About This Episode
Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, joins Breaking & Entering News as the brand launches its first national advertising campaign. After 15 years of grassroots growth and a dedicated fan base, Mike’s Hot Honey is expanding with “Drizzle the Mike’s,” a cross-platform campaign from agencies, Another Thing and Noble People. Mike talks about the brand’s origins, building a cult following, and making the move to national advertising.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:12 Getting to Know Mike Kurtz01:55 Mike's Early Life and Career Aspirations08:14 The Birth of Mike's Hot Honey09:36 From Hobby to Business10:05 Pizza Apprenticeship and Early Sales14:30 Going Full-Time with Mike's Hot Honey17:56 Branding and Packaging Evolution21:44 Organic Growth and Media Attention23:46 Partnerships and Expanding Uses25:30 Unusual Uses for Mike's Hot Honey26:18 Introducing the New Campaign26:34 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Campaign28:02 Shooting in LA: Location and Casting29:51 Golden Girls Spot: Concept and Execution34:13 Pizza Guys Spot: Concept and Execution35:51 Campaign Rollout and Media Plan37:52 Pizza Talk: Regional Styles and Favorites46:32 Final Thoughts and Gratitude🔗 Links💼 Follow us on LinkedInDaily insights, creative breakdowns, and industry news.https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/📖 Read our Publications:https://www.breaking-entering.com/blog💬 Join our Unlocked Groupme, for aspiring advertising professionals and job announcements:https://groupme.com/join_group/102437585/xg5Z5tei✉️ Subscribe to The VaultOur insider newsletter with real advice and deep dives.https://breakingandenteringadv.substack.com/📹 Subscribe to our :60 Advertising News Videos:https://breakingandentering.beehiiv.com/🏆 Check out the Crowbar Awards to break into advertising:https://www.crowbarawards.com/🤝 Work With UsFor sponsorships, custom content, or partnerships:jack@breakenterpod.com
Host
Geno Schellenberger
Co-founder, Breaking and Entering Media
Geno has conducted over 600 conversations with the people shaping advertising, marketing, creativity and culture over six years.
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