More Than Beer: Michael Waltrip Brewing & EssentiallySports Are Tapping into the Power of Connection ~via Michael Waltrip

I was introduced to the Michael Waltrip Brewing brand by my dear friend, long-time colleague, and business partner John Andrews... 'craft beers' inspired by the adrenaline of auto racing, founded by two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip, blending the excitement of the track with exceptional brews. /Ted

I’ve always believed beer tastes better with friends. That’s the spirit behind Michael Waltrip Brewing Co., a brand built on good times, great flavors, and even better relationships. Since we launched, our mission has been to make beer that brings people together. Not just to drink, but to connect.

Now, with our new partnership with EssentiallySports, we’re doing just that in a whole new way.

EssentiallySports is one of the fastest-growing media platforms in the country, and together, we’re creating stories and content that live where our fans do, on their phones, at the track, and at their favorite neighborhood bar. Whether it’s race-day watch parties at Boogie Bar in Nashville, or college shoutouts with our friends at Austin Peay, we’re building something fans can feel part of.

See, this isn’t just about beer. It’s about belonging.

That’s what I love about Ted Rubin’s philosophy of Return on Relationship®. It reminds us that people don’t buy products, they join brands. They show up for connection. And when you treat your fans like family, they don’t just support you… they root for you.

So yeah, we’re growing like crazy. New taprooms, new retail partners, new brews like Talladega Light and Bristol Sunshine. But what makes this journey so special is the people. The fans. The stories we get to be a part of.

As Ted says best:

“Relationships are the new currency... honor them, invest in them, and your brand will thrive in ways money alone never could.” ~Ted Rubin

That’s what we’re raising a glass to. One pour, one post, one story at a time.

See y’all at the next taproom.

~Michael