EP (2) Steve Beauchesne: On Launching a Sustainable Craft Brewery With His Father And Creating a Global Impact
Co-Founders of Beau's Brewing Co., Steve and Tim Beauchesne
What does owning a record label and making beer have in common?
Nothing, to be honest. Except for the fact that it just goes to show that your life may not "turn out" how you planned.
Often, it ends up being better than expected.
For Steve Beauchesne, this is exactly what happened. And he credits a lot of his reality, to his ability to say YES to opportunities.
Steve's journey of starting and owning one of Canada's most successful craft brewery's, Beau's All Natural Brewing Company (if you love craft beer, then you definitely know them) was not exactly apart of his own life design.
But when his dad, Tim, approached him - while having a few pints on a patio one day - about moving home to start a craft brewery together, he claims that it was a no brainer.
I guess it's true - when you know, you know.
A few conversations later, and some logistical sorting in Toronto, Steve moved back home to work with his dad full-time on their joint venture.
With no money and no real professional beer making experience, they immediately got to work.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Beau's just celebrated their 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY this past July, and when I asked Steve if he ever had any doubts about whether or not the brewery would be a success, he made it clear that there really was no room for failure (find out why in the interview).
We talk about the struggles they faced in the the early days, what he thinks sets them apart from other brewery's, their long term goals and how they are now focusing on having a global impact.
The biggest development on their plate right now, is their newest community project. Beau's has teamed up with a female entrepreneur from Rwanda named Josephine “Fina” Uwineza, to help her launch a female owned and operated craft brewery in her home country.
Beau's will be providing financing, expertise, and hands-on employee training to the start-up brewery, and has sourced brewing equipment from industry suppliers.
But they need your help with their RWANDA CRAFT BREWERY Kickstarter Campaign, in which they're trying to raise $95,000 to go towards purchasing the bottling line. There's only a few weeks left to show your support for such a great cause, that is bound to change the way the beer business runs in Rwanda.
Help Beau's make a lasting impact and be a part of the movement for change - one beer at a time.
Some Questions I Asked:
How did you end up starting a brewery with your father?
How were you able to find a brew master to help you get the brewery off the ground, being from such a small town in Ontario?
Did you have any past experience in the beer industry, and do you think that hindered or helped you?
What were the steps you and your father took to get it off the ground in the early days?
The struggles you faced?
What was your original vision for the brewery - at its best, what did you hope for?
What are the differences between the types of beer you offer and how do you make them? (lots of juicy information)
What's it mean for Beau's to be a fully sustainable brewery? How do you achieve that?
How did Beau's get involved and help create the Rwanda Brewery Project and what is the goal for the future initiatives?
And so much more!
What You'll Learn:
Tips on how to start your own craft brewery
How to set yourself apart from other beer makers
How they found their head brewmaster and developed their recipes
What Steve believes helped their brewery achieve success and the advice he refused to listen to
The certain vision that helped them create a name for themselves and why community building and giving back is at the forefront of their business plan
How their business plan essentially changed the second day after launching
Why it's key to be a hopeless optimist
Why you should focus on doing one thing really well and be as transparent as possible
The importance of always being willing to learn and adapt
Where Beau's would like to see themselves in the next 100 years
Steve's connection to performance art
And a lot more!
Other Links:
CONNECT WITH BEAU'S ON SOCIAL
WEBSITE | KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | VIMEO
ENJOY THE PODCAST?
Listen, subscribe, and leave a review on: iTunes, Spotify or your favourite podcast app.
Feel inspired? If you know anyone who would enjoy this episode, please share this link with them. The more inspired people our world has, the happier a place it will be. Just click the share button on the left side of the screen and let's spread these stories and messages. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts- I'd love to know what you think.
SPREAD LOVE AND KINDNESS, DTN CREW!
** BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL AND JOIN THE INSIDER CREW FOR UPDATES **
Edited by: James Findlay