Episode 53 - Navigating Challenging Financial Times for Small Breweries

There is uncertainty in the beer industry these days and if you’re a small brewery owner you might feel like you’re alone in the issues and struggles facing your small business. You’re not. On this episode we’ll check in with two small breweries on how they are operating, getting help, solving challenges, and looking forward.GuestsCelebrating six years in operation, Slate Town Brewery in Granville, New York has been through a lot in a short time. Owner Susan Knapp is here to talk about the early days, the help she’s received along the way, and advice and changes that have helped keep the doors open. Slate Town is a small New York State Farm Brewery dedicated to brewing outstanding, small-batch beer using local, seasonal ingredients. Twisted Fate Brewing is a small Nano-brewery taproom in Danvers, Massachusetts managed by Head Brewer and Co-Owner David Pinette.  Helping to run the business side of the brewery is David’s wife Erica Tritta. Erica brings seventeen years of legal experience and running a small business to the ownership group. Co-Owner Bill McNamara is also a valuable member to the ownership group with his financial experience.  And Co-Owner Kim McNamara brings her prior restaurant and mother of two experience to the brewery. Pinette studied business, with a concentration in accounting during his undergraduate studies at Bridgewater State University.  David went on to work for some of the largest financial institutions in the world while doing investment and tax accounting.  In 2010, David decided to leave the business world and make a jump to education, where in  2017 he received a Master’s degree in education. Over seven years ago, David brewed his first batch of beer and fell in love with the process.  Since that moment, David has worked on numerous recipe creations and perfecting the process of brewing beer.  David is in charge of the general operation of the brewery.  Erica Tritta, Esq., serves as counsel and operations director for the brewery. She has been practicing law in Massachusetts since 2007 as a sole practitioner at her own firm.  In addition to practicing law, Erica served in a consultant role for 5 years for an international Massachusetts based quick service restaurant franchise.  In her law practice, Erica works with families and individuals in Probate and Family Court and Juvenile Court. Much of Erica’s advocacy is for parents and children when the state intervenes to seek custody. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 57  is sponsored by:FermentisDo you want to brew wheat beers? Whether you want to brew a Belgian Witbier, a German Weizen or your own wheat-beer style, Fermentis has the solution for you! Visit Fermentis.com and check out their complete solutions for wheat beers, available in flexible 100g pouches.2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 57Host: John HollGuests: Susan Knapp, Erica Tritta, David PinetteContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better understanding on how the crop is growing, what is coming to market, and how small brewers can make the most out of their relationship with growers. On this episode you will hear from Graham Ollard of Hollingbery and Son and Max Licker of Champlain Valley Hops. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 56  is sponsored by:Five Star ChemicalsBrewers, meet your next cleaning powerhouse: Five Star’s PBW Liquid! The same trusted formula you’ve relied on, but now in liquid form. Make the switch today and keep your brew day spotless – because clean beer starts with clean gear. FiveStarChemicals.com2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 56Host: John HollGuests: Graham Ollard and Max LickerContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Growing season is in full swing across North America and on this episode we check in with two farmers who are brewing and will discuss what goes into making beers with ingredients grown from their own land. There is a bit of romanticism that goes into being a farmer. That and a lot of hard work. Add on a brewing career and there’s suddenly a lot more to attend to. But there are also rewards. On this show listen in as two farmers who are also brewers talk about the ups and downs, how to read the land, and how to make flavorful beers with the current bounty. GuestsJacob Pressy of Humboldt Regeneration Brewery & Farm earned his BS in Environmental Science with a focus on Soil Science and Alternative Agriculture and a Minor in Botany with a focus on Mycology from Humboldt State University in 2010. His experiences living in Humboldt County combined with his educational path led him to be extremely passionate about Permaculture and regenerative agriculture. Working in the wine industry when he was younger gave him a strong interest in fermentation as well as the machinery involved which eventually lead him to working as the Assistant Brewer for Eel River Brewing Co from 2001-2009.After putting his two passions together, Humboldt Regeneration was born with a strong mission to promote regenerative land management practices using beer as a tool to reach the general public. The brewery opened in 2012 with a home-built 1bbl brew system and only a few tanks. He now operates on an artistic and efficient custom 2bbl, 4 vessel system nano-production system built by Jacob and a well known custom stainless steel fabricator who has been welding for over 60 years.The goal for Humboldt Regeneration Brewery & Farm is to work toward becoming a carbon-positive operation while spreading the word about permaculture and regenerative agriculture.Craig Deitz of Big Barn Brewery and Bodacious Berries Fruits and Brews. After a 32 years as a public school teacher, teaching biology, chemistry and physical sciences, As well as coaching track and cross-country. Deitz decided to put his homebrewing passion - a hobby he had enjoyed since the 1990s to professional use. He grew up on a farm, where the family grew fruits like cherries, peaches and applesThe brewery earned its license in 2012 and his initial goal was to grow and use everything in his beer that came from the farm.  Originally they grew five acres of malting barley in the first year but quickly realized the challenges that would entail actually malting their own grain. But they do have a couple acres of hops that they harvest and pelletize for their  beer. And they grow a variety of fruits that also make an appearance in the beers. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 55  is sponsored by:Siebel InstituteIf you are ready to build your career in the brewing industry, the courses and programs from Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy will give you the online or on-campus training you need. Contact us today for assistance in building a study path that is right for you. Visit them at: www.siebelinstitute.com2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 55Host: John HollGuests: Jacob Pressy and Craig DietzContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Malt is the workhorse of every beer, but it doesn’t always get the close attention it deserves. I’ll talk with two people who are intimately involved in malt production and education, on both the large scale and the craft side. We’re talking about malt, both industrial and craft on this episode. From examining trends to learning about continuing education, best practices, and new breeds.  GuestsAshton Lewis joined BSG in December of 2016 and is currently Manager of Training and Technical Support. Prior to working in the world of ingredients, Lewis was the Staff Master Brewer and Brewing Group Sales Manager for the Paul Mueller Company living in the world of custom stainless steel. He was also a partner in the Springfield Brewing Company (SBC) in Springfield, Missouri, and SBC’s master brewer from 1997 to 2019. Ashton holds a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech (1991) and a M.S. in Food/Brewing Science from UC Davis (1994). For the last 29 years he has worked for Brew Your Own Magazine as technical editor and “Help Me, Mr. Wizard” columnist. Ashton is currently the MBAA District Great Plains Technical Chair and a member of the MBAA National Technical Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys music, cooking, homebrewing, talking about beer, and playing with Excel.Steve Kurowski is the executive director of the Craft Maltsters Guild. He  is a creative, resourceful marketing and operations professional withmore than two decades of working experience with craft breweries, trade associations, and mission-driven lifestyle brands. Previous organizational leadership and communications roles at the Colorado Brewers Guild, Laws Whiskey House, and Breckenridge Brewery; as well as his work as a brewery brand and marketing consultant, have laid a foundation for his appreciation and curiosity about the malting community. Steve lives on Colorado's Front Range where he tries to spend as much time peddling two wheels as possible.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 54  is sponsored by:2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 54Host: John HollGuests: Ashton Lewis, Steve Kurowski Contact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Keeping an eye on the bottom line has never been more important. From rising ingredient costs to a shift in consumer spending. On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we spend some time talking about best practices for your brewery’s ledger. Then will visit to South Dakota to hear from a nano brewer building a community through neighbor connections and local ingredients.Guests:Audra Gaiziunas  is an owner in DSSOLVR in Asheville NC and serves as the brewery CFO. She also serves as an independent fractional CEO/CFO for the craft beer industry and has worked with well over 300+ breweries over the past decade, through her company Brewed For Her Ledger, LLC. Prior to owning her own company, she served as Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s Controller from 2009-2010 and Mother Earth Brewing’s Chief Financial Officer from 2011-2014. She has been working exclusively in craft beer for 11+ years and joined the Brewers Association’s Finance Committee in January 2020.Nicki Werner has been brewing professionally since 2014 starting at a 30 bbl start-up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Nicki spent the next few years brewing at a big brewery - Left Hand Brewing in Colorado - and a smaller brewery in the Midwest. In 2019 Nicki studied in Bavaria, Germany thanks to a scholarship from the Pink Boots Program. In 2021 Nicki opened the 5bbl Jefferson Beer Supply with family in Jefferson, South Dakota. Jefferson is a town of 500 on the border of Iowa and Nebraska. Nicki loves brewing low-alcohol beers, discovering the flavors specific to her region, and running a happy, fun, community-driven taproom with family and friends.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 53 is sponsored by:Five Star ChemicalsAttention all brewers, from the garage to the brewery floor! Five Star Chemicals is your secret weapon for exceptional brews. Whether you're a passionate homebrewer or a seasoned pro, their products are designed to elevate every batch. Check out the game-changing PBW Liquid - delivering professional-grade cleaning power in a liquid format. Join the brewing revolution with Five Star Chemicals. Explore more at FiveStarChemicals.com2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 53Host: John HollGuests: Audra Gaiziunas, NIcki WernerContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Let’s take an exploration into yeast. From fermentation through history, to unlocking new secrets and strains, a world-renowned expert is here on this episode  to share his insight and knowledge to give us all a better understanding of beer.Dr. Martin Zarnkow is the Head of Research and Development at the Research Center at Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality. He has traveled the world unlocking new information around yeast and fermentation. He’s built a career around knowledge-based brewing and has helped new generations of brewers better understand fermentation science and history. He is also passionate about the social aspects of beer drinking and how to best offer an experience in the glass.  The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 52  is sponsored by:2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 52Host: John HollGuests: Martin Zarnkow Contact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Events are a great way to bring regulars and new comers into your taproom. On this episode we talkk with three brewers who are working to bring new and exciting experiences to their breweries. From celebrations around new events, to yoga, live music, crafts, and working with charities, events are commonplace again four years since the start of the COVID 19 Pandemic. This episode explores what works, what doesn’t and how can nano breweries reach new customers while keeping the existing ones. Brian Kulbacki is a 2012 Graduate of the American Brewers Guild Brewing School, where he took their Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering course for Breweries in Planning. Prior to that he graduated from Boston College with a double major in Marketing & Finance.  He has worked in marketing for the New England Patriots/Revolution and the Lakewood BlueClaws, as well as finance for Major League Baseball and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He has also managed operations for a family business. Brian founded Departed Soles Brewing Company in 2014, which in 2015 opened its doors to become the first brewery in Jersey City, New Jersey since prohibition, and the first brewery on the east coast to craft gluten free beer in dedicated equipment, along with traditional glutenous beers. The brewery has won medals at GABF, the World Beer Cup, and Best of Craft Beer Awards, among others. The brewery is now run by Brian's dog, Bogan.Greg Fagen is Co-Founder of Heroes Brewing Company in Rochester, NY. As an avid home brewer, Greg honed his skills and passion for craft beer. He's won 10 medals as an amateur while teaming with fellow beer creators in their garages. Heroes Brewing Company opened in December 2020 after a long 6 year pilgrimage to make the  dream of owning a commercial brewery come true. Our is unique in that we partner with local charities and non-profit organizations for every beer we make and we make a donation to them from the sale of canned products. To date we have partnered with over 80 organizations who have benefited from the sale of more than 50,000 cans. Our philosophy is simple: Heroes don’t look like they used to. They look like you do. Steven Fuller has been owner of Wackadoo Brewing in Colorado for the last four years. He joined the Army at 17-year-old and spent 14 years as an active duty infantryman and 5 years as a sniper. He completed 3 tours in Iraq, was a Drill sergeant for 3 years, and now says his brewery is the only one in America to be a part of a VFW, that would be VFW 6461 in fountain Colorado.The brewery also donates 100% of its profits every month to 11 different Veteran nonprofits or Veteran service organizations.A word on content. This episode specifically be talks about self-harm experiences and prevention. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Lifeline. Additionally, in the United States you can visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of services. Individual countries also have their own resources. It’s OK to not be OK and you’re not alone.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 51  is sponsored by:BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 51Host: John HollGuests: Greg Fagen, Steven Fuller, and Brian KulbackiContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

Human Resources might not be the most exciting topic for brewery owners, but it’s important and there are enthusiastic individuals ready to tackle that part of the business. Having the right person in your corner can only help your business operate on solid ground.Emily Cripe, the Senior Director of Human Resources of Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Co. is here to explain. Cripe has 18 years of HR experience across a variety of industries. As an HR generalist by training, Emily’s specialty is working in startups and small-to-medium size businesses and subsidiaries, creating and managing HR from the ground up. She created the Human Resources function at Half Acre, where she has worked since March 2017.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 50  is sponsored by:BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 50Host: John HollGuests: Emily CripeContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

There are multiple ways to build a community around your brewery, and one way is through membership clubs and offering your beer through community supported agriculture-type programs. Two brewers embracing that model are here to discuss their initiatives. January and February can be tough months for brewery taprooms. The collective societal hangover both on the waistline and wallet looms large. It can make running a small brewery even more difficult. But there are some ways to cultivate a loyal audience while also creating beers of note. The brewer-owners of Lady Justice Brewing in Colorado and  Stoneman Brewing in Massachusetts are here to share the stories of their membership programs and offer insight on how it might work for your small brewery. Betsy Lay is the co-founder and owner of the social enterprise Lady Justice Brewing in Aurora, CO. She holds a certificate from the Siebel Institute of Technology's Concise Course in Brewing Technology and also earned a Master in Theological Studies from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. In her time off from the brewery, Betsy can be found with a good whiskey, a good book, and a good dog.Justin Korby is the owner / brewer of Stoneman Brewery in Colrain MA. Stoneman Brewery opened in 2012 and started the first beer CSA in the country brewing on a small farm using nearly 100% NorthEast grown ingredients in every batch of beer. Justin was a Stonemason for 10 years before deciding to change careers and take the hobby of home brewing to the next level and start a Nano Brewery.   As a one man business Justin also helps raise pigs, chickens and helps weed the homestead garden.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 49  is sponsored by:Fermentis  There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough, you know it! That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. – Available in 500g and 25g. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit  www.fermentis.com.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 49Host: John HollGuests: Betsy Lay, Justin KorbyContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell

The end of a year is a good time to look back, take stock, and to plan for what is to come.For professional brewers and drinkers 2023 is going to be remembered for a number of reasons. There’s a lot of strong feelings and a lot of realities coming to roost, but so much of that rests on the numbers. Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers Association is here for a conversation about the year that was and what the new year might look like. He is the Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, is a stats geek, beer lover, and Certified Cicerone®. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to his dissertation, he completed a comprehensive survey of Bay Area brewpubs one pint at a time. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BrewersStats.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 48  is sponsored by:Fermentis  There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough.That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. Discover blends for all your needs: Lower-carb dry lagers, dry flavorful beers, very high gravity beers and a new all-in-one yeast and enzyme blend for Dry, complex and Woody beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit www.fermentis.com.GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 48Host: John HollGuest: Bart WatsonContact: [email protected]: Scott McCampbell