Veteran Franchisee Expands Wild Bill’s Across New England

When Kurt Bauerschmidt discovered Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co., a traveling craft soda brand known for its stainless-steel mugs, refill stations and presence at fairs and festivals, he immediately saw a strong business opportunity.

"I was exposed to the concept at an event I was at, did some research and discovered Wild Bill’s," he said. "I thought the concept was great and then did the financials and saw it was a great business financially. That was 11 years ago."

Since then, Bauerschmidt has become a leading force behind Wild Bill's growing presence in the Northeast. Running the New England region for more than a decade, he has helped thousands of people experience Wild Bill’s classic handcrafted sodas and distinctive event-based model.

Drawing on his time in the Navy reserves, along with his business background and leadership experience, Bauerschmidt has shaped a disciplined approach to running his operation. "I saw that my sales experience and management would allow me to function well in this business space," he said.

That mix of discipline and entrepreneurship has helped him expand Wild Bill’s footprint across the region. Over the past 11 years, Bauerschmidt has steadily built event partnerships and brand visibility, representing Wild Bill’s at fairs, festivals and community gatherings that capture the adventurous, all-American feel the brand is known for.

“I’ve expanded the Wild Bill’s brand quite a bit in eleven years running New England,” Bauerschmidt said. “I see the next expansion bringing private events and opening a different silo of revenue.”

He’s passionate about taking the brand beyond public events by creating opportunities for customers to bring Wild Bill’s to their own celebrations. "By exposing more people at events to our great products, they can expose their friends and family to Wild Bills at a private event such as a party," he said.

One of Bauerschmidt's proudest achievements has been sharing Wild Bill’s with the campers at Double H Ranch, a camp for children with serious illnesses. “During the summer we would go up about six times and make ice cream floats for about 100 campers as a donation on my part," he said. "My employees have helped over the years as well."

This commitment to giving back reflects Wild Bill’s mission to connect with people and spread joy, values that align closely with Bauerschmidt’s own purpose and leadership.

For other veterans thinking about franchising, Bauerschmidt says not to wait for the perfect moment. "Make the jump sooner then later as it will change your life forever and give you the freedom to be in control of your success," he said.

Looking ahead, Bauerschmidt is excited about where Wild Bill’s is heading. “What excites me most is creating a legacy for my family,” he said.

From serving his country to serving up handcrafted soda across New England, Bauerschmidt has built a life and business powered by purpose and a taste of American tradition.