The True Craft Podcast

Gabrielle Blanco, Owner of Buckstin Brewing, joined us for this killer episode of The True Craft Podcast. With a long history in the restaurant industry and a booming brewery (that’s currently expanding), Gabi advocates for why all breweries should operate their own kitchens. By keeping it simple and having systems in place, every brewery can operate a profitable kitchen. And no excuses on size — Buckstin’s kitchen is a whopping 128 square feet.First steps, helpful tips, real-life examples, and key systems — all this and more on today’s episode.Links:Buckstin Brewing - WebsiteBuckstin Brewing - InstagramBuckstin Brewing - FacebookGabrielle’s Contact:[email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Tressler of Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant on today’s episode of The True Craft Podcast!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 - WebsiteHinterland Beer - InstagramHinterland Brewery - FacebookMichelle’s Contact:[email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

On today’s episode of The True Craft Podcast, no stone is left unturned. Katy and Chris welcome Richard Fennell of C&G Brewing out of Dallas, TX.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 - WebsiteC&G Brewing - FacebookBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

Join Katy Noel and Chris Farmand for a very special episode of The True Craft Podcast. In this week’s episode, we welcome Adam Ruhland of Wild State Cider to dive into the dynamic world of cider. 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 - WebsiteWild State Cider - InstagramWild State Cider - FacebookBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

We are thrilled to kick off the new year by welcoming Russell Heissner of Barrel House Z onto The True Craft Podcast!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 - WebsiteZenso Labs - InstagramBarrel House Z - WebsiteBarrel House Z - InstagramBarrel House Z - FacebookBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

We are thrilled to welcome Zack O’Connor, Senior Vice President of Fort George Brewing Company onto the True Craft Podcast this week. 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 - WebsiteFort George Brewery - InstagramFort George Brewery - FacebookZack’s Reading Recommendations:Great by Choice by Jim CollinsThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

In a special iteration of The True Craft Podcast, Katy interviews Chris on his reflections of the various investments made at Small Batch Standard in 2023.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:Book a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

Today on The True Craft Podcast, Chris and Katy welcome Philip Maple from Barley & Pie Brewing Company. Join us as we explore Philip's sourdough journey including the trials and triumphs of mastering the craft.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 - WebsiteBarley & Pie - InstagramBarley & Pie - FacebookBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

While we’re often discussing beer, there is another whole side to craft: spirits. How do buying behaviors differ between beer and spirits consumers? What can we learn about each segment of this industry through the lens of the other?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 - WebsiteKings County Distillery - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

It’s no secret: We both know you’re likely not raking in cash from the wholesale side of your business. Join Chris and Katy on this week’s episode of the True Craft Podcast to get a peek at an internal conversation we’re having all the time. 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 CallSubscribe for more insight

It isn’t as simple as it used to be, is it? Good liquid alone just doesn’t cut it anymore. 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 - WebsiteDrekker Brewing - InstagramBrewhalla - WebsiteBrewhalla - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

All aboard the THC train? Where does NA fit into our business model? How do we create a thriving portfolio that kills it in distro? How do we stay relevant without exhausting our resources and losing focus?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 - WebsiteUrsa Minor Brewing - FacebookUrsa Minor Brewing - Instagram Ben’s contact:[email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

There are two indicators that an industry has matured: a lack of growth and a lack of innovation.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 - WebsiteFour Saints Brewing - InstagramFour Saints Brewing - TikTokFour Saints Brewing - FacebookBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

No matter how you slice it, ownership needs to carry some measure of accountability when it comes to staff turnover and creating a positive culture. 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 - WebsiteFernson Brewing Company - InstagramAI To-Do List Resource:goblin.toolsBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

It’s scary to be honest with yourself. (Happy Halloween, anyone?) But it’s impossible to be successful while living in a false reality.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 worldThe nature of trends in the craft beer industryHow intimidating — and important — it is for brewery owners to network with each otherThe danger of being over-emotional about your liquidJoin us for a refreshingly candid conversation about the state of craft beer in 2023.Links:Sanitas Brewing Co - WebsiteSanitas Brewing Co - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

Community goes beyond patron services: We’re talking wholesalers, retailers, local organization leaders, and employees. And when it comes to return on investment, it’s hard to find something that can be more lucrative than authentic relationship building.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 ROIOpen-book management and inspiring the brewery team to do their best work while creating an environment where employees can show up fully as themselvesLinks:Commonhouse Aleworks - WebsiteCommonhouse Aleworks - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

There is a nuanced game of risk-taking that all business owners must play in order to succeed; however, while there is no profit without risk, risk does not guarantee a profitable business.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 industryHow mushrooms could be the next big thing in brewing sustainabilityWhat it actually looks like to open another location in 2023Links:Elsewhere Brewing - WebsiteElsewhere Brewing - InstagramElsewhere Brewing - Instagram (Greenhouse Taproom)Elsewhere Adventure Club - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

In today’s episode of The True Craft Podcast, Chris and Katy have a candid discussion about the impact of entrepreneurship on business owners and their families. 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:Book a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insightNote: If this episode strikes a cord with you and you want to continue this conversation in another episode, please reach out to Katy at [email protected].

On this episode of The True Craft Podcast, Chris and Katy are joined by Terry Horner, Owner of Liability Brewing in Greenville, South Carolina. They dive deep into the world of B Corps — and Terry shifts Chris’s entire mindset on this topic. 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 - WebsiteLiability Brewing - InstagramLiability Brewing’s 2022 Public Benefit ReportBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

In this episode, Katy and Chris are joined by a True Craft Podcast veteran, Adam Robbings of Reuben’s Brews. We catch up with Adam to discuss what he is seeing as a Pacific Northwest craft leader in both the taproom and distribution.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 - WebsiteReuben’s Brews - InstagramThe Taster TrayContact Adam:[email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, Katy and Chris welcome Greg Parker from Iron Horse Brewery to challenge the mainstream understanding of brewery team organization.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 - WebsiteIron Horse Brewery - InstagramGreg’s email:[email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

In this episode, Chris and Katy sit down with Zak Koga from Karben4 Brewing out of Madison, WI to explore the blunt realities of contract brewing in the craft beer industry. 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 - WebsiteKarben4 Brewing - InstagramKarben4 Brewing - FacebookFor inquiries about contract brewing:Zak’s email: [email protected] a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insight

We’re back with Season 5 of The True Craft Podcast!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 - WebsiteHinterland Brewery - InstagramBook a Discovery CallSubscribe for more insights

When we started the true craft podcast, our goal was to continue our sharing of expert insight and knowledge of the craft industry, but in an audio format.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 insightProducer Josh's LinkedInProducer Josh's email: [email protected]

We’re at the end of season 4 and we can't thank you enough for another great season. We thought it would be fitting to cap things off with a friend of the show…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 BankJason’s LinkedIn

Today’s guest is the founder of a brewery with a built-in distribution company, helping other Iowa breweries distribute their beer throughout the entire state.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

Today’s guest is a familiar voice in the podcast world and a leader in the brewery space in general.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 CompanySteal This BeerBeer is cuisine: Augie Carton at TEDxNavesink

Today’s guest is an innovator in the hazy beer space, and an innovator in the brewery space in general, with their efforts of sustainability, inclusivity, and community.We’re talking with Jen Kimmich from The Alchemist out of Stowe, VermontWe 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 Alchemist2020 Action Plan

Today’s guest is the CEO and Founder of an urban farmhouse brewery that sources their ingredients from local farmers in their area.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

Today’s guest co-founded a brewery specializing in German-style lager, who says they put the I back in “bier”.Of course we’re speaking with none other than Steve Holle from Kansas City Bier Company, out of Kansas City, MissouriSteve 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

With skateboarders, mountain bikers, rock climbers, etc. all finding their place in breweries across the country, the parallels between craft brewing and extreme sports are everywhere.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

As you can probably tell from the title, today's guest is a real innovator in the app space.Our guest for this episode is Paul Reiter from Great Notion Brewing out of Portland, OregonWe 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 NotionGreat Notion App - Apple App StoreGreat Notion App - Google Play Store

Craft brewing and local communities go hand-in-hand, but it’s much more complicated than simply hosting a few events here and there.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 CompanyThe Beer With The Brewers PodcastColumbus Crew Partners

Welcome back to The True Craft Podcast!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 CompanyRhinoleap ProductionsSwigr

Today we’re ending 2021 with a bang, and welcoming Maria Pearman for an edition of Friends of SBSMaria 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’ve got two more episodes for you before the end of the year, and today is this season's edition of Office Hours, a segment we created to highlight the expertise of the team members at Small Batch Standard. 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!

In this edition of Friends of SBS, we’re talking with a true community leader for all professionals in the craft beer industry.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.comCraftBeerProfessionals.orgCraft Beer Professionals Facebook Group

We’re back with another edition of our Friends of SBS series. 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

Today we’re taking a look back at all our topics and guests from the Season 3 of The True Craft Podcast.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 BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

Craft brewing is getting competitive... and crowded.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 CompanyReuben’s BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

For the past 3 seasons we’ve covered the topic of distribution.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 BrewingReuben’s BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

If you’ve listened to the podcast up to this point, you may have noticed how much we bring up EOS.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:EOSWhat the Heck Is EOS? by Gino WickmanSanitas Brewing CompanyReuben’s BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

Today we’re discussing the ever relevant topic of distribution.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 CoReuben’s BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

Today we’re talking about sharing the vision and leading the brewery team.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 CoReuben’s Brews

Today we’re talking operations. In other words, how to keep sh*t from hitting the fan.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 CompanyReuben’s BrewsReuben’s Sightglass

Marketing? Advertising? Branding? PR? Call it what you like… the bottom line is customers need to know you exist. 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 CorralReuben’s Brews

For the first two seasons we’ve reserved the second episode to discuss what we called atypical times, but things have changed since then. Depending on where you are, things may be returning to “normal.”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 CompanyReuben’s SightglassEOS

Welcome back to another season of The True Craft Podcast!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, CaliforniaWe 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 BrewsReuben’s SightglassSurfridge Brewing Co.

We’re back with one final Friends of SBS episode before Season 3 releases next week.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’ve brought up this name quite a bit on the podcast... 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!