This is a part of a continuing series of Q&As with members of the brewing community from across the U.S.
Brewer Magazine will share business and personal insights from Brewmasters, Head Brewers, Brewing Managers, Sales Directors, QCQA Managers and others each weekend to help you get to know each other better in the industry and learn more to better develop your own brand.
Max Pigman, Owner/Big Kahuna, Lewis & Clark Brewing — Helena, Montana
BREWER: How do you feel your job has had to adapt in the beer market compared to a few years ago?
PIGMAN: Spending more time in sales efforts versus focusing on production.
PIGMAN: Spending more time in sales efforts versus focusing on production.
BREWER: Who is your mentor in the industry and why? What have you learned from them?
PIGMAN: I’ve admired many over the years, [and] really enjoyed watching and learning from Freddy Bensch at Sweetwater Brewing. His passion for craft beer, business and music aligns well with mine, plus I stole my title from him years ago.
PIGMAN: I’ve admired many over the years, [and] really enjoyed watching and learning from Freddy Bensch at Sweetwater Brewing. His passion for craft beer, business and music aligns well with mine, plus I stole my title from him years ago.
BREWER: Can you share a success story that you are proud of in your job or maybe a story of how you learned from a situation that has altered your thoughts on how you do your job now?
PIGMAN: Connecting with the community has always been a cornerstone of our success. A few years back we needed to get approval from our City Commission for a change we needed to make with our expansion. I was blown away by the public support that showed up to testify on our behalf, the line was out the door. Musicians (we have had over 700 bands play at the Tap Room) artists (we have an art gallery in the tap room where we feature local artists work), and non-profits (we have supported over 100 non-profits with our Ales for Charity Nights each Tuesday).
PIGMAN: Connecting with the community has always been a cornerstone of our success. A few years back we needed to get approval from our City Commission for a change we needed to make with our expansion. I was blown away by the public support that showed up to testify on our behalf, the line was out the door. Musicians (we have had over 700 bands play at the Tap Room) artists (we have an art gallery in the tap room where we feature local artists work), and non-profits (we have supported over 100 non-profits with our Ales for Charity Nights each Tuesday).
BREWER: Can you touch on something your brewery has added lately that’s unique or making your business more successful (it could be equipment, technology or people)?
PIGMAN: We have created three outdoor music festivals that we host, these are a great way to get people experiencing your beers in a fun environment.
PIGMAN: We have created three outdoor music festivals that we host, these are a great way to get people experiencing your beers in a fun environment.
BREWER: If you had one business strategy that you could implement to better the brewing industry, what would it be?
PIGMAN: Innovation, I plan on creating an “Innovation Brewer” position this year to continue to push the envelope with new beer styles.
PIGMAN: Innovation, I plan on creating an “Innovation Brewer” position this year to continue to push the envelope with new beer styles.
Be the first to comment