The Microbrewery Handbook: Craft, Brew, and Build Your Own Microbrewery Success

DC Reeves

John Wiley & Sons, Nov 26, 2019 - Business & Economics - 272 pages

An unprecedented guide to successfully start or grow a microbrewery or craft brewery in a much more competitive world.

Opening a microbrewery starts with, of course, making great beer. But that is just the beginning. Today’s sophisticated patrons are offered an ever-increasing array of options. It’s so much more than beer nowadays. Yes, great beer is essential, but to attract and hold on to a loyal customer base, you must create a sense of place. Do your research. Understand financing and cash flow. Know how to measure your success. A successful, well-run microbrewery knows how to hire the right employees—employees that will spread word of your business to friends, family, even total strangers, both on and off the clock. Marketing, branding, customer experience; they all matter. There are so many factors that directly and indirectly contribute to success, it may at times be overwhelming. The Microbrewery Handbook offers an extraordinary look at all of the facets of success in the industry. No matter if you are thinking about starting a new venture or are already operating your own microbrewery, this valuable book offers real-world advice and proven strategies to help you thrive in the competitive micro and craft brewing industry.

Focused on practical guidance, author D.C. Reeves distills his experience founding Perfect Plain Brewing Company in Pensacola, Florida into an engaging, up-to-date resource for microbrewers everywhere. Clearly showing readers what works in the industry and, just as importantly, what doesn’t work, The Microbrewery Handbook:

• Helps you create unique, memorable experiences for your customers, your employees, and your city
• Includes coverage of the financial aspects of building and growing your business, such as banking, investment, and debt
• Shows you how to transform your business into a community anchor
• Offers suggestions on building an entire culture around your brand that promotes positivity and attracts the right kind of attention
• Shares personal stories and advice from a successful microbrew entrepreneur
• Includes interviews and insight with industry experts as well as owners of some of the nation’s elite craft breweries including Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King, and Doug Resier of Burial Brewing

The Microbrewery Handbook: Craft, Brew, and Build Your Own Microbrewery Success is an indispensable, first-of-its-kind book for anyone in the micro and craft brewing industry.

Contents

• The Basics 13: 15
• Building Your Microbrewery: 37
• Tips to Start Your Business Plan: 39
• Figuring Out Your Financials: 42
• Finance QA with Bhramari Brewing CEO Audra Gaiziunas: 52
• Finding the Dollars to Get Started: 60
• Sizing up the Brewery: 67
• The Wonderful World of Permitting and Zoning: 72
• What to Ask Your Architect and Contractors: 76
• Jester King Founder Jeffrey Stuffings: 81
• The Keys to Success Leadership and Company Culture: 93
• Keys to Strong Leadership: 95
• How to Hire Well and Eliminate Turnover in Three Steps: 99
• How to Have Happy Employees: 111
• Common Barriers to a Strong Company Culture: 120
• Quint Studer: 127
• Creating an Incredible Customer Experience: 139
• Customer Service Tips: 141
• How to Program Your Taproom to Build Revenue: 146
• Keys to Improving DaytoDay Taproom Operations: 156
• The Value of Finding and Preserving Mentorship: 164
• Getting the Word Out Branding: 181
• How to Get the Local Media on Your Side: 195
• Love Your Community and It Will Love You Back: 201
• Perfect Plain Brewing Co: 215
• Core Values and Standards of Behavior: 227
• Glossary: 233
• Index: 239

About the author

DC Reeves is co-founder and CEO of Perfect Plain Brewing Co., one of Florida's top microbrewery success stories. DC learned about entrepreneurship and achieving financial success by building a great place to work, producing a top-notch product, and passionately focusing on customer satisfaction. In its first year of operations, Perfect Plain Brewing Co. became one of the busiest taprooms in the state. Since opening Perfect Plain, DC has become a mentor and consultant to prospective and current small business owners looking to start and grow their own dream. Visit www.perfectplain.com for more info.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Microbrewery Handbook: Craft, Brew, and Build Your Own Microbrewery Success
• Author: DC Reeves
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2019
• ISBN: 1119598044, 9781119598046
• Length: 272 pages
• Subjects: Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General; Business & Economics / Small Business