MKD Collective + FIVE x 5: OPERATIONAL Clarity AND GROWTH
Running a distillery isn’t just about making great spirits. It’s keeping production on schedule, inventory in check, compliance airtight, and your team aligned, all while trying to grow. For many small to mid-sized distilleries, that balancing act is overwhelming.
That’s where MKD Collective comes in.
FROM ENTERPRISE TO CRAFT
Founder Katie Gezon spent over a decade managing high-volume operations at Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo bottling facilities leading ERP implementations that connected production, compliance, finance, quality, and running the teams responsible for efficiency at scale.
But what she enjoys most isn’t the corporate grind, it’s seeing how better systems can transform a craft operation. Katie and her team now leverage their enterprise-level expertise to help growing distilleries lacking a full operations staff the ability to build the tools and structure necessary for sustainable growth.
“Distilling is full of passion—that is what initially drew me toward a career “I started working with smaller craft distilleries because I wanted to make a more direct and meaningful impact on the businesses I partnered with. In large corporate environments, I developed world-class systems for production, compliance, and efficiency, but the ability to influence outcomes was often limited by layers of structure. With craft distilleries, I can bring that same level of operational discipline and technical expertise while helping to positively shape the trajectory of the business. It’s rewarding to see the immediate results of implementing better systems, streamlining compliance, or optimizing production, and to know those changes directly strengthen their foundation for sustainable growth.”in this industry. Now, my job is to ensure my clients have systems and processes in place behind the scenes so that the business runs seamlessly, allowing them to focus their time and attention on the craft.”
WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE
- From the distillery floor to the boardroom — Katie’s just as comfortable turning wrenches as she is mapping and implementing strategic advancements. That might mean troubleshooting bottlenecks on the production line in the morning and improving process efficiencies in the afternoon.
- Translating big-company systems — After running huge enterprise systems for major beverage companies, Katie knows how to efficiently implement software and new processes for operations of all sizes. She’s helped distilleries replace patchwork spreadsheets with streamlined, scalable systems that align with their size and budget.
- Compliance with confidence — Katie’s deep regulatory knowledge means distilleries can trust their records and reports to stand up under scrutiny. Instead of scrambling to catch up, her clients stay ahead of requirements while freeing up time to focus on growth.
- People first, process second — Katie doesn’t just design advanced systems; she builds teams. From training staff on new SOPs to mentoring owners through growth transitions, she ensures the people behind the craft feel supported and equipped to succeed.
Services at a glance:
→ Fractional COO & Operational Leadership – Building workflows that actually work.
→ Compliance & Regulatory Consulting (Federal + State + Import + Export) – Creating systems that stand up to audits.
→ Production & Logistics Optimization – Untangling spreadsheets and mismatched records.
→ Financial Architecture – Guiding new products from concept to shelf.
→ SOP Development & Training – Helping you choose the right equipment, systems, and ingredients.
→ Vendor & Distributor Management – Keeping inventory accurate and operations safe.
→ Sourcing & Supply Chain Management – Keeping inventory accurate and operations safe.
→ Team Development/Workplace Cohesion – Keeping inventory accurate and operations safe.
A BEST FIT FOR
→ Small to mid-sized distilleries in growth mode;
→ Beverage brand owners needing operational expertise;
→ Teams that want to scale while protecting their craft; or
→ Businesses facing compliance or supply chain complexity with limited resources
WHY THIS MATTERS
Inefficiencies aren’t just frustrating, they can stall growth, cost money, or put your license at risk. With MKD Collective, you gain access to the same operational discipline that powers the world’s biggest beverage brands, adapted to your size, stage, and budget.
Ready to see what MKD Collective can do for your distillery? Schedule your conversation today.
