Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Cisneros.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started TriStateSips during National Craft Beer Week last year as a way to combine my love of discovering new beverages with my passion for content creation and storytelling. What began as a personal project has opened doors to some incredible opportunities, including working with the NJ Brewers Guild to support its first-ever NJ Craft Beer Week and attending the National Craft Brewers Conference here in Philadelphia this year.
I’m still growing TriStateSips and figuring out what the future looks like, but one of the most rewarding parts has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. The craft beer, wine, and spirits communities each have their own unique personalities and traditions, but they all share something special: people who are passionate about what they do and genuinely welcoming to those who want to learn, support local businesses, and be part of the community. That’s what keeps me excited about growing the platform and continuing to share these stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been finding the time to grow TriStateSips while balancing a full-time job and other commitments. Consistency is so important when building a platform, and there have been periods when I haven’t been able to create and post as regularly as I’d like. As a result, I’ve seen a drop in views and engagement, which can be discouraging when you’re putting so much passion into something.
At the same time, I’ve learned that growth isn’t always linear. I’m currently exploring new strategies and creative ideas to reconnect with my audience, expand beyond the content I’ve traditionally focused on, and bring a fresh perspective to the platform. I know there’s still a lot of potential for TriStateSips, and I’m focused on building something sustainable that I can continue to grow over time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I work in marketing and digital content, with a focus on storytelling, brand development, and helping organizations connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. One of the projects I’m most proud of is my work with Dine Latino, an initiative started by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that celebrates Latino-owned restaurants and helps connect them with new customers through Dine Latino Restaurant Week.
Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to help grow the initiative, and this current edition has been especially rewarding. I led a complete brand refresh, including a new logo, typography, color palette, creative designs, physical promotional materials, merchandise, and a completely redesigned, modern website. We’ve also seen incredible media coverage and brought on new influencers to help share the stories behind our participating restaurants.
What sets me apart is that I look at marketing as more than just creating content or making something look good. I want to build a cohesive experience where the branding, digital presence, storytelling, and community engagement all work together toward a bigger goal. I’m especially proud of how much Dine Latino Restaurant Week has evolved and the role I’ve played in that growth. Based on the momentum and engagement we’ve seen, I’m incredibly excited about the potential for this edition to deliver record-breaking results. Seeing the work come together and knowing it can make a meaningful difference for local Latino-owned businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area is what makes it all worthwhile.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth takes time, and you can’t be afraid to put yourself out there and create your own opportunities. A lot of the experiences I’ve had, whether through my volunteer work, professional work, or TriStateSips, started with simply being curious, taking a chance, and reaching out to people. Not every opportunity turns into something bigger, and progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as you’d like, but every experience teaches you something.
I’ve also learned the importance of building genuine relationships. In both marketing and the craft beverage industry, people want to work with people they trust and connect with. You can have the best ideas in the world, but the relationships you build and the way you show up for others can make all the difference. I’m still learning and growing, but I’ve realized that you don’t have to have everything figured out to get started. Sometimes, you just have to take that first step and be willing to learn along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tristatesips.onepage.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristatesips/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tristatesips/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-cisneros/
- Other: https://cisneventures.com
