Part 1 of a 3-part conversation with Scott Hand, Chief Brand Officer at Urban Artifact, the Cincinnati-based craft brewery known for fruit-forward, wild-fermented beer; and the founder of an architecture practice he continues to run alongside the brewery.
In this episode, Scott shares the unlikely origin story behind Urban Artifact: how an architecture background designing performance venues led to a business plan for a music space, how a brewery became the economic engine behind it, and how a last-minute partner crisis forced a high-stakes decision that shaped the business from day one.
This conversation breaks down what founders don’t see until they’re inside the build, the difference between a plan and the reality of closing a deal, how partnerships form under pressure, and why clearly defined roles matter more than titles or hierarchy.
Scott also explains how Urban Artifact found its true positioning not by copying what “normal breweries” do, but by committing early to a niche, fruit-forward beer and wild fermentation; and building both the product and brand voice around that decision.
For anyone building in a crowded industry, this episode is a clear lesson in differentiation, focus, and long-term thinking.
This conversation continues in the next episode.
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Chief Milestones is a video podcast featuring honest conversations with founders, parents, and investors about building real businesses, staying healthy, and raising families.
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