Passion First

The best part about working in the craft beer industry is the brewers. I've never encountered a group of people more passionate about their craft (pun intended). No matter their age, state, net income, or barrel capacity, each brewer BOB encounters is driven primarily by the love of what they do. When business so often eclipses pleasure in the workplace, craft brewers are a breath of fresh air — filled with knowledge, creativity, and vision for how far they can take their art. In return, there’s a deep pride we feel in helping bring that vision to life.

Just recently, I visited a prospective buyer’s brewery to discuss pricing on a large shipment of bottles. Despite the previously agreed-upon meeting length, our conversation went far beyond the allotted time — and we didn’t even touch on pricing until over an hour in. Instead, he spent that time teaching me about Porters. That’s right — a full, passionate lesson on the nuances of the style. In what other industry would you find a business owner who values the substance of their product as much — or even more — than the business side? This is the stuff of artists, not traditional businessmen.

This passion runs deep across the craft brewing community. I’ve even heard stories of craft brewers having to turn away prospective interns — despite those eager individuals offering to work for free — simply because so many want to be part of this creative movement. These brewers are driven by something beyond money: an unshakable love for the process, the product, and the people who enjoy it.

So where does this passion come from? Brewers, you tell me. My best guess is that it’s born somewhere in the marriage between the art of brewing, its primal roots, and the pride of creating something truly your own. Whatever the source, it’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside people who take pleasure in their work.