Welcome to Episode 1177 in which Steve Raye interviews Mike Wangbickler, in this installment of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People, on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guests: Michael Wangbickler is President of Balzac Communications and Marketing, a specialist agency supporting the food and beverage industries. With nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations, Mike is a trusted advisor and strategic consultant to his clients. His agency delivers tailored solutions for clients with values that align with his own. He guides clients through the process of achieving their vision and transforming their business through sustainable growth, teamwork, transparency and inclusivity. As a studied disciple of Walt Disney, Mike thinks it’s fun to do the impossible. He believes leadership, imagination, and innovation require a certain level of fearlessness and he encourages his team to step off the worn pathways and break new ground. He leads a team who are driven forward by the stories that inspire people to share in a dream. It is with this philosophy that he’s guided successful marketing and communications campaigns for more than 70 global companies and trade associations from a dozen countries. Mike earned his Level 4 Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in 2006; passed the rigorous Certified Wine Educator (CWE) from the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) in 2008; and became a WSET Certified Educator in 2012. In addition to his duties at Balzac, he also teaches wine classes at Napa Valley College (NVC). In 2021, Mike was appointed the President of the American Wine Society (AWS), the U.S.’s largest consumer wine appreciation and education organization in the United States. Learn more: linkedin.com/in/mwangbickler balzac.com (Company) htbpodcast.com (Podcast) greenwinefuture.com/ (Event) mwangbickler More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! To learn more visit: Website: www.bevologyinc.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!