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Running a brewery is tough—but doing it from 1,000 miles away? That’s next-level. Adam Draeger, owner of Inventors Brewpub in Port Washington, Wisconsin, spills the hops on how he pulled off a massive expansion to a 20,000 sq ft facility while living in Colorado. From humble beginnings in an American Legion hall to managing a brewery remotely, Adam shares the wins, the lessons, and the wild ride of building a business with purpose and process.
In this episode:
How Adam grew Inventors from a nano brewery to a 20,000 sq ft destination—all from another stateThe systems and strategies that keep his team running like clockwork without him on-siteThe power of intentional branding and design to craft a one-of-a-kind customer experienceInventors Brewpub - Website
Inventors Brewpub - Instagram
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In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Closson, Co-Founder of Ivanhoe Park Brewing in sunny Orlando, FL! Glenn shares the incredible journey of how Ivanhoe Park transformed from a cozy 4,000 sq ft home to a booming 14,000 sq ft powerhouse by acquiring Deadwords Brewing’s facility—all in a lightning-fast 60-day timeframe! (Quick heads up: this kind of rapid M&A is rare, so don’t set your expectations too high!)
Glenn details this bold move and shares a behind-the-scenes look of what a brewery acquisition looks like in 2024.
Highlights include:
Why thorough valuations matter, no matter your timeline (60 days or otherwise!)How to approach local breweries about potential dealsAdvice on offloading equipment, winding business down, and navigating bankruptcyThis M&A chat is perfectly timed, and Glenn’s one-of-a-kind experience is packed with valuable insights you definitely won’t want to miss!
Ivanhoe Park Brewing - Website
Ivanhoe Park Brewing - InstagramBook a discovery call
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In this episode, we chat with Brad Benson, Co-Owner and Head Brewer of Stoup Brewing, about the evolving business model that’s driven their growth and operations over the past decade—plus, how it inspired Stoup Brewing to launch their very own distribution company!
Highlights include:
A behind-the-scenes look at their unique distribution company that operates without a sales team or holding inventoryHow Stoup Brewing strikes a balance between brewing what they love and responding to market trendsThe secrets behind running a taproom, pub concept, beer hall, and distribution company (Hint: it takes a village!)Brad and his team have navigated the craft beer boom of the 2010s and the over-saturation that followed. As Stoup celebrates eleven years this fall, Brad has a ton of insights to share that you won’t want to miss!
Stoup Brewing - Website
Stoup Brewing - InstagramSubscribe for more insights
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Get ready for a lively chat with Marty Ochs, President of Resident Brewing in San Diego! Marty’s been around the block in the craft beer world, from on-premise at Miller Brewing to helping Ninkasi explode in size (from 4,000 BBLs to 90,000 BBLs in just four years!), and now he's sharing his behind-the-scenes stories and sharp business insights.
What’s on Tap:
The self-distribution hustle—why it’s a smart move for small breweries, but not without its headaches.Craft beer’s big shift: Can the industry juggle killer beer and smart business, or is the balance tipping too far?How brewery partnerships are changing the game (and saving some serious cash in overhead efficiencies).With over a decade in the industry, Marty’s wealth of experience offers a unique perspective on navigating today’s tough market. Don’t miss the chance to hear his invaluable insights!
Resident Brewing - Website
Resident Brewing - InstagramSubscribe for more insights
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Pull up a chair as we sit down with Melissa Walter, co-founder of Love City Brewing in Philadelphia, PA, to chat about employee wellness, inclusivity, and how to create a culture of care. While employee well-being isn’t always the first priority in running a brewery, Melissa made it the cornerstone of Love City Brewing—and in this episode, we chat about how she’s done it.
Highlights include:
From non-alcoholic and mocktail comp drink offerings to virtual mental health support, hear Love City's unique take on wellness for their teamThe secret behind Love City’s low turnover and how leading with empathy—challenges and all—pays offPractical tips for brewery owners to prioritize their own mental health and well-beingWith her experience as a licensed therapist, Melissa brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to team care that’s truly one-of-a-kind. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Links
Healthiest You
Love City Brewing Website
Love City Brewing Instagram
Love City Facebook
Love City ThreadsBook a discovery call
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On today’s episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re catching up with Michael Memsic, Co-Founder & CEO of Sanitas Brewing, to give some straight talk about what the heck is happening in craft. We cover a lot of ground from modern expansion strategies, owner and leadership alignment, and the surprising topic of...tapping out of the craft scene?
Highlights include:
How breweries are becoming vibrant community hubs with unique food and morning coffee, becoming the ultimate “third place”The evolving craft beer scene and why the next big wave might not hinge on Gen ZUnique opportunities popping up as breweries close their doorsMichael believes that the craft industry is deeply “lifestyle driven,” which makes it both rewarding and challenging. However, fostering connections and sharing experiences with those in your circle makes all the difference. That’s exactly what we’re all about on The True Craft Podcast. Enjoy this insightful chat!
Links
Sanitas Brewing Company Website
Sanitas Brewing Company InstagramBook a discovery call
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re hanging out with Mike Walters, Co-Founder of Cocoon Brewing out of De Pere, WI. In 2023, at a time when craft beer was anything but predictable, Cocoon Brewing boldly opened their 7,000 sq ft space—proving that when the going gets tough, the tough get brewing.
Highlights include:
How to dish out a killer food program from a cozy 400 sq ft kitchen (yes, size matters... but not in the way you think).Juggling the "trifecta" of private events, brewery-hosted bashes, and weekly programming like a pro.How diversifying with draft, to-go beer, and merch sales keeps the cash flowing and customers coming back.Opening a brewery takes a village, but doing it in 2023? That requires a whole city of support. Mike spills all the tea (or beer) on Cocoon Brewing's wild ride, packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Cocoon Brewing Website
Cocoon Brewing InstagramSubscribe for more insight
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On this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we have a chat with Austin Corrigan, the founder of High Seas Mead and Single Fin Cider out of Santa Barbara, CA. Austin shares his fascinating journey from the culinary world to fermenting meads and ciders as a one-man operation.
In this episode, we chat about:
The challenge (and reward!) of being 100% self-distributed within a 100-mile radius, managing over 300 accountsThe unique journey of Austin and his wife, who handle every aspect of production, distribution, and sales, setting their operation apartThe booming growth and modern interpretations of the mead and cider categories, and the opportunities they present for brewers in their taproomsWith a dedication to natural production methods and a hands-on approach to every aspect of his business, Austin brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to learn more about mead and cider, as well as a taking a glimpse into its bright future as a craft beverage of choice!
Links
High Seas Mead Website
High Seas Mead Instagram
Single Fin InstagramSubscribe for more insights
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On this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Wibby, the co-founder and brewmaster of Wibby Brewing in Longmont, CO. Ryan chats the exciting world of lagers, sharing the story behind his brewery’s recent recognition as 2023 GABF Brewery of the Year, and giving us a peek into their distribution expansion plans.
In this episode, we chat about:
The massive impact that can come with focusing on a single style without ever compromising qualityHow winning the 2023 Great American Beer Festival Brewery of the Year is opening doors and what other brewers can learn from this successWibby Brewing’s unique distribution strategy, expanding into “beer deserts” and potentially exploring untapped Asian marketsWith more than a decade of brewing expertise, Ryan brings a treasure trove of knowledge and a fresh outlook. Tune in for a vibrant conversation brimming with lager love, ambitious expansion plans, and the innovative spirit that sets Wibby Brewing apart.
Links
Wibby Brewing
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast we welcome Erik Fowler, Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild. Join us for a jam-packed discussion on the financial landscape of craft breweries in 2024.
Highlights include:
Erik shares his philosophy of "Beer is the what, not the why" in today's craft market, emphasizing that while breweries start with a passion for brewing, this can't be their sole driving force anymorePractical insights on managing excess capacity The benefits of focusing your styles in distribution and how this can impact your sales reps, distributor relations, and overall business healthErik underscores the importance of having a clear intention behind what you sell, why you sell it, and how you sell it. This, combined with the passion that originally inspired brewers to even open their doors, is the key to thriving in the next chapter of the craft beer industry. This episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss!
Links
San Diego Brewers Guild
San Diego Craft Beer Conference
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we chat with Grace Robbings, Co-Founder, and Larry Rock, Sales Representative, of Reuben’s Brews in Seattle! We shine a light on their work with the Mosaic State Brewers Collective, a mentorship program empowering underrepresented people to build careers in the craft beer industry.
A few highlights include:
Hear how the craft beer landscape has changed through the eyes of Larry, a veteran in the industry since the mid-1980s!Learn about the Collective’s educational programming that includes three levels of training opportunities, designed to develop diverse leaders in craftDiscover the ins-and-outs of the Collective’s first-year "brewing school," where mentees followed a beer's full lifecycle from brewing to marketing.Grace and Larry’s passion and experience make this an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss!
Links:
Mosaic State Brewers Collective - Website
Reuben’s Brews - Website
Métier Brewing Company - Website
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In this episode, we sit down with Teo Hunter, co-founder of Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., a pioneering Black-owned craft brewery championing diversity, inclusion, and (emphasis on the) equity in the craft beer industry.
Some of what we cover:
Find out why operating on an island in 2024 could be hurting your business and why leaning on and uplifting other craft businesses is the way forward.The creation of the National Black Brewers Association and its mission to elevate the Black brewing community.Suggestions on how breweries can genuinely embrace inclusivity without feeling like they are compromising their brewery’s identity.Teo’s dedication to the craft industry is truly inspiring, and his decades of experience offer valuable insights you won't want to miss!
Crowns and Hops - Website
Crowns and Hops - Instagram
National Black Brewers AssociationSubscribe for more insight
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In this episode, we chat with Chris Cesnek and Brandon Monroe, the creative co-founders of Paperback Brewing Company. Their brewery’s edgy, 80s and 90s pop culture-inspired design has captivated Los Angeles locals, creating a truly memorable brand experience.
A few topics we cover in this episode:
How storytelling shapes a brewery’s brand identity.Strategies to tackle “release fatigue” for a consistent and sustainable marketing plan.Tips on refreshing or rebranding your brewery.With backgrounds in advertising, Chris and Brandon share a wealth of branding insights. Whether you're looking to reinvent your brand or stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Don’t miss it!
Links:
Paperback Brewing Company - Website
Paperback Brewing Company - Instagram
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we delve into the world of brewery financial management with Kary Shumway,creator of Beer Business Finance. Drawing upon his decades of experience, we chat about topics for brewery owners striving to excel in today's industry, such as:
How to (actually) manage cash flow and why relying solely on gut feeling to make decisions isn’t cutting itWhen contract brewing makes sense and when it doesn’tWhere to invest just 10 minutes of daily learning to make a big difference over time in understanding your brewery’s financesAs Kary points out, the notion that "accounting and financial literacy are best left to others" is an outdated mindset. It's time to take ownership, and Kary provides a unique viewpoint on where to get started.
Beer Business Finance Website: https://www.bbfassociation.org
Craft Brewery Financial Training Website: https://craftbreweryfinance.comSubscribe for more insight: https://sbstandard.com/insights
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In this episode, we sit down with Phillip McLamb, COO and Co-Founder of Resident Culture Brewing, to chat about what it takes to self-distribute in 2024.
From day one, Resident Culture was self-distributing. However, it’s taken years of trial and error for Phillip and his team to dial in this aspect of their business, projecting $3 million in revenue from self-distribution alone this year.
A few topics we explore:
The pros and cons of leasing vs. purchasing a fleet of vehicles.The value of maintaining control over your brand's distribution rights.When it’s time for you (the owner) to step in as a sales rep because—as Chris says—”...there's no one better than the founder to sell the brand and its story.”If you are already self-distributing or you're on the fence about taking the leap, you won’t want to miss the valuable insight from Phillip in this episode.
Resident Culture - Website
Resident Culture - Instagram
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we welcome Andrew Coplon, Founder of Craft Beer Professionals and Secret Hopper to explore his unique insights on curating a fantastic customer experience in the taproom... and why that’s more important than ever.
Just a few of the topics we cover:
How to create what Andrew calls a “Wow! Experience” using his Taproom Venn Diagram: beer, memorable atmosphere, and engaging staff.Andrew’s take on the current epidemic of taproom staffing issues, and how to tap into the personalized motivations of each of your staff members through rewards, recognition, and opportunities.Why tabs are 30% higher in environments your customers perceive as “high engagement” and how to create high engagement through goal setting and tracking, training time-on-calendar, and most importantly, consistency.At one point in the episode, Andrew claims “taproom” is his middle name, and it shows. He’s a wealth of knowledge with direct, on-the-ground experience and offers a perspective you won’t want to miss.
Links:
Craft Beer Professionals - Website
Secret Hopper - Website
Venn Diagram of Taproom Experience
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On today’s episode of The True Craft Podcast, Chris sits down with Dave Morgan, co-founder of Single Speed Brewing, to dig into their Parallel Brewery Collective concept.
Highlighting the collective's ability to combine efforts and share resources, Dave unveils how thinking creatively about breweries can collaborate can unlock hidden opportunities for reducing expenses and maximizing distribution opportunities.
Can this strategy reshape how independent breweries pursue wholesale growth in our industry? Listen and let us know what you think.
Links:
Parallel Brewery Collective - Website
Single Speed Brewing - Website
Single Speed Brewing - Instagram
Dave’s Contact:
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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we delve into niche branding and marketing strategies with Nick and Christina Lumsden, the innovative minds behind Dogleg Brewing. With a passion for both golf and beer, they've seamlessly merged their passions to create a distinctive brand and customer experience that has greatly benefitted their business.
Main takeaway: It is essential to not only identify your ‘niche’ but cultivate a lasting community. From leveraging distribution initiatives to multi-channel marketing efforts, Nick and Christina share actionable insights on how to authentically connect with your target audience and foster lasting relationships.
Links:
Dogleg Brewing Company - Website
Dogleg Brewing Company - Instagram
Dogleg Brewing Company - Facebook
Nick and Christina’s Contact Info:
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Julie Rhodes of Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions joins us on today’s episode of the True Craft Podcast to share some of her hard-won, craft-specific marketing advice to help you sell more beer, including:
Which marketing strategies are most effective for wholesale vs. taproom How to leverage local influencers to market your beer to your target demographicHow to measure the results of your marketing campaigns so you know what’s working and what’s notWhether you’ve been marketing for years or have no idea where to begin, Julie provides industry-specific clarity on what to do and why.
Links:
Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions - Website
Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions - LinkedIn
Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions - Instagram
Julie’s Contact:
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Gabrielle Blanco, Owner of Buckstin Brewing, joined us for this killer episode of The True Craft Podcast. With a long history in the restaurant industry and a booming brewery (that’s currently expanding), Gabi advocates for why all breweries should operate their own kitchens.
By keeping it simple and having systems in place, every brewery can operate a profitable kitchen. And no excuses on size — Buckstin’s kitchen is a whopping 128 square feet.
First steps, helpful tips, real-life examples, and key systems — all this and more on today’s episode.
Links:
Buckstin Brewing - Website
Buckstin Brewing - Instagram
Buckstin Brewing - FacebookGabrielle’s Contact:
Book a Discovery Call
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