This is a part of a continuing series of Q&As with members of the brewing community from across the US. 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.
Shannon R. Mohr, Director of Brewery Sales, Maumee Bay Brewing — Toledo, Ohio
BREWER: How have recent challenges in your position helped make you better?
MOHR: Having worked for Maumee Bay previously for 11 years and then leaving for three years, is what really gave me a good perspective on the challenges within our brand and how we can overcome some of them. Our brewer is very creative and passionate about beer and getting him in a position to be as creative as possible while still maintaining our core brands that we’ve built over nearly 30 years in business.
BREWER: What were those “pain points” and how did you solve or adjust to the issue?
MOHR: Getting away from some of the passion projects that we all love working on (and drinking) so we can keep our flagships and our footprint growing.
BREWER: What has been your brewery’s most recent accomplishment and how is it going to improve your business going forward?
MOHR: We have begun the process to bringing all brewing and packaging back to our facility in Toledo. This is going to improve so many aspects of our business, beginning with the pride of being brewed in our hometown.
BREWER: How did you start in the industry and why do you still want to be a part of it?
MOHR: I worked for Imperial Beverage Company while attending Western Michigan University as a Coors Light drinker…craft beer changed me and while I have been challenged by it for almost 20 years, I still love it!
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your brewery that you really enjoy?
MOHR: Substitute Brewer (Belgian Triple)
BREWER: Be it in styles, ingredients, business strategies or sales & marketing techniques, what are some recent industry trends that you’ve tried or are excited about trying this year?
MOHR: It’s always fun to find new styles and make our own spin on them. Some of my favorite moments here are geeking out with Adam Harrell (Head Brewer) about different beers we’ve tried/want to try. Business strategy wise, bringing brewing back and expanding our footprint in larger venues and chain accounts.
BREWER: What are some adaptations to business practices in the industry that you’ve observed over these past few years, and how has your brewery adjusted to stay competitive?
MOHR: That’s a tougher answer, as I worked for two different breweries in the last few years…but I’d say getting more community involvement in both of our taproom locations. Embracing a community partners while also educating them on our brands.
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