What happens when a business leader from the beverage industry sits down to talk about entrepreneurship, loneliness, AI, hospitality, and why the best business deals still happen face-to-face?

In this episode of BU Live, Josh Pies sits down with Jen Hauke, CEO of Draftline Technologies and host of the Thirsty Business Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about building relationships in a world increasingly dominated by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence.

From the future of draft beer and hospitality to the collapse of human connection after the pandemic, this conversation explores why community, shared experiences, and real conversations matter more than ever.

Jen shares lessons from growing a company in a highly specialized niche, what she’s seeing across the economy, how business leaders are adapting to uncertainty, and why breaking bread with people is still one of the most powerful forms of networking.

This episode is about more than beer. It’s about the future of human interaction itself.

Key Topics

✅ Impact of AI and technology on business

✅ Importance of face-to-face interactions and relationships

✅ Insights into the beverage industry and market trends

🎙 Guests:

👉Jen Hauke, Founder of DraftLine Technologies and host of Thirsty Business Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hauke-2281a38/

🎙️ Thirsty Business Podcast https://thirstybusinesspodcast.com

🍺 Draftline Technologies https://draftlinetech.com

00:00 Introduction to BU Live and Jen Hauke

03:04 The Thirsty Business Podcast and Family Legacy

05:52 Understanding Draftline Technologies and Its Impact

09:09 The Importance of Social Interaction Post-Pandemic

11:54 Consumer Trends in the Beverage Industry

15:00 Inversion Thinking and Problem Solving

17:59 Navigating Economic Uncertainty

21:49 Navigating Economic Challenges and Opportunities

24:47 The Impact of AI on Business Dynamics

29:44 Market Insights and Industry Trends

34:35 Building Relationships Through Meaningful Interactions

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with another entrepreneur or business leader who believes relationships still matter. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. What’s one business relationship that changed your life?

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