Podcast Episode 106 – Erik Miller
SUMMARY
This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.
Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.”
STRATEGY
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Erik Miller, owner and winemaker of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Winery.
Listen as Erik (BS organizational leadership ’99) shares the journey of working his way up from a wine harvest intern to conceptualizing and later founding his own winery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma County.
Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped make Kokomo Winery an award-winning winery in California, where becoming a household name is increasingly difficult. He dives into the story behind the name, which highlights his appreciation for his Indiana roots and instills a warm, Midwestern atmosphere inside the winery. And he encourages all Midwesterners, especially Boilermakers, to come say hi if they ever find themselves near Kokomo Winery!
You’ll also learn more about the winemaking process as Erik delves into his latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Breaking Bread Winery, a line of natural wines best enjoyed with a meal. Plus, he discusses his collaboration with the Purdue for Life Foundation to create special edition Boilermaker wines — which sell out every year.
Erik recently returned to campus for the 2023 Purdue Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion, which celebrated the legacy of Boilermaker entrepreneurs, and you’ll hear how his experiences at Purdue equipped him to exhibit the entrepreneurial mindset that the university is working to cultivate through its new Purdue Innovates initiative.
Don’t miss the story of this Boilermaker who used his persistence and innovation to turn his passion for winemaking into his own successful business more than 2,000 miles away from his hometown roots.
RESOURCES INCLUDE:
- Links to the podcast
- Social graphics
- Suggested social post copy
LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS
When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links.
UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_erik_miller
UTM medium: Social (or email)
UTM source: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name)
Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/erik-miller
General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw
AVAILABLE ASSETS
The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS
Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine:
- Keep posts short and direct
- Link all posts back to our landing page
- Include photos, videos or GIFs
- Use short URLs
SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
LinkedIn + Facebook
- #Boilermaker ➡️ winemaker. Erik Miller, owner of @kokomowinery and @breakingbreadwinery in Sonoma County, California, shares his entrepreneurial journey from @techpurdue student to harvest intern to winery founder on #ThisIsPurdue. Hear how his #Boilermaker experiences equipped him to exhibit the entrepreneurial mindset that the university is working to cultivate through its new Purdue Innovates initiative. Listen today: <link>
- For the #Boilermakers out there who appreciate a great glass of wine, our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode is for you! @kokomowinery and @breakingbreadwinery owner Erik Miller shares how his passion for the art of winemaking began after graduating from #Purdue and discusses his path to becoming the owner of an award-winning California winery. It’s the perfect episode to listen to as you prepare for your next wine and cheese night. 🍇🧀 <link>
- “I knew I needed to have a story because there are so many wine brands out there. Not only is Kokomo part of my story, but it really gives the winery a sense of unpretentiousness and Midwest flair.” For #Boilermaker Erik Miller, it was important to bring the spirit of the Midwest with him to Sonoma County, California, by naming @kokomowinery after his beloved hometown. Now, a piece of his own story is intertwined with his business, which has become one of the most well-known wineries in the region. He’s more than happy with the decision to name his winery after Kokomo — even if some people first think of the Beach Boys song by the same name. 🎧 Listen: <link>
- #Boilermaker ➡️ winemaker. Erik Miller, owner of @kokomowinery and @breakingbreadwinery in Sonoma County, California, shares his entrepreneurial journey from @techpurdue student to harvest intern to winery founder on #ThisIsPurdue. 🔗 in bio <link>
- For the #Boilermakers out there who appreciate a great glass of wine, our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode is for you! @kokomowinery and @breakingbreadwinery owner Erik Miller shares how his passion for the art of winemaking began after graduating from #Purdue and discusses his path to becoming the owner of an award-winning California winery. It’s the perfect episode to listen to as you prepare for your next wine and cheese night. 🍇🧀 🔗 in bio <link>
- For #Boilermaker Erik Miller, it was important to bring the spirit of the Midwest with him to Sonoma County, California, by naming @kokomowinery after his beloved hometown. Now, a piece of his own story is intertwined with his business, which has become one of the most well-known wineries in the region. He’s more than happy with the decision to name his winery after Kokomo — even if some people first think of the Beach Boys song by the same name. Listen at the 🔗 in the bio. <link>
- Tune in as Kokomo Winery owner and @TechPurdue alum Erik Miller joins #ThisIsPurdue. Discover how his entrepreneurial spirit helped him craft an award-winning winery in Sonoma County after graduating from #Purdue. <link>
- #Boilermaker ➡️ winemaker. Erik Miller, owner of Kokomo Winery in Sonoma County, California, shares his entrepreneurial journey from @TechPurdue student to harvest intern to winery founder on #ThisIsPurdue. Listen today: <link>
- For #Boilermakers who appreciate a great glass of wine, our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode is for you! Award-winning California winery owner Erik Miller shares how his passion for the art of winemaking began after graduating from #Purdue. 🍇 <link>
- “Not only is Kokomo part of my story, but it really gives the winery a sense of unpretentiousness and Midwest flair.” On #ThisIsPurdue, hear why it was important for #Purdue alum Erik Miller to name his California winery Kokomo Winery after his hometown. <link>
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EMOJIS
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