Week ? - I Lost Track

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

- Lao Tzu

Hello, everybody. Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been working my ass off at the brewery over the past few weeks. Watering those dreams so to speak. As I said back in week one, my gut tells me persistence will pay off. I can't say that it's paid off in full as I'm not gainfully employed in the craft beer industry but all of these small steps will land me in a good spot when it's all said and done. It's been nearly two months but I feel good!  

Today was a big day. I woke up early and was feeling a little lazy. To be honest, I really wasn't in the mood to go the brewery. For all of you looking to enter the craft beer industry, take my word for it. Not matter how cool the job there are still days that you don't want to go to work. Regardless, it's a good thing I did! I was one of three people at the brewery today and the Brewmaster, Jay unexpectedly took me under his wing and we brewed an IPA together. What an experience! I learned more in one day than I have in a year and a half of home brewing. Sounds like a good day doesn't it, beer people? Well, that's not it. Jay said he saw something in me from day one and he's going to have a chat with the owner to see if I can help out brewing more often. How can I explain my excitement? Let me try...I think my head is gonna blow off my fuckin' shoulders!!! It's likely that I won't get paid on brew days but who cares. In my opinion, I'm getting invaluable experience and this is way cheaper than paying several thousand dollars to go to UC Davis or Siebel. Beyond that I have two more pieces of information to share:

1) Brendan, who keeps Hooker running with his mechanical and operational knowledge has a contact, Steve who used to brew for Allagash and Harpoon. Brendan offered to send my information to Steve to see if he knows of any potential opportunities. 

2) I sent several blind resumes and cover letters to brewery's around the country last week. As I suspected, most did not respond. Most, I said. Palmetto Brewing Company in Charleston, South Carolina responded and my information has been passed to the Brewmaster. Small chance but at least it's a chance.  

 

Dare I say I'm on my way? Let's hope.   

I hope to have more brewing news next time I post. Jay plans to talk to the owner of Hooker Friday so I hope to have some good news when I work Monday. Wish me luck! 

"Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death."

-James F. Byrnes