy to me.”That community mindset is showing up in how Barber and Schaaf approach growth in the Valley. Early on, that means meeting customers where they already gather — festivals, conventions, local events and private bookings — and using those moments to create repeat customers who follow them from stop to stop.“We’ve already gone to multiple events,” Schaaf said. “It’s the community we’re building there, and continuing the events. With the owners of the event area grounds, we’re talking to them and giving them mugs, and they’re enjoying the soda all weekend for free. That is the community we’re building — ‘Hey, come back again. We want to see you next month at the next event.’”As their Arizona footprint develops, Barber and Schaaf see the early stage as a foundation-building period: earn trust, show up consistently, deepen local relationships and turn event traffic into a loyal community that recognizes the brand and follows it.“People love the community. They love what we have,” Barber said. “It’s about people knowing, ‘Hey, I dropped my cup. I dropped my straw.’ I’m not going to make you buy a new one. Enjoy yourself. I’m not here to get every penny I can out of you.”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 nonprofits.

Wild Bill's Craft Soda Franchise - Scottsdale-Phoenix Arizona Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Arizona growth continues as two local entrepreneurs, Jadon Barber and Reed Schaaf, bring the craft soda experience to the Valley, pairing service-driven leadership with a community-first growth plan.

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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

Military veteran and entrepreneur Kurt Bauerschmidt is bringing Wild Bill’s handcrafted soda experience to more fans across the Northeast through passion, discipline and community connection.

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LAS VEGAS&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity">Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.</a>, known for transforming fairs, festivals and conventions into full-day experiences built around its signature refillable mug and small-batch craft sodas, has announced the signing of a new franchise agreement in Las Vegas. Military veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-creamer/">Chris Creamer</a> will bring&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wild-bills/info">Wild Bill’s</a> event-first soda experience to the city.&nbsp;For Creamer, the decision to join Wild Bill’s came after a long career of service and leadership, from his years in the U.S. Army and Air Force to his time managing corporate facilities and later owning a home care business.“I went to a few events that Wild Bill’s was working. I saw their plan in action and I tried their product, and that’s what sells it,” Creamer said. “Once you try their soda, it’s amazing. It’s all made with pure cane sugar. It is a superior product. Once you’ve tried it, it kind of sells itself.”&nbsp;Wild Bill’s offers an event-based franchise model built around mobility, engagement and community connection, qualities that align closely with Creamer’s own leadership background.“I love the Wild Bill’s model because you’re out there with the people,” Creamer said. “You’re meeting people. You’re seeing all these different sides to everything. I think it’s awesome.”Creamer plans to make Wild Bill’s a familiar name across Las Vegas by appearing at conventions, expos and local attractions. “I want to build up my circuit,” he said. “I’ve got events on my schedule, but I want to build that up and make Wild Bill’s a part of the community out here, where everybody knows the Wild Bill’s brand and knows that it’s a good product.”The franchise’s early calendar includes events such as Level Up Expo, MagicCon and Sin City Anime, Anime Night Market, Las Vegas Pirate Festival and Las Vegas Highland Games. Looking ahead, Creamer plans to expand into larger-scale opportunities across other premier venues, including arenas, stadiums, convention centers, racetracks, and similar high-traffic event spaces.&nbsp;Creamer officially launched in 2026, with plans to expand Wild Bill’s local presence throughout Nevada.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 nonprofits.&nbsp;

image of Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co in Las Vegas, with Military veteran Chris Creamer franchisee

Creamer, a former U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force veteran, is launching Wild Bill’s Beverage Co.'s event-based concept in Nevada.

How This Franchisee Built a Sustainable Business With Wild Bill’s Craft BeverageCo.

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