Has it really been 10 days since my last post? Did I really drink that much? (Yes, I did). I have been shying away from most things beer since the big bash last weekend. I'll tell you a secret. I have had only 2 beers (yes TWO) since that fateful night. That is how good my party was.
This little get together for 40 of my closest friends. After the one we had last Christmas, everyone was excited for this one. It was the place to be. And I think all who remember being here will agree with me. It was a blast!
Since I carry the torch of "Beer Snob", it was vital that I had some great beer on tap. I had to take some time and really think about what the masses would enjoy. I had to consider taste, experience, and ABV. I needed to choose a variety of different styles of beer so people would have a choice, as well as the option to try a really good beer that they might never have chosen on their own. Besides, it give me the opportunity to educate the "Beer Rookies", and the girlyman who brought the Smirnoff Ice.
What did I choose as my means of education?
1. Sierra Nevada - Summer Lager. I wanted a beer that the women would drink. A beer that would be a little on the normal side. This was the first time for 8 or 10 of them, and I wanted to make sure there would be something they would enjoy.
2. Dogfish Head - 90 Minute IPA. Honestly, this one was for me. I was willing to share, but it is mine. I think there were a few pints pulled by some of the fellas. For the most part, they avoided it, and chose keg 1, or 3. What was keg number 3?
3. Avery - Russian Imperial Stout. Yes, that is right. How cool am I that I would hook up a keg of this beer, and let people drink from it for free? It can't be measured. But hey, that's how I roll. It is quite an amazing beer. It was the most popular beer of the night. Even the guy who tried to buy his way into my inner circle by bringing a 6er of Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale, spent the night "enjoying" (aka POUNDING) the Avery.
At first, the ABV of the beers was my little secret. However I realized that there was way too much alcohol in this house, and it was flowing like a river down my stairs. However, by the time I told the guys that the Stout was about 12% alcohol, it was too late. Most just kept on drinking it.
The party was a huge success. The cops didn't show up. But one did throw up in my front yard. At last count, there were 5 guys who were unable to hold on to their alcohol that night. 3 of them didn't even make it to the car. At least they did it in my yard and not my living room.
O ya, I almost forgot. Remember that guy who brought the Dogfish Head, and spent the night trying to become a real life Russian? He spent the night hooked up to an I.V. But all is well. He is fine.
That is the story, and I'm sticking to it.
-Cheers!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Beer Dork
Ok. How can I say this without sounding pretentious, or like a flat out beer snob? I don't think I can.
Hey, beer dork. Shut up. You don't know what the hell you are talking about. You sound like an infomercial for Miller Lite. Are you seriously telling the people sitting with you that "triple hopping" was invented by Miller? Did you just describe the taste of Hops, as "Hoppy"? Yes you did, I heard you. I nearly shot my Stone Arrogant Bastard out of my nose.
What was that little gem you just spewed? Budweiser is the oldest beer in America? Are you serious Cliff Claven? Where are you getting this information? I think you are spending to much time watching the logos and commercials on Nascars. All that turning left must have made you dizzy. I need to ignore you now.
But I can't. All your bull shit is violating my ears. No, you can not tell the beer was made with rice because of the color. No, dark beer isn't made with brown rice. That's it. I am done.
You are just a dumbass. That's it. Nothing more. And it is idiots like you that make real "Beer Snobs" like us, look bad. So how about you actually put down your so-called "micro brew" (aka, Blue Moon) and try a real beer.
Hey, beer dork. Shut up. You don't know what the hell you are talking about. You sound like an infomercial for Miller Lite. Are you seriously telling the people sitting with you that "triple hopping" was invented by Miller? Did you just describe the taste of Hops, as "Hoppy"? Yes you did, I heard you. I nearly shot my Stone Arrogant Bastard out of my nose.
What was that little gem you just spewed? Budweiser is the oldest beer in America? Are you serious Cliff Claven? Where are you getting this information? I think you are spending to much time watching the logos and commercials on Nascars. All that turning left must have made you dizzy. I need to ignore you now.
But I can't. All your bull shit is violating my ears. No, you can not tell the beer was made with rice because of the color. No, dark beer isn't made with brown rice. That's it. I am done.
You are just a dumbass. That's it. Nothing more. And it is idiots like you that make real "Beer Snobs" like us, look bad. So how about you actually put down your so-called "micro brew" (aka, Blue Moon) and try a real beer.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My BevMo kegs, almost home
I have been waiting to tell the ongoing story of my dealings with the BevMo. I thought it would have been all finished by now....but it isn't. It is close though. So far, I have picked up 2 of the 3 kegs I ordered. Tomorrow, the last is supposed to be there. As soon as I pick it, and tap it, I will let you guys know what about my "deal".
I will tell you this little tidbit. The Store Manager took it upon himself to order me 2 kegs. Dogfish Head 60 Minute, and 90 Minute. I didn't want to order both of these fine brews. I never got the chance to actually order either one of them, remember. I was going to order the 60 Minute, until I found out 90 Minute was available.
After my initial talks with Alan Johnson, I received a call from the store manager. He informed me that he had ordered my kegs. My Kegs? I didn't know I had ordered any kegs yet. I didn't even know what I was going to order yet. He took it upon himself to order both the 60 and the 90. Ok, I guess I will take them, just to alleviate the problem. I decided I would order a 4th keg so I would still have 3 different styles of beer on tap.
So I drive on over to the BevMo to pick them up. The store manager called to let me know they were in. But guess what, someone messed up. I loaded the first keg into my car. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. Now it was time to load up the 60 Minute. As I am ready to load it into my car, I noticed that the 60 Minute was not 60 Minute. It was actually another 90 Minute. Can you believe that?
Anyways, I am in possession of one 90 Minute IPA keg. Keg number 2 arrived on Tuesday. I picked it up and it is chillin in my kegerator right now. Tomorrow, I will hopefully pick up my 3rd keg. I'm crossing my fingers.
-Cheers!
I will tell you this little tidbit. The Store Manager took it upon himself to order me 2 kegs. Dogfish Head 60 Minute, and 90 Minute. I didn't want to order both of these fine brews. I never got the chance to actually order either one of them, remember. I was going to order the 60 Minute, until I found out 90 Minute was available.
After my initial talks with Alan Johnson, I received a call from the store manager. He informed me that he had ordered my kegs. My Kegs? I didn't know I had ordered any kegs yet. I didn't even know what I was going to order yet. He took it upon himself to order both the 60 and the 90. Ok, I guess I will take them, just to alleviate the problem. I decided I would order a 4th keg so I would still have 3 different styles of beer on tap.
So I drive on over to the BevMo to pick them up. The store manager called to let me know they were in. But guess what, someone messed up. I loaded the first keg into my car. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. Now it was time to load up the 60 Minute. As I am ready to load it into my car, I noticed that the 60 Minute was not 60 Minute. It was actually another 90 Minute. Can you believe that?
Anyways, I am in possession of one 90 Minute IPA keg. Keg number 2 arrived on Tuesday. I picked it up and it is chillin in my kegerator right now. Tomorrow, I will hopefully pick up my 3rd keg. I'm crossing my fingers.
-Cheers!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
BevMo is working on it
Well, it looks like my little blog started quite an uproar. Who would have thought that a blog post could have so much clout? But it has. So much in fact that the Alan Johnson, the CEO of BevMo actually found my blog, read my post, and commented on it. He even went so far to ask me to contact him. So I did.
When I first read the comment, I didn't believe it was him. I did a quick Google search to see what I could find. Indeed, he is listed as the CEO, so I sent him an email. Within minutes, he replied. He was really wanted to talk to me about the "incident" at my local BevMo. He asked if I would be so kind, and call him. Or, I could give him my number and he would call me. I felt a little apprehensive about giving my phone number to someone who might possibly not be who I think they are. So I told him I would call him tomorrow.
Thursday night, I called him, and he answered. We talked for 20 minutes or so. He told me that he was very upset about what had happened. He asked my if I could tell him exactly what happened. So I did. He apologized , and told me that it should never have happened. He said they have policies in place, and obviously they were not followed. In addition, he said the BevMo will not be beaten by anyone. After our conversation, I believe him.
Mr. Johnson has offered to make things right. He is working out a "resolution" right now. We are going to talk again next week. I will tell you that I am excited. After our conversation, I knew that I really liked this guy. He cared. He cared about me, his customer, and his company. He was a cool guy. Nothing like I was expected him to be.
That is where we are today. I have talked to the Manager, and the assistant Manager. They have been very apologetic. I might even stop my there tonight. Who knows. There is more to say about this. But I gotta run. Got plans at The Yard House today. I need to plan out my "tasting" list.
-Cheers
When I first read the comment, I didn't believe it was him. I did a quick Google search to see what I could find. Indeed, he is listed as the CEO, so I sent him an email. Within minutes, he replied. He was really wanted to talk to me about the "incident" at my local BevMo. He asked if I would be so kind, and call him. Or, I could give him my number and he would call me. I felt a little apprehensive about giving my phone number to someone who might possibly not be who I think they are. So I told him I would call him tomorrow.
Thursday night, I called him, and he answered. We talked for 20 minutes or so. He told me that he was very upset about what had happened. He asked my if I could tell him exactly what happened. So I did. He apologized , and told me that it should never have happened. He said they have policies in place, and obviously they were not followed. In addition, he said the BevMo will not be beaten by anyone. After our conversation, I believe him.
Mr. Johnson has offered to make things right. He is working out a "resolution" right now. We are going to talk again next week. I will tell you that I am excited. After our conversation, I knew that I really liked this guy. He cared. He cared about me, his customer, and his company. He was a cool guy. Nothing like I was expected him to be.
That is where we are today. I have talked to the Manager, and the assistant Manager. They have been very apologetic. I might even stop my there tonight. Who knows. There is more to say about this. But I gotta run. Got plans at The Yard House today. I need to plan out my "tasting" list.
-Cheers
Monday, May 18, 2009
BevMo Sucks (well, the employee does)
Can you believe I said that? I can't. I really don't think BevMo sucks. I love the BevMo. But today, I had my first negative experience there. I will tell you what, I was pissed!
I have been wanting to replace my kegs for the last week now. I have stopped by the BevMo two or three times, but the guy I normally deal with hasn't been there. And I really didn't want to order it from the older lady who runs the checkout. She just doesn't seem to understand what I am trying to order.
Total Wine offers Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPa in 5 gallon kegs for $64.00. So I can get it there if I have to. But I like the BevMo, and it is closer to my house, and I really like the guy I deal with. So I prefer to buy it from him.
Time is running out, so I stopped by tonight to see if anyone could help me. Again, the cool guy was out, and the old lady was running the register. Just as usual, she didn't know what I was talking about. She also thought that I called earlier about it, which I didn't. I tried to explain to her that it wasn't me, and that I was looking for a Dogfish Head. Finally, she asked the older fella, who I guess was the acting manager. "This is the guy who called earlier asking about the Dogs Head". No, that wasn't me.
I told him that I wanted to order a keg that wasn't on their list. He started to walk over to grab the flier with all the kegs listed. I again told him that it wasn't listed in the flier, but Total Wine offers it, and I wanted to see if BevMo can get it as well. He said he would check right now.
So I followed him over to the station with the computer. He found Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA right away. I thought to myself, Excellent. Then I asked him if there were any other Dogfish Head beers available in addition to the 60 Minute IPA. So he looked again, "yes, there are 3". Really, 3? How cool is that! I need 3 kegs. 90 Minute IPA and Raison D'etre are the other two. So I asked how much the 90 minute was. He looked down at the computer again, typed a little bit, and said it was $159. Wow, that is a little more than the $64 at Total Wine.
I asked him if that was for a 5 gallon keg. He looked down again, and then said "no, it isn't available in 5 gallon kegs". Hmmm, really? It is at Total Wine. So I began to tell him that Total Wine advertises it for $64. But before I could get out that information, he leaned over the wall, put his hand in my face as if he was telling me to stop, and loudly commanded me to "Sir, Calm Down!"
What just happened? Is this guys seriously scolding me? Yes, he was. That is exactly what happened. He just yelled at me. What the hell? I told him to "forget it". Turned and started to walk away. He stood up and replied "sir, I am sorry. I was being rude". Damn right asshole, you were being rude. I didn't say that, but I wanted too. Instead, I told him that I was trying to help him. Then I said that I spend a lot of money in that store, and never have I been talked to that way. I turned and walked out, all the time with him calling "Sir......Sir.........Sir............"
I wasn't about to give this guy my business. What was he thinking? I was shocked he scolded me like that. Actually, I was pissed. Normally, I would have enjoyed giving the douche bag a piece of my mind, but today was not the day for it. Lucky for him.
So guess what I am doing tomorrow. I am going to drive my happy ass over to Total Wine and order 3 kegs. I should have done that in the first place. They have a better beer selection, better prices, and now, better employees. In fact, one of them posted a reply on my blog a while back. Nobody from BevMo ever did that.
-Cheers!
I have been wanting to replace my kegs for the last week now. I have stopped by the BevMo two or three times, but the guy I normally deal with hasn't been there. And I really didn't want to order it from the older lady who runs the checkout. She just doesn't seem to understand what I am trying to order.
Total Wine offers Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPa in 5 gallon kegs for $64.00. So I can get it there if I have to. But I like the BevMo, and it is closer to my house, and I really like the guy I deal with. So I prefer to buy it from him.
Time is running out, so I stopped by tonight to see if anyone could help me. Again, the cool guy was out, and the old lady was running the register. Just as usual, she didn't know what I was talking about. She also thought that I called earlier about it, which I didn't. I tried to explain to her that it wasn't me, and that I was looking for a Dogfish Head. Finally, she asked the older fella, who I guess was the acting manager. "This is the guy who called earlier asking about the Dogs Head". No, that wasn't me.
I told him that I wanted to order a keg that wasn't on their list. He started to walk over to grab the flier with all the kegs listed. I again told him that it wasn't listed in the flier, but Total Wine offers it, and I wanted to see if BevMo can get it as well. He said he would check right now.
So I followed him over to the station with the computer. He found Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA right away. I thought to myself, Excellent. Then I asked him if there were any other Dogfish Head beers available in addition to the 60 Minute IPA. So he looked again, "yes, there are 3". Really, 3? How cool is that! I need 3 kegs. 90 Minute IPA and Raison D'etre are the other two. So I asked how much the 90 minute was. He looked down at the computer again, typed a little bit, and said it was $159. Wow, that is a little more than the $64 at Total Wine.
I asked him if that was for a 5 gallon keg. He looked down again, and then said "no, it isn't available in 5 gallon kegs". Hmmm, really? It is at Total Wine. So I began to tell him that Total Wine advertises it for $64. But before I could get out that information, he leaned over the wall, put his hand in my face as if he was telling me to stop, and loudly commanded me to "Sir, Calm Down!"
What just happened? Is this guys seriously scolding me? Yes, he was. That is exactly what happened. He just yelled at me. What the hell? I told him to "forget it". Turned and started to walk away. He stood up and replied "sir, I am sorry. I was being rude". Damn right asshole, you were being rude. I didn't say that, but I wanted too. Instead, I told him that I was trying to help him. Then I said that I spend a lot of money in that store, and never have I been talked to that way. I turned and walked out, all the time with him calling "Sir......Sir.........Sir............"
I wasn't about to give this guy my business. What was he thinking? I was shocked he scolded me like that. Actually, I was pissed. Normally, I would have enjoyed giving the douche bag a piece of my mind, but today was not the day for it. Lucky for him.
So guess what I am doing tomorrow. I am going to drive my happy ass over to Total Wine and order 3 kegs. I should have done that in the first place. They have a better beer selection, better prices, and now, better employees. In fact, one of them posted a reply on my blog a while back. Nobody from BevMo ever did that.
-Cheers!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Running on Empty
That's it. I'm on empty. I have finished off all three of my kegs. 15 Gallons of beer in 4 months. Not bad. But now, the fun begins. I get to buy more beer!
My first choice was an easy one. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. How can I not have a Sam Calagione brewed beer on tap? That would violate a "Good Burp Beer Rule", (Must have Dogfish Head beer available at all times). I can order it this weekend, and be drinking by Tuesday. Gotta love it!
That still leaves two more taps to fill. I'm not really sure on the two yet. But I am planning on having a party. In actualality, I am having a part in a mere three weeks. I am supplying the beer, and I have a reputation to uphold. I want to have quality beer on tap, but I really don't want all of them to drink my Dogfish Head. I would like for them to try it, and like it. Then go out and but themselves some Dogfish on their own dime. But I am worried they will try it, like it, and keep on drinking it. Or worse, try it and not like it, then waste it. That would be a travesty. A completer beer foul. So I need to find a beer that a novice beer drinker will enjoy, as well as myself.
Therefore, I think my second choice is going to be New Belgium Straight Arrow Ale. It is quality ale. A session ale if you will. I know I can go through it if need be. And I think the party goers will enjoy it as well. I think it is going to be the safe choice. What do you think?
The third choice is going to be the hard one. I really wish I could get another Dogfish Head Beer on tap, but I can't. So I need to find a different style of beer that I will enjoy, and a guy looking for a good beer will appreciate. Something like a Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager (like I had the last time around), or a New Belgium Fat Tire, or possibly a Four Peaks Kilt Lifter again. I might be able to pick up a seasonal brew like the Sierra Nevada Summer Lager, or the latest Sam Adams offering. I really don't know. It is such a hard decision.
I think I need to make a trip to the BevMo, and the Total Wine and see what it available. 5 Gallons of beer is a great thing to have. However, it can be a burden if you make the wrong decision. I wish I had a better choice of kegs to choose from, but I don't. So I am forced to make a decision from what is available.
I will keep you posted.
-Cheers!
My first choice was an easy one. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. How can I not have a Sam Calagione brewed beer on tap? That would violate a "Good Burp Beer Rule", (Must have Dogfish Head beer available at all times). I can order it this weekend, and be drinking by Tuesday. Gotta love it!
That still leaves two more taps to fill. I'm not really sure on the two yet. But I am planning on having a party. In actualality, I am having a part in a mere three weeks. I am supplying the beer, and I have a reputation to uphold. I want to have quality beer on tap, but I really don't want all of them to drink my Dogfish Head. I would like for them to try it, and like it. Then go out and but themselves some Dogfish on their own dime. But I am worried they will try it, like it, and keep on drinking it. Or worse, try it and not like it, then waste it. That would be a travesty. A completer beer foul. So I need to find a beer that a novice beer drinker will enjoy, as well as myself.
Therefore, I think my second choice is going to be New Belgium Straight Arrow Ale. It is quality ale. A session ale if you will. I know I can go through it if need be. And I think the party goers will enjoy it as well. I think it is going to be the safe choice. What do you think?
The third choice is going to be the hard one. I really wish I could get another Dogfish Head Beer on tap, but I can't. So I need to find a different style of beer that I will enjoy, and a guy looking for a good beer will appreciate. Something like a Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager (like I had the last time around), or a New Belgium Fat Tire, or possibly a Four Peaks Kilt Lifter again. I might be able to pick up a seasonal brew like the Sierra Nevada Summer Lager, or the latest Sam Adams offering. I really don't know. It is such a hard decision.
I think I need to make a trip to the BevMo, and the Total Wine and see what it available. 5 Gallons of beer is a great thing to have. However, it can be a burden if you make the wrong decision. I wish I had a better choice of kegs to choose from, but I don't. So I am forced to make a decision from what is available.
I will keep you posted.
-Cheers!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
I'm starting a brewery
Yes, you read that right. I made the decision this week. I want to start my own brewery. Why not? Many others have done it, and been very successful at it. Why not me? Many have failed. But I don't plan on being one of them. It is going to be a long process. Are you ready? I know I am.
I have been a working man for most of my life. I really don't remember a time in my life (aside from being a child) where I didn't have a job, or some sort of income. I remember, in 3rd grade, I would buy a pack of candy filled wax sticks for $1. I would take them to school, and sell them. I turned each pack into $10. I bought 2 packs the next time, and turned that $2, into $20.
Then in 6th grade, I got a paper route. I didn't tell my parents. I saw a commercial on TV, and called the number. As luck would have it, our regular paper boy was quiting, and I started a mere week later. I made good amount of money doing that over the next 2 plus years. Enough to buy my my first CD player, and put the down payment on my first truck.
In the summers, I would go to work for my dad. He didn't pay me a lot, but as a 12 year old kid, getting paid $200 a week was a lot of money! Sure, I blew so much of it on stupid stuff, but I did manage to save a lot of it. Ever summer through High school, I worked. It allowed me to have a nice car, nice things, and save for my future. Most of all, it instilled in me that money doesn't come easy. And business is hard, yet fulfilling.
Four years ago, my dad decided to retire, and sell his company. I didn't like his decision, but in my heart, I knew it was the right choice for him. But it left me working for someone else. Something I have never done before. From that time in 3rd grade selling candy, I was my own boss. Even with my paper route, I collected payment whenever I wanted. And as I grew up, every summer I made my own hours and my own money. I answered to myself.
When the time came for me to work for someone else, I hated it. How was I going to do it? I don't know how I did it, but I did, for 3 plus years. And I was good at it. I worked my way up to the top. However, I was never happy. No matter how high I worked my way through Corporate America, there was always going to be someone above me, telling me what to do. I hated it. I hated it with a passion. But I sucked it up, and did a great job.
In the back of my mind, I longed to be my own boss again. That is what I spent most of my life doing. And I really missed it. About a year ago, I was offered a position in a start up company. I jumped on it! And I really enjoy it. However, it just doesn't have the same feeling for me. I miss being my own boss. Not for the feeling of being the boss, but for the feelings of being "the man". I miss it being my name on the bottom line. I miss calling the shots. But most of all, I miss that feeling that it was mine.
I am in the process of starting 3 different small companies. One is for fun. The second is for fun, with the possibility of growing into something serious. The third is a business that I have been doing for nearly 20 years now. It is a business I could do on a full time basis, and make a living at.
However, I don't know if it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Like I said, I have been the man, and I have worked for the man. And trust me when I say, being the man is better. But being happy is so much better. In order to do that, I need to be the man, in a business that would make me happy. And what might that business be? Beer.
So right there, right now, I am putting it out there for all to see. I am going to start my own brewery. I know it is going to be hard, And I know it is going to be a lot of work. I don't think it will be easy by any means. But I know I can do it. I know I am going to do it!
I'm not going to open a brewery next week, or next year. I am being serious about this. I don't jump into anything until I have researched and educated myself as much as possible about it. And that is the way I am going to do it. I am going to immerse myself in research and education. How did the other breweries do it? What education can I get before I start? What is the best plan of attack? That is what I am doing now.
What does the future hold for me? I don't know. But I am going to do whatever I can to make it fun. And in the words of Curt Schilling, I am going to do "Whatever it Takes" to succeed.
As my plans evolve, I will be sure to post them for you to read. This is going to be a 3 to 5 year process. I'm not going to rush it. I'm going to do it right. Wish me luck.
-Cheers!
I have been a working man for most of my life. I really don't remember a time in my life (aside from being a child) where I didn't have a job, or some sort of income. I remember, in 3rd grade, I would buy a pack of candy filled wax sticks for $1. I would take them to school, and sell them. I turned each pack into $10. I bought 2 packs the next time, and turned that $2, into $20.
Then in 6th grade, I got a paper route. I didn't tell my parents. I saw a commercial on TV, and called the number. As luck would have it, our regular paper boy was quiting, and I started a mere week later. I made good amount of money doing that over the next 2 plus years. Enough to buy my my first CD player, and put the down payment on my first truck.
In the summers, I would go to work for my dad. He didn't pay me a lot, but as a 12 year old kid, getting paid $200 a week was a lot of money! Sure, I blew so much of it on stupid stuff, but I did manage to save a lot of it. Ever summer through High school, I worked. It allowed me to have a nice car, nice things, and save for my future. Most of all, it instilled in me that money doesn't come easy. And business is hard, yet fulfilling.
Four years ago, my dad decided to retire, and sell his company. I didn't like his decision, but in my heart, I knew it was the right choice for him. But it left me working for someone else. Something I have never done before. From that time in 3rd grade selling candy, I was my own boss. Even with my paper route, I collected payment whenever I wanted. And as I grew up, every summer I made my own hours and my own money. I answered to myself.
When the time came for me to work for someone else, I hated it. How was I going to do it? I don't know how I did it, but I did, for 3 plus years. And I was good at it. I worked my way up to the top. However, I was never happy. No matter how high I worked my way through Corporate America, there was always going to be someone above me, telling me what to do. I hated it. I hated it with a passion. But I sucked it up, and did a great job.
In the back of my mind, I longed to be my own boss again. That is what I spent most of my life doing. And I really missed it. About a year ago, I was offered a position in a start up company. I jumped on it! And I really enjoy it. However, it just doesn't have the same feeling for me. I miss being my own boss. Not for the feeling of being the boss, but for the feelings of being "the man". I miss it being my name on the bottom line. I miss calling the shots. But most of all, I miss that feeling that it was mine.
I am in the process of starting 3 different small companies. One is for fun. The second is for fun, with the possibility of growing into something serious. The third is a business that I have been doing for nearly 20 years now. It is a business I could do on a full time basis, and make a living at.
However, I don't know if it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Like I said, I have been the man, and I have worked for the man. And trust me when I say, being the man is better. But being happy is so much better. In order to do that, I need to be the man, in a business that would make me happy. And what might that business be? Beer.
So right there, right now, I am putting it out there for all to see. I am going to start my own brewery. I know it is going to be hard, And I know it is going to be a lot of work. I don't think it will be easy by any means. But I know I can do it. I know I am going to do it!
I'm not going to open a brewery next week, or next year. I am being serious about this. I don't jump into anything until I have researched and educated myself as much as possible about it. And that is the way I am going to do it. I am going to immerse myself in research and education. How did the other breweries do it? What education can I get before I start? What is the best plan of attack? That is what I am doing now.
What does the future hold for me? I don't know. But I am going to do whatever I can to make it fun. And in the words of Curt Schilling, I am going to do "Whatever it Takes" to succeed.
As my plans evolve, I will be sure to post them for you to read. This is going to be a 3 to 5 year process. I'm not going to rush it. I'm going to do it right. Wish me luck.
-Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)