The True Craft Podcast

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 state
• The systems and strategies that keep his team running like clockwork without him on-site
• The power of intentional branding and design to craft a one-of-a-kind customer experience

Inventors 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 deals
• Advice on offloading equipment, winding business down, and navigating bankruptcy

This 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 - Instagram

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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 inventory
• How Stoup Brewing strikes a balance between brewing what they love and responding to market trends
• The 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 - Instagram

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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 - Instagram

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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 team
• The secret behind Love City’s low turnover and how leading with empathy—challenges and all—pays off
• Practical tips for brewery owners to prioritize their own mental health and well-being

With 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 Threads

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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 Z
• Unique opportunities popping up as breweries close their doors

Michael 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 Instagram

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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:

1. 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).
2. Juggling the "trifecta" of private events, brewery-hosted bashes, and weekly programming like a pro.
3. 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 Instagram

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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 accounts
• The unique journey of Austin and his wife, who handle every aspect of production, distribution, and sales, setting their operation apart
• The booming growth and modern interpretations of the mead and cider categories, and the opportunities they present for brewers in their taprooms

With 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 Instagram

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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 quality
• How winning the 2023 Great American Beer Festival Brewery of the Year is opening doors and what other brewers can learn from this success
• Wibby Brewing’s unique distribution strategy, expanding into “beer deserts” and potentially exploring untapped Asian markets

With 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:

1. 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 anymore
2. Practical insights on managing excess capacity 
3. The benefits of focusing your styles in distribution and how this can impact your sales reps, distributor relations, and overall business health

Erik 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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