Day 68 - Not as cool as 69

It has now been 68 days since I quit my job in the insurance world to pursue a dream of working in the craft beer industry. Pursuing my dream has been frustrating, gratifying and humbling all at the same time. There have been times where I wanted to give up on my dream and times where I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. After making a life changing decision I think those thoughts are natural. In fact, I have given up.  

So, 68 days later, where have I been?  

May 8, 2009: Last day working for "the man"

May 20, 2009: First day volunteering at Thomas Hooker Brewing Company

May 28, 2009: First industry interview - Otter Creek - Epic Fail..arghhh

June 11, 2009: Thomas Hooker Brewing Company offers to pay me money, well, sort of. At least I'm working off my utility bill. 

July 15, 2009: Offer of employment from Thomas Hooker Brewing Company. 

What did that last line say? Yes, beer people, mission accomplished!!! I have given up on the job search because there is no reason to keep looking. I'm the newest full-time employee of Thomas Hooker Brewing Company in Bloomfield, CT. Congratulations to me for taking a chance, pursuing a dream and making it happen. I now firmly believe that when someone makes a decision, shows passion and works hard the world aligns to make dreams come true. Risk is a beautiful thing!  

So, what will I be doing? I'm still discussing my role with the owner but based on what we've discussed, it will be a hybrid role that gets me brewery experience on the business and operations side, which is cool since my MBA won't be a useless piece of paper. At the same time, I'll be helping out on the production floor while learning how to brew with the head brewer. Talk about the best of both worlds! Wait, that's not all, folks. I'll also be helping out with sales and working events, which I am extremely excited for. After all, the craft beer culture is what truly got me to take the leap of faith. Who knows, maybe we'll be able to share a craft beer and chat at your local Beer Fest in the near future.   

What a load off my shoulders! My marriage is still in tact, we didn't touch our savings and I don't have to go back to a cubicle living the "Office Space" life. For those of you who don't work in an office, that movie is spot on and I want nothing to do with it. Adios, Initech.  

Life is good today!   

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