Brewing Success: Matt Rolnick's Path from Media Sales to Real American Beer

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Matt Rolnick on Building Real American Beer with Hulk Hogan and Lessons from Media Sales and Events

Matt Rolnick is Senior VP of Partnerships and Events at Real American Beer, the premium light beer brand associated with Hulk Hogan, and a former media salesperson, publisher and event entrepreneur. In this episode of Your Brand Amplified, he tells Anika Jackson how media sales led to a publishing venture, event companies and finally the beverage industry. His takeaway: experience in sales, events and partnerships compounds, and mentorship and personal branding help it pay off.

How did Matt Rolnick get from media sales to beer?

Matt Rolnick began in media sales, where he learned how consumers behave and how to communicate with them. Right after college he started a successful publishing venture. He then moved into event management with Group Lot and Yaymaker, hosting events with well-known figures including Mike Tyson and Fran Drescher. That experience in partnerships and high-profile events led to his role at Real American Beer.

How does Real American Beer use celebrity partnerships?

Real American Beer draws on the cultural recognition of Hulk Hogan to stand out in a crowded market with its premium light beer. Rolnick's work centers on partnerships and marketing as the brand expands nationwide. He credits Chad, Hulk Hogan's partner, as an influence on how he builds teams around collaboration and shared enthusiasm.

Why mentorship and personal branding matter to him

Rolnick is an advocate for mentorship and personal branding. He teaches at USC and shares his expertise on Udemy, passing on what he has learned to the next generation of business leaders.

Key takeaways

• Media sales builds a working knowledge of consumers that transfers to publishing, events and consumer brands.
• Event management with high-profile names such as Mike Tyson and Fran Drescher builds partnership skills that apply to brand building.
• Real American Beer uses Hulk Hogan's cultural recognition to compete in the light beer category.
• Mentorship and teaching, at USC and on Udemy, are part of how Rolnick builds his personal brand.

Listen to Anika Jackson's full conversation with Matt Rolnick on Your Brand Amplified.