—

In this episode we sit down with Brad Fitzgerald of Swellsa Brewing about building a modern craft staple in the heart of Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina. From navigating the unique challenges of the Outer Banks to winning a World Beer Cup gold medal, Swellsa has been creating a community hub that thrives in a "feast or famine" tourist economy.

Some highlights include:

• Why skipping a kitchen to maintain local restaurant partnerships could be a move for breweries who are hesitant to have their own in-house food program
• How Swellsa scales for summers that jump from a local annual population of 7k to over 40k
• What skipping a traditional distribution strategy looks like when scaling in 2026 (and what to do instead)

From navigating coastal logistics to launching a hemp-derived beverage brand, Brad’s "move fast" mentality is a masterclass in modern brewery scaling. There is a lot packed into this episode for owners looking to grow their business in 2026.

Follow Swellsa and Duck Dive Bar on Instagram: @swellsa_brewing or @duckdivebar
Visit their website: https://www.swellsabrewing.com

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Warren Bondi, the co-founder of Wood Foot Beer Co. in Fort Walton Beach and the founder of marketing agency Beer Marketeers. With a background spanning from stocking shelves for major distributors to serving as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Warren brings a unique 360-degree perspective on how to move product in craft today.

Highlights include:

• Why small systems (like a five-barrel brewhouse) allows greater control without distribution headaches
• How multi-day events and pop-ups drive massive sales through community experiences
• Why you should stop "boosting" your posts and start using an Ads Manager to see real results

Whether you are struggling with a "quiet" brand or trying to decide if table service is ruining your reviews, this conversation is filled with tips and tricks for the modern brewery.

Visit the Wood Foot Beer Co. website: https://woodfoot.beer
Follow them on Instagram: @woodfootbeer

Visit the Beer Marketeers website: https://www.beermarketeers.com
Follow them on Instagram: @beermarketeers

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we are sitting down with Hannah Ison of Zeroday Brewing Company and the Brewers of Pennsylvania to discuss the evolving definition of a craft brewery. We explore why leaning into the "beverage manufacturer" label might be the move in reaching new demographics and how offering variety—from hand-chopped ginger beer to hop water—is becoming an industry standard.

Highlights include:

• The logistical reality of managing production scheduling and guild leadership while raising a daughter as a single mother
• How to navigate wholesaler acquisitions and the transition from a self-distribution model
• Why collaboration and brewery co-ops are unlocking potential for businesses with limited resources

This episode offers a grounded look at the grit required to keep a brewery running in 2026 when the traditional "let's grab a beer" culture is shifting. Whether you’re interested in diversifying your taproom lineup or want to hear how the "survival of the fittest" is playing out in the Mid-Atlantic, Hannah’s perspective as both a brewer and an executive provides unique insight for the modern age.

Visit the Zeroday Brewing Co. website: https://zerodaybrewing.com
Visit the Brewers of Pennsylvania website: https://www.brewersofpa.org
Follow Hannah on Instagram: @beermakingmama

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Brian Durand of Asbury Park Brewery about what it takes to build a wholesale presence in a competitive, seasonal shore market. We unpack how distribution fits into their broader strategy and what it really means to grow alongside a distributor.

Highlights include:

• The one thing most breweries struggle to do well even in 2026
• Two surprisingly high-performing snacks that stand out to both Chris and Brian for taprooms
• The right cadence for communicating with your distributor

If you’re evaluating your own distribution strategy or trying to make wholesale feel more intentional, this episode with a 20-year industry veteran offers a look at what it takes to grow beyond the taproom in 2026.

Visit the Asbury Park Brewery website: https://asburyparkbrewery.com
Follow them on Instagram: @asburyparkbrewery

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Chris O’Neill of One Well Brewing out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. We unpack how a brewery that started with just $80K grew into a ~$1M business by paying close attention to why customers behave the way they do...and then designing the business around those behaviors instead of following what some would maybe call industry norms!

Highlights include:

• Why a simple food menu stops customers from leaving (and could even double beer sales)
• The overlooked difference between attracting customers versus keeping them
• How the right entertainment mix can change how (and when) customers show up

If you’ve ever felt that tension between playing it safe and trusting your instincts as an owner, this episode is a reminder that building something different is often the whole point.

Learn more about One Well Brewing at their website: https://onewellbrewing.com
Follow them on Instagram: @onewellbrewing

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works. We unpack how operating two busy brewpubs in a tourist-driven market ultimately pushed them toward contract brewing (and why it turned out to be one of the most stabilizing decisions they’ve made...despite the emotional challenges).

Highlights include:

• The hidden inefficiencies of producing beer in a remote, seasonal market
• How focusing on the taproom experience and NA offerings led to more predictable margins
• Why partnering with both large and small contract brewers could be the big move in 2026

Kevin shares that contract brewing “was the hardest decision [he’s] ever had to make, because [he’s] the homebrewer that started a brewery—it’s part of [his] identity to make the beer.” If you’ve been wrestling with making a similar move, this episode is filled with honest and helpful insight from someone who has been in this business for over a decade.

Learn more about Alibi Ale Works at their website: https://alibialeworks.com
Follow them on Instagram: @alibialeworks

Doug and Mike share how years in the film industry led to distilling, how a curious neighbor sparked their decision to “go legal,” and why they’ve stayed fiercely independent.

Highlights include:

• How distribution hurdles keep small producers stuck…even when demand is there (and what to do about)
• Grassroots approaches to grow traffic without a marketing budget
• Weighing the choice between staying small and handcrafted vs. chasing volume and big equipment

In the episode, Doug sums up their operation as: “Everything is in-house, by hand.” And this episode truly highlights what it takes to be in craft in 2025. Don’t miss this one!

Learn more about Wanderback Beer Works at https://www.mospirits.com
Follow them on Instagram: @mospirits

You can subscribe for SBS insights at sbstandard.com/insights
Or see what SBS can do for your brewery or distillery: sbstandard.com/contact

Some highlights include:

• The simple distribution equation every brewery needs to master: Volume = Points of Distribution × Rate of Sale
• Why “going deep before wide” still wins in today’s crowded craft beer market
• How phone-level shelf placement and consistent relationship building can actually drive velocity

Justin also shares why the industry needs to rediscover its collaborative roots. And how making beer fun again may actually be the way to win over the next gen beer drinkers. Enjoy the episode!

Learn more about Wanderback Beer Works at wanderbackbeer.com
Follow them on Instagram: @wanderbackbeer

You can subscribe for insights at sbstandard.com/insights
Reach out to SBS: sbstandard.com/contact

Highlights include:

• How Manhattan scaled from homebrewing for a wedding to a 17,000 bbl operation
• What a “profit-first approach” looks like in expansion and contract brewing
• How to maintain restaurant-quality hospitality in the taproom

As Karl puts it, “Quality never goes out of style.” And if you’ve ever doubted whether craft can still win big even in today’s market, this episode will change your mind.

Links

Manhattan Project Beer Company - Website
Manhattan Project Beer Company - Instagram

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Highlights include:

• How a restaurant-first mindset changes how a brewery inherently operates
• What breweries can learn from scaling in the restaurant industry
• Why THC beverages are reshaping the hospitality space (despite it being a relatively new offering)

This episode unscores the importance of breweries not taking guests for granted and ensuring hospitality is at the forefront of every decision. As Erik puts it, “If we’re just order takers instead of order makers, we’re really doing guests a disservice.”

With 25 years in hospitality, Erik’s perspective is one you won’t want to miss!
 

Links

Field Day Brewing - Website
Field Day Brewing - Instagram

Daydreamer Cannabis Sparkling Water - Website
Daydreamer Cannabis Sparkling Water - Instagram

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Highlights include:

• What to consider when expanding into multiple locations and new markets (and hear how Hi-Wire expanded to 11 locations in 4 different states!)
• How to plan for and recover from major setbacks that could hit your bottom line
• Why contract brewing may be an overlooked growth lever and what to do about it

This episode is filled to the brim with insights on resilience, strategy, and staying true to the thing that started the journey for so many brewery owners: the craft. Don’t miss it.

Links

Hi-Wire Brewing - Website
Hi-Wire Brewing - Instagram

Reach out to SBS to see how we can help your brewery

Bobby shares what it takes to build a brewery from scratch in a rural market and why community might just be the biggest ingredient.

Some highlights include:

• Creative ways Bobby kept startup costs to ~$165k with no loans
• The hurdles and perks of running a rural brewery (from educating patrons on beer styles to having close relationships with local officials)
• How unique programming like line dancing and cigar nights keeps customers coming back

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a brewery on a $165k budget (with a side of some unique ideas for event programming and taproom-focused initiatives), our chat with Bobby is one you’ll want to hear!

Links
Heavale Brewing Company - Website

Find more profit in your taproom and distro business

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we chat with Doug Bellenger of Well Crafted Beer Co. out of Lansdale, PA to unpack the ever-present balance of running a brewery. From creating an enjoyable fast casual atmosphere in the taproom to recalibrating wholesale margins, Doug gives a clear-eyed look at the trade-offs breweries face today.

Doug also shares what he’s learned while operating two thriving taprooms, scaling to 2,000 barrels per year, and expanding distribution across 35 counties!

Some highlights include:

• How to use distribution as a way to drive traffic to the taproom
• The pricing strategy shift you can make without sacrificing quality
• What the “sweet spot” balance looks like in 2025 for growing craft breweries

If you're trying to balance running a profitable taproom with a growing distro program, this episode breaks down how one brewery is making it work while growing through it all.

Links

Well Crafted Beer Co. - Website
Well Crafted Beer Co. - Instagram

Find more profit in your taproom and distro business

From navigating the market downturn to sometimes embracing necessary business pivots, Ted shares insights with over two decades of being in the business.

Highlights include:

• Learning the importance of maintaining great company culture while growing a business
• The operational structure that Goodwood uses for its various locations
• Why owners should introduce more experiences into their programming mix

As Ted says, “The name of the game is diversification,” and this episode gives owners ideas of how to tackle a diverse portfolio while marrying them with memorable experiences for customers. Enjoy!

Links

Goodwood Brewing & Spirits - Website
Goodwood Brewing & Spirits - Instagram

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Charlie shares how he and his team are bringing together some of Colorado’s most beloved breweries and cider makers to build something stronger, together.

Highlights include:

• What product diversity in a taproom looks like in 2025
• The 3-part growth strategy behind their next moves (hint: innovation, retail, and M&A)
• How Wilding Brands is helping “de-risk” the future of craft

As Charlie puts it, “I haven’t been this excited about the industry in years.”

At a time when many breweries are feeling the pressure, this episode offers a different kind of roadmap.

Wilding Brands - Website

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Some highlights include:

• Why Cody Craft never wanted to run a kitchen...and still doesn’t
• When to say yes (and when to say no) to distribution offers
• The state of change of craft beer and what’s causing a shift toward “beer that tastes like beer”

If you’re curious on what it takes to run a brewery in a small(er) market while growing at your own pace, this episode’s filled with stellar insight and grounded advice you’ll actually use!

Cody Craft Brewing - Website
Cody Craft Brewing - Instagram

Run a better, more profitable brewery

Some highlights include:

• How his AI-powered tool, HospitalityWeather, predicts taproom traffic and improves daily operations
• The automation hacks he’s using to simplify reporting, hiring, and staff communication
• What his new book tackles that SOPs don’t...and why he wrote the first draft in just 8 days (!)

If you’ve ever been curious about how AI might shape the future of brewing, this conversation is a great place to start!

Reuben’s Brews - Website
Reuben’s Brews - Instagram
HospitalityWeather - Website

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Highlights:

• What a diverse beverage lineup looks like in 2025
• How to pull off 373 events in one calendar year (!)
• Making the transition from food trucks to an in-house kitchen

If you’ve been curious what it’s like to run a high-capacity brewhouse while building a consumer brand, or you’re looking for ideas on how to tackle your business’ retail strategy...you won’t want to miss this episode!
 

Links
Isle Brewers Guild - Website
The Guild Brewing Co. - Website

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Highlights include:

• What to watch out for when growing too fast
• Salty Turtle’s definition of “being nimble” in 2025 (and why it starts with spreadsheets...)
• What most breweries get wrong about self-distribution

With insight on what it really takes to run a community-centric brewery in this current age of craft, Dan brings the kind of tactical knowledge that every brewery owner needs to hear. Enjoy the episode!

Links

Salty Turtle Beer Company - Website
Salty Turtle Beer Company - Instagram

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Highlights include:

• Why choosing culturally significant real estate is imperative to expansion
• How Monday Night builds their culture across state lines with onboarding and local leadership
• The huge impact solid food programs and private events have on taproom revenue

If you’re thinking about investing in your own brewery's retail presence or curious on how other brewery’s are tackling this head-on, Jeff’s insights are worth the listen! Enjoy!

Links
Monday Night Brewing - Website
Monday Night Brewing - Instagram

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Highlights include:

• How Jackson Street Beer grew from a 3.5-barrel system to a thriving operation without outside investors or mountains of debt
• The impact of how defining a brewery’s mission and values can be the biggest business advantage
• Why Dave sees systematizing operations as the next big move to allow owners to work "on" vs "in" their business

From big decisions in a family-run business to the challenges of expansion, Dave offers hard-earned wisdom for any brewery owner looking to build for the long haul. Enjoy this episode!

Links

Jackson Street Brewing - Website
Jackson Street Brewing - Instagram

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Highlights include:

• How Laughing Sun grew from a scrappy 3.5-barrel setup in a 162 sq. ft. space to a booming 20-barrel brewhouse with 5,000 sq. ft.
• The major revenue drivers breweries should be focused on in 2025
• Creative new products and offerings to explore as craft beer drinker preferences keep evolving

With over two decades of brewing, Mike brings a ton of wisdom (and some great stories) to the table. This episode is part history lesson, part how-to guide, and all-around good fun!

Links

Laughing Sun Brewing Company - Website
Laughing Sun Brewing Company - Instagram

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We explore what’s working, what’s not, and how data-driven insights can help breweries build more effective programs.

Some highlights include:

• The difference between loyalty and membership programs
• How monthly memberships ($20/mo) often outperform annual ones ($147/yr) in revenue
• Why expiring rewards encourage repeat visits without increasing costs

If you’re considering a membership program or looking to improve your existing one, this episode is for you.

Links
TapWyse - Website

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Eric started CBPO to help breweries (including his own) score better pricing on raw materials, packaging, and labels.

Some highlights include:

• How CBPO members are cutting costs by up to $40K a year
• The shift from limited releases to core beers—and what that means for your bottom line
• What potential tariffs could mean for the immediate future of the brewing community

Eric breaks it all down, from bulk-buying benefits to how breweries of all sizes can make smarter purchasing decisions in 2025.

Links

Craft Brewery Purchasing Organization - Website
Magnify Brewing - Website

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Highlights include:

• How open book management helps South Lake’s team make smarter money moves
• The growing pains (and financial gains) of scaling a brewery
• When it’s time to bring in a CFO (and what to do before you hire one)

If cash flow, KPIs, and P&Ls make your head spin more than a triple IPA, join us for this insightful (and fun) chat with Nicole!

South Lake Brewing Company - Website
South Lake Brewing Company - Instagram

Free Profit Diagnostic from Small Batch Standard (like...actually free!)
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Highlights include:

• A surprise beverage category that’s stealing the spotlight (and boosting profits)
• How to turn your taproom into the local hangout with community-focused experiences
• Why thinking beyond beer might be your best move in 2025

We also explore Glass Jug’s distribution strategy, how they’re navigating flattening craft beer growth, and why reinvesting in your space could be the key to long-term success.

Curious? Pour yourself a pint, hit play, and get inspired!

The Glass Jug Beer Lab Website
The Glass Jug Beer Lab Instagram

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Some highlights include:

• How Phil got 608 Brewing off the ground with a budget under $500k (!)
• The operation behind brewing 400+ unique beers in six years while trying to stay ahead of industry trends
• An inside look at 608’s thriving suburban taproom and their bold leap into hemp-derived THC beverages

Phil’s journey shows that combining the charm of a suburban pub with bold vision, creative recipes, and a knack for adapting can transform a lean startup into a thriving craft beer success story. We hope that you enjoy this episode and we look forward to bringing you more True Craft in 2025!

Links
608 Brewing - Website
608 Brewing - Instagram

See how Small Batch Standard can help you in 2025

Host Chris Farmand revisits 10 standout moments from past conversations, sharing new commentary and reflecting on lessons that continue to shape the craft beer world. Whether you’ve been here since the start or just joined the journey, this episode is a celebration of the stories, insights, and ideas that have brought us to this milestone. Cheers to the next chapter!

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Some highlights include:

• How their medal-winning beers, like the jalapeño cream ale, keep people coming back
• Why their self-distribution game actually helps keep the focus on their taproom
• Tips to creating a taproom no one wants to leave, from their community-tailored events to an epic pizza collaboration

Plus, hear how their “Coaster Club” regulars stepped up to help them pull off a wild 22-day location move!

If you’re into award-winning beer and the magic of small-town brewing, this episode is for you.

Links
 "Moving the bar top" video
Crasian Website

Free Profit Diagnostic Offer
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 craft
• Discover 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
Ombili IPA

Some of what we cover:

1. 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.
2. The creation of the National Black Brewers Association and its mission to elevate the Black brewing community.
3. 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 Association

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A few topics we cover in this episode:

1. How storytelling shapes a brewery’s brand identity.
2. Strategies to tackle “release fatigue” for a consistent and sustainable marketing plan.
3. 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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1. How to (actually) manage cash flow and why relying solely on gut feeling to make decisions isn’t cutting it
2. When contract brewing makes sense and when it doesn’t
3. Where to invest just 10 minutes of daily learning to make a big difference over time in understanding your brewery’s finances

As 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.com

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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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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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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:

dave@singlespeedbrewing.com

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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:

nick@doglegbrewingco.com

christina@doglegbrewingco.com
 

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• Which marketing strategies are most effective for wholesale vs. taproom 
• How to leverage local influencers to market your beer to your target demographic
• How to measure the results of your marketing campaigns so you know what’s working and what’s not

Whether 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:

julie@notyourhobbymarketing.com
 

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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 - Facebook

Gabrielle’s Contact:

gab@buckstinbrewing.com

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With nearly three decades of experience, Michelle sheds light on the immense value that a solid food program can have on your brewery’s long term success. Food has the ability to carry your brewery through downturns, which Michelle has experienced firsthand. 

Be bold. Push the envelope on flavor. Don’t settle for frozen pizzas or basic pub fare.

And remember: Everybody has to eat, but no one has to drink.

Links:

Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant - Website
Hinterland Beer - Instagram
Hinterland Brewery - Facebook

Michelle’s Contact:

michelle@hinterlandbeer.com

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From managing thirty-six “beer gun” taps to navigating Texas beer laws, this episode takes a look at a wide variety of topics. We even discuss strategic ways to maximize margins in distribution and ask a very timely question: “Has craft left the next generation behind?”

Links:

C&G Brewing - Website
C&G Brewing - Facebook

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We explore trends shaping the craft market, address the unique profile of cider drinkers, unpack how to form a portfolio, and compare beer vs. cider regulations. 

In the end, we conclude that cider has a) less regulations than beer and b) far less competition than craft beer. But what does that mean for the craft industry? I invite you to listen to learn more.

Links:

Wild State Cider - Website
Wild State Cider - Instagram
Wild State Cider - Facebook

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Russ is truly a wealth of knowledge in brewing sustainability. Having developed technology to upcycle spent grain, breweries can reduce waste hauling costs, make more beer from existing inputs, reduce their environmental impact, and tell a sustainability story. 

Will this be the next revolution in craft beer? Listen now and let us know what you think.

Links:

Zenso Labs - Website
Zenso Labs - Instagram

Barrel House Z - Website
Barrel House Z - Instagram
Barrel House Z - Facebook

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Strategic planning has often been treated as a once-a-year check box on a to-do list, but what if there’s a better, significantly more impactful way? Zack sheds valuable insight into his collaborative approach, always-evolving process, and growth mindset around strategic planning.

There’s something about the pairing of resilience and humility that really does it for us over here at SBS — and this episode hits hard.

Links:

Fort George Brewery - Website
Fort George Brewery - Instagram
Fort George Brewery - Facebook

Zack’s Reading Recommendations:
Great by Choice by Jim Collins
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

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Get a glimpse at the inner workings of SBS, including how we’ve built out our team this year and the impact that’s had on client services. Learn about how our benchmarking software, Compass, has completely been rebuilt and what we’re projecting for SBS and our clients in 2024.

Links:

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What forethought and strategies are essential to success when opening breweries in today’s market? What value does having a niche add to your business plan? Does pairing passions make your model stronger?

All this and more on today’s episode.

Links:

Barley & Pie - Website
Barley & Pie - Instagram
Barley & Pie - Facebook

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Join Katy, Chris, and Colin Spoelman of Kings County Distillery this week on the True Craft Podcast as they dive into regionalization, industry trends for spirits vs. beer, and what seems to be on the horizon for both.

Links:

Kings County Distillery - Website
Kings County Distillery - Instagram

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What do we uncover when we split your brewery out by business units? Here’s a hint: there’s no room for error. Regardless of how well you’ve dialed in wholesale, it can only be so profitable. Where does that leave us?

Listen now to get an inside look at how Small Batch Standard views wholesale and what we’re encouraging brewery owners to do to stay afloat in this era of craft.

Links:

Book a Discovery Call
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This week on The True Craft Podcast, Chris and Katy are joined by Mark Bjornstad from Drekker Brewing to discuss the role of alternate revenue streams in the brewing space. Mark comes from a unique perspective of also owning and operating Brewhalla, a beer-themed boutique hotel that sits on top of Drekker Brewing.

There’s something to be said for cultivating a new kind of customer experience — and in this climate, brewery owners would be wise to do the same.

Links:

Drekker Brewing - Website
Drekker Brewing - Instagram

Brewhalla - Website
Brewhalla - Instagram

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As we all know, many breweries out there started as passion projects. But none of the successful ones stayed that way. Though there are a million perilous turns a brewery owner can take, one thing is for sure: Brewery health necessitates a willingness to be adaptable.

Join Katy, Chris, and Ben Hugus from Ursa Minor Brewing out of Duluth, MN as they dive into the facets of brewery health. It’s important to keep a pulse on industry trends; however, it is essential to not get sucked into them either. 

Links:
Ursa Minor Brewing - Website
Ursa Minor Brewing - Facebook
Ursa Minor Brewing - Instagram   

Ben’s contact:
ben@ursaminorbrewing.com

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The craft beer Age of Exploration throughout the 2010s led to questions like, “What could beer be?” which brought about nontraditional beer concoctions that intrigued consumers. But now we are experiencing a shift in consumer behavior and what was once seen as innovative is now met with a desire for just solid, great-tasting classics.

How do you walk the line of innovating enough… but not overextending your business? How are style cycles influencing craft? And what impacts occur to the industry as younger generations come of drinking age?

Chris and Katy welcome Joel McClosky of Four Saints Brewing onto The True Craft Podcast to discuss all this and more on today’s episode.

Links:

Four Saints Brewing - Website
Four Saints Brewing - Instagram
Four Saints Brewing - TikTok
Four Saints Brewing - Facebook

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Chris and Katy welcome Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Derek Fernholz and Blake Thompson, from Fernson Brewing Company to this episode of The True Craft Podcast to discuss the ins and outs of hiring practices within a brewery.

Getting this piece right or wrong can make or break your entire operation. We discuss culture’s impact on retention, how to stop losing sleep over the food side of your business, and ask where AI fits into the hiring process for brewery owners.

Links:

Fernson Brewing Company - Website
Fernson Brewing Company - Instagram

AI To-Do List Resource:
goblin.tools

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We are pleased to welcome back a True Craft Podcast veteran in this week’s episode: Michael Memsic from Sanitas Brewing. Chris, Katy, and Michael dive into a myriad of topics such as:

• White space beers’ place in an IPA world
• The nature of trends in the craft beer industry
• How intimidating — and important — it is for brewery owners to network with each other
• The danger of being over-emotional about your liquid

Join us for a refreshingly candid conversation about the state of craft beer in 2023.

Links:

Sanitas Brewing Co - Website
Sanitas Brewing Co - Instagram

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Chris and Katy are joined on this episode of The True Craft Podcast by Pearce Fleming from Commonhouse Aleworks to discuss the specifics of fostering a brewery’s community (and it’s not just trivia night on Wednesdays).

We chat about:

• The recently passed economic development bill in South Carolina, allowing breweries to sell more to-go beer (including a sixtel!)
• Being “all in” with relationships: Whether wholesalers, local impact organizations, or customers; this mindset fosters community and ultimately leads to huge ROI
• Open-book management and inspiring the brewery team to do their best work while creating an environment where employees can show up fully as themselves

Links:

Commonhouse Aleworks - Website
Commonhouse Aleworks - Instagram

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Chris and Katy are joined on this episode of The True Craft Podcast by Sam Kazmer from Elsewhere Brewing to discuss the role of risk in running a successful business. 

Today we cover:

• The “spidey-sense that makes or breaks entrepreneurs”
• Uncovering novel ways to increase revenue in the brewing industry
• How mushrooms could be the next big thing in brewing sustainability
• What it actually looks like to open another location in 2023

Links:

Elsewhere Brewing - Website
Elsewhere Brewing - Instagram
Elsewhere Brewing - Instagram (Greenhouse Taproom)
Elsewhere Adventure Club - Instagram

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Katy and Chris address tough questions through lenses of both coming from families of entrepreneurs. What effect does this lifestyle really have on your family? How and when do you start delegating? What does it actually look like to healthily run a business?

Strap in for this one, it’s going to be killer.

Links:

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Note: If this episode strikes a cord with you and you want to continue this conversation in another episode, please reach out to Katy at katy@sbstandard.com

.

We explore the vast benefits taking this path can have on your business and community, unpack what it really looks like to get certified, and weigh the value-adds vs. challenges of becoming a B Corp. 

Links:
Liability Brewing - Website
Liability Brewing - Instagram
Liability Brewing’s 2022 Public Benefit Report

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In particular, we discuss:

• What the heck is happening with distribution? Is draft really losing the game?
• How pricing and inflation are impacting both breweries and consumers.
• Predictions for 2024 and how craft beer can still find its way despite the changes in the industry. (Hint: Rock solid finances are non-negotiable).

Links:

Reuben’s Brews - Website
Reuben’s Brews - Instagram
The Taster Tray

Contact Adam:
adam@reubensbrews.com

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At the end of the day, every person on your team is just that… a person. How are you as a leader facilitating the health and growth of your team? 

Join as we discuss why self-awareness in leadership is critical, the most common ways brewery owners waste their time, and how not to kill your culture.

Links:

Iron Horse Brewery - Website
Iron Horse Brewery - Instagram

Greg’s email:
greg@ironhorsebrewery.com

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Are the headwinds in craft at least in part a product of a mature industry? Could Canabev just maybe be the answer to our capacity issues? How can breweries adapt with the use of contract brewing?

All this and more in this episode of The True Craft Podcast.

Links:
Karben4 Brewing - Website
Karben4 Brewing - Instagram
Karben4 Brewing - Facebook

For inquiries about contract brewing:

Zak’s email: zak@karben4.com

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Join co-hosts Chris Farmand and Katy Noel as they dive into a new era of conversations with brewery owners and operators. Chris and Katy discuss the vision for season five and kickoff with our first guest, Bill Tressler, CEO and Co-Founder of Hinterland Brewery out of Green Bay, WI.

We unpack challenges the craft industry has faced over the years and the mindset changes brewery owners have had to make in order to stay adaptable and profitable in the face of headwinds.

We are thrilled to be back!

Links:

Hinterland Brewery - Website
Hinterland Brewery - Instagram

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Over one year, four seasons, and fifty episodes later, we feel like we’ve accomplished that goal. In light of this realization, and with our focus shifting to other initiatives, we’ve decided this was the final season of The True Craft Podcast.

A big thank you goes out to our amazing co-host and guests. Of course, we want to thank YOU for coming along for the ride.

We have some links below to connect and continue the conversation.

Once again, we are incredibly grateful for your taking the time to listen to our podcast. We would like for this to act as an archive of audio knowledge, and we hope you will find it valuable.

Links:
Subscribe for more insight
Producer Josh's LinkedIn
Producer Josh's email: joshlbarnhart@gmail.com

Today’s guest is Jason Sleeman, a National Craft Beverage Lender from United Community Bank out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Chris and Jason both give their perspective on current start-ups and expansions, the practicality of having no food program, and the potential future opportunity for contract brewers.

Enjoy!

Links:
United Community Bank
Jason’s LinkedIn

We’re talking with John Martin from Confluence Brewing Company out of Des Moines, Iowa.

John explains the distribution company Confluence has built over the years, their early days of packaging and how that’s changed, along with their “Dad beers” and the unique event that accompanies them.

Enjoy!

Links:
Confluence Brewing Company

We’re welcoming Augie Carton from Carton Brewing Company and Steal This Beer out of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.

We take a look at Carton Brewing's direct-to-consumer delivery system, we have a discussion on the public view of agriculture versus manufacturing and some of the repercussions these perspectives have on the brewing industry, along with a look at the nuance of the flavor and function of beer.

Enjoy!

Links:
Carton Brewing Company
Steal This Beer
Beer is cuisine: Augie Carton at TEDxNavesink

We’re talking with Jen Kimmich from The Alchemist out of Stowe, Vermont

We talk about how they became a Certified B Corp in 2017, the details and effort behind their 2020 Action Plan, along with a trip back to the early innovation days of their hazy beer, The Heady Topper.

Enjoy!

Links:
The Alchemist
2020 Action Plan

We’re talking with Josh Patton from Wooden Robot Urban Farmhouse Brewery out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

We talk about their self-distribution efforts throughout their entire state, how they are investing in the longevity of the brewery team along with nailing down the proper scale of the operation, and, of course, we talk about what it means to be an urban farmhouse brewery.

Enjoy!

Links:
Wooden Robot

Of course we’re speaking with none other than Steve Holle from Kansas City Bier Company, out of Kansas City, Missouri

Steve tells us about the background behind their authentic German-style beers, some insight into supply-chain issues going into 2022, along with a look into the effects, benefits, and challenges of a niche portfolio.

Enjoy!

Links:
Kansas City Bier Co

From the dedication it takes to learn a new trick, to the ingenuity to build and maintain your equipment, to the supportive and collaborative community that surrounds action sports, there’s so much common ground.

And that’s why we’re thrilled to bring you our guest for today, Zac Caramonta from Gnarly Barley Brewing Company out of Hammond, Louisiana. 

We talk about Zac’s love for biking and his recent bike trips, how he’s successfully blended his passion for skateboarding with the brewery, along with some practical tips on preventative maintenance, and much more.

Enjoy!

Links:

Gnarly Barley Brewing Company

Our guest for this episode is Paul Reiter from Great Notion Brewing out of Portland, Oregon

We learn how they got an early foot in the DTC door, their story and impact behind the Great Notion app, along with their collaboration with the Portland Trail Blazers.

And much more.

Enjoy!

Links:

Great Notion

Great Notion App - Apple App Store

Great Notion App - Google Play Store

To explore this topic further, we’re happy to welcome today’s guest—Adam Benner from Land-Grant Brewing Company out of Columbus, Ohio.

Chris and Adam talk about the meaning behind the name Land-Grant, the brewery's experience with award-winning food trucks, along with some background on their partnership with the Columbus Crew and their collaboration with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Check out Adam’s podcast: The Beer With The Brewers Podcast!

Enjoy!

Links:

Land-Grant Brewing Company

The Beer With The Brewers Podcast

Columbus Crew Partners

We’re kicking off Season 4 with two main changes:

First, this season will be about the conversation. In other words, no main topics for each episode. Instead, we let the natural flow of the conversation happen, and we really think you’ll like the result.

The second change is there’s no co-host for this season, so just Chris and a guest brewery owner.

Our first guest brewery owner of the season may seem familiar…

We’re starting off Season 4 with a bang and welcoming back Joel McClosky from Four Saints Brewing Company.

We start the episode off by taking a look at the unique event Four Saints held in their taproom last year, an interesting discussion on cryptocurrency, NFTs, and AR in the brewing industry, along with their plan to incorporate cocktails into the Four Saints portfolio.

Enjoy!

Links:

Four Saints Brewing Company

Rhinoleap Productions

Swigr

Maria is the author of Small Brewery Finance, along with being a CPA, and overall, a total craft beverage expert.

In this episode we talk about some of the changes she’s seen throughout her time in  the brewing industry, how her book Small Brewery Finance came to be, some future writing plans, along with a look into the state and growth of craft spirits.

Links:

Small Brewery Finance

We’re talking with Brewery Accountant and Tax Specialist, Julia Grubbs.

She tells us how she earned her CPA title while working on a cruise ship, her journey to working with breweries, along with the value and benefit of quality tax handing.

Enjoy!

P.S. If you still need some listening material, Chris appeared on an episode of the Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast with Kary Shumway. You can click this link to check it out or save for later!

Today’s guest is Andrew Coplon from Secret Hopper and Craft Beer Professionals.

We talk about Andrew’s journey to where he is now, what it’s like working with Secret Hopper, and all the great things happening with the Craft Beer Professionals group.

Enjoy!

Links:

SecretHopper.com

CraftBeerProfessionals.org

Craft Beer Professionals Facebook Group

Today’s industry expert specializes in brewery branding, sales, distribution management, and much more.

Our guest is Julie Rhodes the founder of Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions out of Broomfield,  Colorado.

In this episode, Chris and Julie dive deep into the topics of distribution, content marketing, and outside sales.

Enjoy!

Links:

Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions

Thanks to our guests, our amazing co-host Adam Robbings, and of course our listeners!

In this episode, Chris and Adam talk main takeaways from Season 3, along with an overview of hops contracts.

Enjoy!

Links:

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

Nowadays, if you’re a new or an existing brewery, you have to ask yourself this question:

What makes my brewery different from every other brewery out there?

For this episode, we sat down with a TRVE expert on the topic, Nick Nunns from TRVE Brewing Company out of Denver, Colorado.

We talk about how TRVE overcame the early obstacle of being underfunded, the reason Nick chose the heavy metal branding style, and what they do to stand out in the crowded, competitive Denver market.

Enjoy!

Links:

TRVE Brewing Company

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

Today we want to get a little more specific, and talk about pricing within distribution.

The guest for this episode is Mark Bjornstad from Drekker Brewing out of Fargo, North Dakota.

We talk about different scope of distribution philosophies, the concept of premium pricing, and Mark tells us why Drekker doesn’t see the process as selling beer to distributors.

Enjoy!

Links:

Drekker Brewing

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

For those who are unfamiliar, EOS stands for entrepreneurial operating system, and is the brainchild of entrepreneur and author Gino Wickman.

In our second episode of this season, we spoke with Michael Memsic from Sanitas Brewing Company, who we found is also obsessed with EOS and utilizing it every single day.

So, in today’s episode we welcome Michael back for an in-depth conversation on everything EOS and how it can be integrated into your brewery.

We talk about the importance of finding a rockstar at the integrator role, key factors when it comes to filling multiple seats within the accountability chart, and an example and breakdown of a scorecard.

Enjoy!

Links:

EOS

What the Heck Is EOS? by Gino Wickman

Sanitas Brewing Company

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

Adam talks about the high demand in the early days of Reuben’s, what the process of transitioning from bottles to cans was like, and an overall perspective on cultivating a relationship with distributors.

Then we talk to Susan Michalek and Jeff Manol from Muddy York Brewing Co out of Toronto, Ontario.

They tell us how they’ve transitioned previous career skills into running a brewery, they give us the main differences in the distribution network of Canada versus U.S., and how they’ve handled sales with so many distribution obstacles.

Enjoy!

Links:

Muddy York Brewing Co

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

The guest for this episode is Harris Stewart from TrimTab Brewing Co out of Birmingham, Alabama.

We hear from Adam about the different cultural leadership styles he has experience with, Harris tells us how he transitioned away from micromanagement, and how he views company decision making.

We had an absolutely stellar discussion with Harris, so we’re skipping straight to the guest portion for this one.

Enjoy!

Links:

TrimTab Brewing Co

Reuben’s Brews

Adam tells us about his current search for a Director of Operations role, the methods used when introducing a new brewer, and the hiring/interview process at Reuben’s Brew. 

Then we bring in our guest, Aaren Simoncini from Beer’d Brewing Company out of Stonington, Connecticut. 

He tells us about the process of running different teams at separate locations, keeping everyone on the same page without face-to-face communication, and an insider perspective on the process of introducing SOP’s into the employee’s workflow.

Enjoy!

Links:
Beer’d Brewing Company
Reuben’s Brews
Reuben’s Sightglass

In this episode we start off with Adam giving us the background behind the clean look of the Reuben’s Brews logo, he tells us about the 10 by 10 test and how it helps with shelving choices, along with an overview of some early branding decisions.

Then we bring our guest, Bret Hamilton, co-founder of Stone Corral Brewing out of Richmond, Vermont. 

Bret tells us the story behind the name Stone Corral, he talks about the effect of being around some of the big Vermont beer behemoths, and how marketing ties into the vision and environment in the brewery.

Enjoy!

Links:

Stone Corral

Reuben’s Brews

So today we’re talking about this post-COVID world we live in.

Adam tells us what he considers one of the most important factors from lockdown times, how distributors reacted to closing down, and the chaos of adopting a COVID-puppy.

Then we bring our guest, Michael Memsic, co-founder and CEO of Sanitas Brewing Company out of Boulder, Colorado.

Michael tells us some of the creative ideas they utilized to adapt to the shutdowns (including an adult ice cream truck), about the new territory of working with way more liquor and grocery stores, and a bonus EOS geek-out session.

Enjoy!

Links:

Sanitas Brewing Company

Reuben’s Sightglass

EOS

We’re thrilled to introduce our co-host for Season 3, Adam Robbings from Reuben’s Brews out of Seattle, Washington. Adam is an incredible wealth of knowledge as well as a podcasting pro as the co-host of the podcast Reuben’s Sightglass.

We start the season off with Adam telling us why he says he was “pulled” into opening a brewery rather than pushed, what the emotions were like in the early years, and what it feels like to experience an opening night.

Then we bring the inaugural guest for Season 3, Steve Lieberman, founder of Surfridge Brewing Co out of El Segundo, California

We talk about what Steve saw in San Francisco that made him consider opening a brewery, how the Surfridge team has developed taste alongside the craft industry, and why they’re expanding from the LA area to the east coast.

Enjoy!

Links:

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

Surfridge Brewing Co.

In this episode, we’re joined by the Chief Economist of the Brewers Association, Bart Watson.

We talk about breweries charging their worth, how direct-to-consumer is coming into play, and Bart gives us his thoughts on the current state of the industry along with some future trends to keep your eye on.

Enjoy!

We believe Ekos is the quintessential software for craft beverage businesses. That’s why we are super excited to welcome the guest for this week’s edition of Friends of SBS.

Today we’re talking with CEO of Ekos, Josh Mckinney.

Josh tells us how Ekos found and filled a void in the industry, the biggest challenges of working in multiple countries, and he gives a piece of advice to breweries who may be struggling. 

Enjoy!

Breweries are no strangers to the concepts of generalization versus specialization. So today’s episode is all about niche firms and specialization.

We’re talking with another superstar here at SBS, Michelle Ryan, a Brewery Accountant and Tax Specialist. Having worked at a generalist firm and now with us as a specialist, she has an excellent perspective on the implications of niching down.

She tells us about this past year and the moving target we call taxes, some of the major differences between general firms and niche firms, and the importance of sharing and fine-tuning an organization's collective knowledge.

Enjoy!

Today's episode of Office Hours is all about remote work. 

We’re joined by one of our many stellar Brewery Accountants, Allie Donovan.

We talk about what the pandemic has shown us about working remotely, establishing communication channels from a distance, and being deliverable driven versus time driven.

Enjoy!

Office Hours' primary goal is to share the value and insight of the many extraordinary people who keep the gears turning here at Small Batch Standard.

And this time around, we’re talking to our Onboarding Manager, Derek Smith.

Derek gives us an introduction into his role working with breweries, he tells us why he loves putting out metaphorical dumpster fires, and we take a behind the scenes look at the process of onboarding a brewery.

Enjoy!

In Episode 7 of Season 2, Chris and Jen spoke with Matt Katase about the true definition of the term culture, and all of the things that come with cultivating a healthy brewery environment. 

And today, we’re diving even deeper into the concept of culture.

Chris and Tom talk about vulnerability and what happens when you fail to be vulnerable, what it’s like building a team that’s aligned with a similar vision, along with a quick practical step for questions that you may not have the answers to.

Enjoy!

Links:

The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

The Power Of Vulnerability by Brene Brown

We couldn’t be more thankful to our guests, listeners, and of course Jen Febre, our amazing Season 2 co-host.

In the final episode of our second season, Chris and Jen take a look at what we learned throughout the past nine episodes. 

They talk about Doug from Societe and barrel aging, Buckstin Brewing and their small town success, Four Saints and their techniques for empowering employees, and much more.

Give it a listen, and of course, stay tuned for Season 3 coming up soon!

Links:

MacLeod Ale

Jen starts us off by discussing what led her to opening a family-run brewery, what her family was up to before MacLeod opened, and how she’s avoided nepotism.

Then we bring in our guest for this episode, Brian Avery from Brävery Brewing Company out of Lancaster, California.

Brian tells us what motivated him and his family to start a brewery, what forming a business plan with his father was like, and the process of adding a food kitchen.

Enjoy!

Links Mentioned:

Brävery Brewing Company

MacLeod Ale

Jen sits this one out as MacLeod is currently focused on taproom sales, so Chris starts this episode off with a talk about decision making.

Then we bring in our guest for the episode, Chris Smith, co-founder of The Virginia Beer Company out of Williamsburg, Virginia.

We talk about Virginia Beer Co’s packing split pre and post covid, cooperage arrangements, and the comeback of draught and distributor orders.

Enjoy!

Links:

The Virginia Beer Company

MacLeod Ale

We start with a quick overview of Jen’s bagpiping skills, how to see eye to eye with your founders, and we take a look at what we’re really talking about when we use the word culture. 

Then we bring our guest for this episode, Matt Katase from Brew Gentlemen out of Braddock, Pennsylvania. 

Matt explains the dynamic culture of a brewery experiencing expansion and growth, we talk mission statement versus mantra, and Matt tells us how music fits into the mix.

Enjoy!

Links:

Brew Gentlemen

MacLeod Ale

Chris starts the episode off by diving into the topic of case equivalents (CE’s). He covers what CE’s even are, the number of CE’s your sales rep should aim for, and how that changes if you’re self-distributing or going through a distributor.

Then we bring in Matthew Wallace from Oliphant Brewery out of Somerset, Wisconsin.

We discuss the use of a distributor versus self-distribution, Matthew walks us through a typical delivery day, and tells us the biggest hurdle to overcome as a self-distributor. 

Enjoy!

Links:

Oliphant Brewery

MacLeod Ale

Then we bring in our special guest for the episode, Karlos Knott, owner of Bayou Teche Brewery out of Arnaudville, Louisiana.

We talk about when to hit the switch and assign a shot caller, Karlos talks about leading other leaders with his position in the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, and the unavoidable fear that comes with running a passion project.

Enjoy!

Links:

The Prof G Show with Scott Galloway

Leaders Eat Last

Bayou Teche Brewery

MacLeod Ale Brewing Co

Jen starts us off by telling us why she considers her number one job to be the “team-picker”, plus a short history of MacLeod’s portfolio.

Then, we bring in our guest for the episode, Joel McClosky, CEO and Founder of Four Saints Brewing Company out of Asheboro, North Carolina

He tells us his biggest challenge when it comes to operations, how he gives his team the tools to manage customers and excessive drinking, and the five questions Four Saint’s employees ask themselves to make confident, independent decisions without the need to consult with Joel beforehand.

Enjoy!

Links:

Four Saints Brewing Company

MacLeod Ale Brewing Company

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living By Dale Carnegie

Rich Powell Illustration

Billy Steele

And that’s exactly the topic covered in this week's episode.

Chris and Jen start things off by discussing what makes a successful logo, Jen tells us about MacLeod’s early direct mail marketing campaigns, and why it’s so important to start posting on social media long before opening day.

Then we bring in our guests, Gabrielle Blanco and Justin Buchanan-Lopez, owners of Buckstin Brewing Company in Nederland, Texas.

They give us the history behind their name and logo, how they built brand recognition in the small town of Nederland, and their 2021 marketing efforts.

Enjoy!

Links:

Buckstin Brewing Company

MacLeod Ale

In this episode, we’re talking with Certified Insurance Counselor Kyle C. Rheiner from CraftBrewingInsurance.com and The Beer Mighty Things Podcast.

He gives us an inside look at brewery insurance, common misconceptions with insurance and insurance agencies, and tells us when should insurance be top of mind for brewery owners.

This episode is full of eye-opening insight from Kyle that we hope can set a solid foundation for any brewery owner looking to learn more about insurance, and when to bring your agent into the conversation.

Enjoy!

Links:

CraftBrewingInsurance.com

The Beer Mighty Things Podcast

In this episode, we’re taking a retrospective look at the pivoting and ingenuity of the brewing industry, as we believe we’ll be able to learn from this for years to come.

Our season 2 co-host Jen Febre from MacLeod Ale starts off by giving the perspective of an LA brewery, how they navigated the early shut down, and how they’ve coped with the current uncertainty of shut-downs in Los Angeles County.

Then we bring in our guest, Sten Sellier, founder and president of Beltway Brewing Company in Sterling, Virginia.

He talks about his initial reaction to last year's COVID news, and Beltway’s early plans for pivoting, protecting customers, and transitioning to branded sanitizer.

Enjoy!

Links:

Beltway Brewing Company

MacLeod Ale

We’re super excited to finally share our new season with you, and to announce our Season 2 co-host, Jen Febre, Owner and CEO of MacLeod Ale out of Los Angeles, California.

Chris starts us off with an epic monologue, then Jen takes us through the early years of the brewery, including what led her to the industry, how she leveraged the name MacLeod, and the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to start a brewery.

Then we bring the inaugural guest for Season 2, Doug Constantiner, Co-Founder and CEO of Societe Brewing Company in San Diego, California. 

Doug gives us an overview of the history of Societe Brewing, their early self-distribution, and what led to their decision to open a 3000 square foot tasting room.

Enjoy!

Links:

MacLeod Ale Brewing Company

Societe Brewing Company

Scout Distribution

Stone Distributing Company

Chris and Kary talk brewery management software, when to take the plunge and start using it, and metrics that should be top of mind for all brewery owners.

Kary also shares his background, how he started financial training in the craft industry, and his thinking behind his course.

Season 2 next week.

Enjoy!

Links:

Craft Brewery Financial Training

Kary’s Financial Training

Ekos

In our first edition of FOSBS, we welcome someone who’s constantly spreading the word on why good beer matters, Jeremy Storton from Good Beer Matters. 

Chris and Jeremy dive into what it means to be a cicerone, the various achievements, and the process of becoming a master cicerone.

They also talk about favorite food and beer pairings, so just a heads up, you may want to grab a snack before listening.

Enjoy!

Links:

Good Beer Matters

BreweryDB

Cicerone Certification Program

Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher

The Brewmaster’s Table by Garrett Oliver

Beer Pairing by Gwen Conley and Julia Herz

Cheese Beer Wine Cider by Steve Jones and Adam Lindsley

Deschutes Brewery

Rogue

Jester King

Urban Roots Brewing

Ola Brew

Chris and Tom discuss methodology for establishing a vision and translating it into language that can be easily understood. They also explore tactical issues such as setting goals, tracking progress, and creating benchmarks.

This is a topic for all business owners, not just breweries. And this episode has some major takeaways that businesses can implement ASAP.

Links:

Car Dashboard Analogy

The Intelligent Action Series

Introducing: Office Hours, a new segment featuring Chris and the Small Batch Standard team, giving you a peek under the hood at the internal conversations we have within the (remote) walls of our firm.

The purpose of Office Hours is to give you a peek under the hood of SBS, and to record some of the conversations we are having every single day. 

In the first edition, Chris talks with our Director of Accounting Operations, Phil Schwab. They walk us through how the SBS team conducts margin analyses for our clients’ beverage portfolios, discuss the importance of discipline when it comes to wholesale margins, and give us some perspective on what breweries should expect profit-wise in wholesale.  

If you’re a numbers geek, this one will be right up your alley.

In the final episode of the first season of The True Craft Podcast, we take a casual look at some of the things we’ve learned over the past nine episodes.

We talk about Kings County Distillery pivoting to hand sanitizer, Hyperion’s inclusion marketing, leveraging technology with Liability Brewing Company, and much more.

Enjoy! And stay tuned for season two!

Links:

DC Brau

Four City Brewing Company

Kings County Distillery

Hyperion Brewing Company

Cypress & Grove Brewing Company

Reuben’s Sightglass

Reuben’s Brews

Sailfish Brewing Company

Liability Brewing Company

Karben4

Fernson Brewing Company

Brandon and Chris start off by comparing profit margins in taproom and distribution models, navigating price increases, and Brandon’s philosophy on utilizing debt.

Then we bring in our guests for this episode, Blake Thompson and Derek Fernholz from Fernson Brewing Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

They give us insight on their sales split and profit in the early days of production, storage issues due to the increase in canning and distribution, and the status of Fernson’s recent expansion.

Enjoy!

Links:

Fernson Brewing Company

DC Brau

An increase in packaged offerings has created an increase in aluminum demand, and in this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we discuss the potential aluminum shortage faced by craft breweries.

Brandon shares how DC Brau has navigated the aluminum crisis in the past, what they’ve done to counteract the recent shortage, along with predictions for what the future of draft looks like.

Then we bring in the guest for this episode, Zak Koga from Karben4 Brewing in Madison, Wisconsin. Zak is a great resource on this topic, especially since Karben4 has both an active canning line AND bottling line. He explains some of the advantages and disadvantages faced with offering both package types.

Enjoy!

Links:

Woodman’s Market

Karben4 Brewing

DC Brau

That’s why this episode of The True Craft Podcast is all about technology.

Brandon gives us the perspective of an automated brewhouse, the journey it took to get to that point, and an overview of some of the back office software we recommend the most.

Then we bring in our guest, a wizard when it comes to technology, Terry Horner from Liability Brewing Company in Greenville, South Carolina.  

Terry is a software engineer who used his knowledge to optimize everything they do in the brewery, and he also gives some great insight on artificial intelligence in the industry.

Enjoy!

Links:

Vermont Information Processing

Ekos

Quickbooks

Bill.com

Biermi

Liability Brewing Company

DC Brau

And that’s exactly what we cover in this episode of The True Craft Podcast.

Chris and Brandon explore the pro’s and con’s of choosing either an independent distributor or a larger distributor, how to become a leading local brand, and how the scope of distribution changes as the brewery grows.

In the interview portion of the episode, we talk to Dave BuShea from Sailfish Brewing Company in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Dave talks about his distribution journey, the changes they made when they moved up to a bigger brew system, and the thinking behind Sailfish’s product portfolio.

Enjoy!

Links:

Premium Distributors of Washington, D.C.

Southern Eagle Distributing

DC Brau

Sailfish Brewing Company

Chris and Brandon begin the episode with a discussion on leadership styles, empowering each individual to lead in their own way, and transitioning to a leadership role.

Then, in the interview portion of the episode, Chris talks with Anna Heineman from Cypress & Grove Brewing Company in Gainesville, Florida.

Chris and Anna talk about the shared leadership model at Cypress & Grove, leadership goals, and some ways they plan on achieving them.

Enjoy!

Links:

Full Transparency Black Cherry

Leaders Eat Last

DC Brau

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.

And this episode of The True Craft Podcast is all about operations, and making sure things are running as smoothly as possible.

Chris and Brandon start off with an overview of the complications that can come up, along with some compromises and places to find balance. They also break down the type of person you want to fill the operations role, and where you find them, internally or externally.

Then we’re joined by a Pacific Northwest brewery legend and pioneer, Adam Robbings, Co-founder at Reuben's Brews in Seattle, Washington. Adam talks about growth, hiring, and strategies that have helped Reuben’s grow into the powerhouse it is today.

Bottom line: this episode is “can’t miss” material.

If you want to hear more insight from Adam and Reuben’s, you can check out their podcast Reuben’s Sightglass at the link below.

Links:

DC Brau

Reuben’s Brews

Reuben’s Sightglass

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company

That’s why this episode of The True Craft Podcast is all about marketing.

Chris and Brandon start off by breaking down the different marketing tools available to breweries, how they’ve worked throughout the years, and the thinking behind DC Brau’s iconic name and logo.

Then, in the interview portion of the episode, we talk to Alexandra McKeown, Co-Owner and Founder of Hyperion Brewing Company located in Jacksonville, Florida.

She talks about the meaning behind the name Hyperion, the many ways they value and practice inclusive marketing, their use of email, and much more. 

At the end of the day, much of running a brewery is a marketing game. And after setting the stage with the first two episodes, now we really start to get into the nitty-gritty.

Enjoy!

Links:

DC Brau Brewing Company

Hyperion Brewing Company

Southern Swells Brewing Company

And 2021 is already shaping up to be one as well.

That’s why this episode is all about adapting to the atypical.

In this episode, Chris and Brandon discuss how DC Brau prepped for the shut down with a crisis plan, how they’ve adapted, their decision to temporarily close their taproom, and what they’re plans are for the future.

Then we’re joined by Colin Speilman, Founder of Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn, NY. Colin shares how the community and distillery have adjusted, including the creation of their branded hand sanitizer.

Listen to hear more about how Brandon and Colin have navigated these atypical times.

Links:

DC Brau Brewing Company

Kings County Distillery

Brandon and business partner Jeff Hancock started the brewery back in 2009 after noticing a lack of hometown brew on the shelves of Washington D.C. He tells us about how they got started, how they chose the name, and what it was like during the first year of business.

Then, in the second portion of the episode, Brandon and Chris invite the first ever True Craft Podcast guest, Jeff Gattens, Co-Founder of Four City Brewing Company. Jeff walks through their early history, as they were founded just over a year ago and have been building and pivoting during the craziness of 2020.

Listen to hear more about how Brandon and Jeff each got their start in the brewing industry.

Links:

DC Brau Brewing Company

Four City Brewing Company

Small Batch Standard

Each season, host Chris Farmand and his resident craft owner co-host talk through the essential elements of any craft beverage operation, including the brewery’s history, distribution strategy, leadership approach, and much, much more.

In each episode, you’ll also hear from a guest owner in an in-depth interview, providing yet another lens into challenges, opportunities, and decisions facing craft practitioners every day across the country.

So if you’re up for some real talk, join us each week to listen in on our free-flowing conversations with some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the industry.