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.
Chris Meadows, Head of Brewery Operations, Peaceful Side Brewery — Maryville, TN
BREWER: How does a typical day in your role look, and how do you balance operational demands with fostering a positive team environment?
MEADOWS: Even though most of my responsibilities could be handled remotely, I make it a priority to spend time in the brewery’s production space whenever possible. Simply being present and accessible goes a long way in fostering positivity and trust within the team. I also make sure their needs are met wherever I can — sometimes that means grabbing coffee from our favorite local spot, sharing lunch in the taproom, or even organizing team hikes. Finding time to come together really matters. I’ve been in their shoes before. I’ve worked under managers who nearly ruined my love for craft beer, so I understand the challenges of an unsustainable production schedule. While my job on paper is to guide the beer manufacturing process, my number one goal is to support and retain this experienced, amazing team.
BREWER: Are there any recent accomplishments for the brewery you want to tout and how is it going to improve your business going forward?
MEADOWS: We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in just two years since opening. Winning a Gold at the Great American Beer Festival in 2024 for our Brett Beer (First Release Part 2) and another Gold at the World Beer Cup in 2025 in the International Light Lager (Solveza) category were major highlights for us. One of the biggest challenges I faced earlier this year was establishing a consistent monthly release day — ensuring each new beer was available both on draft and in 4-packs to-go. Not only have we met that goal, we’ve exceeded it. It’s an amazing feeling to engage with our customers during our Feature Friday events each month and share something new and exciting with them.
BREWER: What have you found to be the most effective way to handle customer feedback, both positive and negative?
MEADOWS: We approach every customer query with a spirit of hospitality, and we respond to every negative review with the goal of making things right. Our process is simple: first, we acknowledge the issue and validate the customer’s concern. Next, we conduct internal research to confirm where we fell short. Finally, we offer a clear plan to remedy the situation and invite the customer back. Turning our backs on paying guests is never in our best interest. While there are rare cases where someone is truly unwilling to change their mind, we’ve found that most customers simply want to feel they’ve received fair value from our food and beverage program. Meeting that expectation — and exceeding it whenever possible — is always our priority.
BREWER: What first drew you to the industry, and what keeps you passionate about being part of it today?
MEADOWS: The alchemy of creation — the weaving of stories that unite agriculture and artistry — is nothing short of magic. What’s ironic is that the very subjects I struggled with in grade school — math, geometry, chemistry, mechanics, agriculture — have now become the foundation of my profession. Beyond that, it’s the people I work with who keep me coming back. Brewing is grueling work, and those who stick it out are true lovers of the craft — and it shows in everything they do. Even on the worst days, I am surrounded by people who truly care about their roles.
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your brewery that you really enjoy?
MEADOWS: Our newest release is a traditional Dunkel brewed with 100% Weyermann malts and a trio of Noble Hops. Its absolute perfection in a glass.
READ MORE: Inside Peaceful Side’s Narrative-Driven Approach to Monthly Beer Releases
BREWER: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new managers stepping into a role similar to yours?
MEADOWS: My biggest piece of advice: don’t boss your people — lead them. To be an authentic and trusted leader, I strive to balance active listening with decisive action. If I’m going to ask someone to take on a task, I make sure I fully understand what I’m asking — and, in most cases, that I can perform the task myself. Although my management role keeps me busy most of the time, I’m never above pitching in — whether it’s washing kegs, milling in, or taking gravities. I need their help, so why wouldn’t I help them as well? Early in my career (at a different operation), I witnessed a culture of abuse toward “newbies” that was both negligent and dangerous. I promised myself I would never demand something I haven’t done before or feel unsafe doing myself. Authenticity, to me, is one of the core pillars of trust—and trust is what makes a team thrive. If people don’t feel safe, they automatically check out and trust goes out the window.
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