This is a part of a monthly series of Q&As with members of the cider community from across the U.S. Brewer Magazine & Cider Business will share business and personal insights from decision makers in the cider industry to help you get to know each other better and learn more to better develop your own brand.
Matt Sharpe, Special Events Manager, 2 Towns Ciderhouse — Corvallis, Oregon
BREWER: How does a typical day in your role look, and how do you balance operational demands with fostering a positive team environment?
SHARPE: My day begins with a 90-day overview, since we work three months ahead to plan for any major events within our footprint. On average, we select between 15-25 events each month to attend. About three weeks before each festival, I begin finalizing logistics, including product allocations, equipment lists, and event licensing. As festival details come in, I coordinate with our sales team to make sure they have everything they need to best promote our brand.
BREWER: Are there any recent accomplishments for the cidery in your department that you want to tout? How is it going to improve your business going forward?
SHARPE: Every year in October, 2 Towns puts on our Annual Harvest Party Festival Celebrating another year in our community. October 4th, we celebrated our 15th Anniversary and are excited to share our success with our fans. Each year is another way to say thank you to our friends and to stay connected to our community here in Corvallis, Oregon.
BREWER: What have you found to be the most effective way to handle customer feedback, both positive and negative?
SHARPE: The most effective way to handle feedback is to listen. Whomever it is, whatever they are saying, they care enough to actually tell you what they think. You won’t always be able to act on it, but sometimes you will hear a gem that has merit.
BREWER: What first drew you to the industry, and what keeps you passionate about being part of it today?
SHARPE: I have been working in the alcohol industry since I was a student at Oregon State University, and my positions always related closely with events. The job is hard, complicated, and time consuming, but when it all comes together at the end, it makes for one of the most beautiful jig-saw puzzles in the world. The satisfaction of seeing someone enjoy what you have worked on for so long makes everything worth it.
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your cidery that you really enjoy?
SHARPE: Our new Guava Get Down is without a doubt, one of my favorite flavors we have released since I have been drinking 2 Towns. I can’t recommend it enough.
BREWER: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new managers stepping into a role similar to yours?
SHARPE: Organization and time management are second only to flexibility. Things can and will go wrong and the only thing you can do about it is to be responsive.
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