When we found the following information via CraftBeer.com, written by Kristen Kuchar, we wanted to add one more couple to the list. One of our staffers here at Your Beer Show is proud to be related to Brandin and Nicki Stabell of North River Hops and Brewing. Established in 2012, their brewery is located in Dutchess County, the Village of Wappingers Falls in the heart of the Hudson Valley of NY. With three flagship ales (Tarwe, BLM and Paddle Steamer) as permanent fixtures, they rotate through 3-7 other ales with an occasional lager year round.
Now, here’s what Kristen said about the couples interviewed for this article:
People often warn you should never mix business life with personal life, but we found brewery couples who are breaking those rules, and having success building strong breweries and strong relationships.
We talked to nine brewery couples to hear how they met – and perhaps, more importantly – share the perks, and the pains, of running a small business together.
Sarah & Justin Brigham – Sycamore Brewing Co. – Charlotte, NC
Role in the brewery:
Co-owners
What inspired you to open a brewery together:
We wanted to create and produce something that would make people happy.
Kristin & Ryan Scott – Odd 13 Brewing – Lafayette, CO
Role in the brewery:
Ryan is the owner and “head of everything” and Kristin is the owner and head of sales.
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
Ryan began homebrewing in our kitchen in 2009, after doing about a year of research (no joke). In the fall of 2012, both our kids were in school, and I was definitely getting the “itch” to do something outside the household. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and that’s why I chose to major in Business and get an MBA. Starting a business from the ground up sounded like a great challenge and an exciting opportunity to play a large role in defining and growing a company. After moving to Colorado, Ryan and I visited breweries almost every weekend. We really enjoyed the beer scene and noticed several small breweries opening and growing rapidly. Finally, it clicked: this was my opportunity to start something from the ground up. Plus, I get to do it alongside my best friend, and husband, Ryan. How many people get to do that?
Julie Verratti & Emily Bruno – Denizens Brewing Co. – Silver Spring, MD
Role in the brewery:
Emily is the Director of Business Operations and is in charge of finances, strategic planning, managing the tap room, and HR. Julie is the Director of Business Development and is in charge of the wholesale operation (we self-distribute) and business/community relations.
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
We both had an entrepreneurial itch and also love beer. We live in one of the most diverse areas in the DC metro region and knew we wanted to create a community focused business in our hometown of Silver Spring. We saw an opportunity to both serve the community and build a business around something we both love by partnering with our brother-in-law Jeff Ramirez. Jeff had formerly brewed at Iron Hill and Mountain Sun, so he was the perfect third partner for this venture. All three of us have unique skill sets that we bring to the business, and it allows us to focus on the things we are good at doing. We all jumped in together in 2013 and opened our doors in 2014.
Dave & Quynh Rathkamp – Save the World Brewing – Marble Falls, TX
Role in the brewery:
Dave is the owner and brewer, and Quynh is the owner and chief executive officer.
What inspired you to open a brewery together:
My passion has been for brewing, and Quynh’s has been for charities and giving, so we decided to combine our passions and create a philanthropic brewery.
Stephen & June Gerteisen – Arkose Brewery – Palmer, AK
Role in the brewery:
Stephen is the co-founder and head brewer and June is the co-founder and creative director.
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
Stephen had an entrepreneurial streak that was ignited after he attended a beer appreciation class and worked as a keg washer in Anchorage. In 2007, he attended the UC Davis Master Brewers program in Davis, California. It was on the drive back to Alaska that we began plotting our own brewery.
Jeff & Leah Hess – Huss Brewing Company – Tempe, AZ
Role in the brewery:
Jeff is the head brewer, and Leah manages all things sales, marketing, and for the taproom.
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
When we first found out I was pregnant we worked a beer fest for our employers at the time. That day we started talking about it and realized that we wanted to stay doing what we were doing and also create a legacy for our family in Arizona. Both of our fathers have their own businesses and coming from the Midwest you are raised with the hard working entrepreneurial spirit.
Liz & Jared Kiraly – Bone Up Brewing Company – Everett, MA
Role in the brewery:
Both owners and brewers
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
It’s weird to think that there was ever a time when we weren’t doing this, but it’s something that Jared had been trying to work towards for a while, and it took the two of us to make it a reality. We’ve both been brewing and drinking craft beer since we were legally allowed to. Armed with inspiration from a revelatory trip to Belgium, a notebook of ideas, and his first home brewing kit, Jared has been at it constantly for over a decade. My love of beer was initially sparked by all the unique label artwork I’d seen in the bottle shop, and once Jared looped me in on his weekend brewing sessions after we first started dating, it was a done deal. After a slew of jobs in and around the beer industry, dozens of weekends spent at both local and faraway breweries, and several brainstorming and fantasizing sessions, we took the plunge and got started!
Nathaniel & Andrea Miller – Big Choice Brewing – Broomfield, CO
Role in the brewery:
Nathaniel is the brewmaster and owner, and Andrea Miller is owner and manages community and events.
How did you decide to open a brewery together:
Nathaniel worked with his good friend Tyler Ruse to open it up. I wasn’t sure about it as it was such a risk to own your own business. I kept my mouth shut and next thing you know, we were in the brewing business. I came into the picture about a month before we opened, when I asked if any event planning or promoting had been done for the opening. When he said no, I stepped in and put it together. I was hooked!
Clarke Pelz and Cindy Drinkwater – Cynosure Brewing – Anchorage, AK
Role in the brewery:
Currently, Cindy manages the taproom and Clarke does just about everything else: brewing, bookkeeping, taxes and so on.
What inspired you to open a brewery together:
Clarke was working professionally as a brewer, and when he turned 50 we decided it was now or never for him to open his own shop. He envisioned a comfortable space to enjoy beers that were well balanced, flavorful and sociable. Clarke had the vision and Cindy was drawn into the project as an innocent bystander. We’ve always loved each other’s company and perspective on life; working the brewery together seemed a way to enjoy more of both.