CREATE - The Podcast

Meet Troy Wassill, the co-owner and head brewer of Longroof Brewing Co. In this podcast, Troy discusses how he transitioned from dedicated homebrewing to owning a successful brewery on 72 Ave NW, Edmonton. Troy is most passionate about the people in the industry, from the customers that have become friends, to the Edmonton breweries that have become family. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Troy’s journey and the evolution of Longroof Brewing Co. 

Joining Mark on this week’s episode is Peter Keith, co-founder, and owner of Meuwly’s, an artisan food market on 124 Street, Edmonton’s up-and-coming food destination. Peter discusses their unique business model, striving to always be the first store to take a chance on start-up companies as they move to the next stages beyond the Edmonton food market.

Peter also discusses ‘In the Weeds’, a movement in Edmonton that supports positive mental health in the hospitality community.

Lastly, Mark and Peter share news about the upcoming ‘Christmas in November’ event at Jasper Park Lodge, and what they plan to bring to the table… literally!

Meet Mason and Ryan, the founders and owners of Ale Architect, an upcoming brewery opening in December on 76 Ave NW, Edmonton (Happy Beer Street). 

Mason and Ryan discuss the beer culture in Edmonton, the growth, the community, and what they have brewing for the grand opening.

After 4 ½ years of planning, their dream is finally becoming a reality. These hands-on founders have completed most of the design and construction of the brewery all on their own, creating a taproom design that mirrors a living room inside of a brewery.

Visit www.letsmeetforabeer.com for more podcasts!

Joining Mark on this week’s episode is Peter Keith, co-founder, and owner of Meuwly’s, an artisan food market on 124 Street, Edmonton’s up-and-coming food destination. Peter discusses their unique business model, striving to always be the first store to take a chance on start-up companies as they move to the next stages beyond the Edmonton food market.

Peter also discusses ‘In the Weeds’, a movement in Edmonton that supports positive mental health in the hospitality community.

Lastly, Mark and Peter share news about the upcoming ‘Christmas in November’ event at Jasper Park Lodge, and what they plan to bring to the table… literally!

Danielle is the Co-Founder of The Pass Beer Co., a new brewery in Blairmore, Alberta. She discusses how her and her husband opened the doors - I mean windows - in 2020 during the pandemic. As they were restricted from allowing guests in the brewery, they started out selling growlers from a pick-up window. The driven entrepreneurs highlight their start-up challenges and successes, noting that they didn't stress too much about the little things because "everything's fine". 

Max Rude joined the podcast, sharing about his life and how it has led up to being the Head Brewer for The Pass Beer Co. He hopes to start canning his beer and selling it across Alberta. 

Matt Gaetz is an Albertan legend creating the first nano brewery in Alberta, called “The Dandy Brewing Company,” in 2014. Matt hilariously tells the story of how they worked with AGLC and AHS to find answers to revolutionary industry questions, being the first nano brewery. 

After 16 years of working with COOP as a district manager, the motivation to not only build Dandy but to guarantee accomplishment was that he and his wife were expecting a baby. He explains, “Job security was a concern after being secure for so long, but with a kid on the way, it was all the motivation I needed to drive the success of Dandy”.

Tune in to explore how Matt went from retail to brewery owner to working with the reputable agency RGE. His story is intriguing and inspiring and his great storytelling will undoubtedly make you laugh. 

Remo Trotta is the hilarious 'sales and marketing manager' of Spolumbo's Italian Deli, located in Inglewood, Calgary. Remo shares how the Deli has evolved over the past 30 years to become one of Calgary's most iconic brands. 

Spolumbo's was started by two former Calgary Stampeders football players, springing the business out of Calgarian roots while simultaneously intertwined with their Italian heritage.  

Remo explains that Spolumbo's has never had a mission statement because they don't need one. The owners lead, and staff are trained to simply live with their three corporate values in mind: honesty, quality and generosity.

A brewery with no TV’s?? Yep, you heard that right. 

Cael Tucker and Mike Macleod are the incredible owners of Tailgunner brewery, a new local hotspot in downtown Calgary. In this episode, they share their extraordinary story of how their unique vision came to fruition. This isn’t to say that they didn’t have to face tremendous obstacles to achieve their vision. 

Their inspiring story explores the initial hardships that Cael and Mike faced as they jumped two feet first into their business months before the pandemic hit. This unexpected blow quickly set Cael and Michael back, robbing their finances and morale. 

Thankfully for every beer-loving Calgarian, Cael and Mike triumphed through the gloom. With a momentous strategic change, they could launch five beers in just three months. As soon as they found their groove, these guys were unstoppable. Cael explains, “Mike and I hit the road like crazy to get out there and build our brand. We hit the ground running in 2021, putting out 16 beers to market in a very short time”. 

Cale and Mike now have a successful brewery on 10th Ave SW, where they have dedicated the beer to Mike’s grandfather, Linton Stephenson, a heroic WW2 Tailgunner, and dedicated the space to laughter and conversation increasingly less common phenomenon. 

A while back I met up with my friends Jennifer and Geoff to discuss Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub - which is truly a Calgary icon - and their latest project BSB Brewing.  Jennifer and Geoff are siblings working in a family-run business - which is a great recipe for some interesting stories.  Over the years, their family has overcome many recessions, and some severe floods - so let’s see how the latest pandemic compares! 

I’ve worked with Jennifer and Geoff on many projects and it’s been great watching their journey.  I’m grateful that they took the time to share their story - I hope you enjoy the conversation…

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Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub & BSB Brewing: website | instagram

I recently met up with my friend Jordan Beatty with Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group (SHHG) in Edmonton, Alberta.  Jordan has been with SHHG for 20+ years and for many he’s considered the soul of the company.  

On the podcast we discuss the challenges SHHG has overcome as a group in the past few years and why Jordan is excited about their future.  We also discuss Jordan’s personal battles and how he was able to completely transform himself - both physically and mentally.

Jordan is one of the most amazing people I’ve met in the industry and I was grateful that he took the time to share his story - please enjoy.

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Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram

Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group (SHHG) : website | instagram