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.
Andrew Fabry, President/CEO & Founder, Badger State Brewing — Green Bay, Wisconsin
BREWER: How have recent challenges in your position helped make you better? What were those “pain points” and how did you solve or adjust to the issue?
FABRY: The recent challenges here have definitely been tied to the COVID years and what the new landscape of craft as well as just being an employer looks like. Our team here now is the strongest it’s ever been and has embraced how we evolve in the last 12 months especially. I have been thankful and impressed by their work ethic and positivity towards what we do as well as how we welcome guests who visit us.
BREWER: How did you start in the industry and why do you still want to be a part of it?
FABRY: I started as a merchandiser for a local wholesaler back in high school. Worked in some bars during college, and then jumped to starting the brewery after college. It’s pretty cool to say I’ve worked in all three tiers of the system.
BREWER: What are you sippin’ on right now from your brewery that you really enjoy?
FABRY: We’re really enjoying Lagers right now — and have been for about five years now. Our barrel-aged program has also expanded and intensified as of late. On the sales and marketing side, we’re pretty down to earth although we enjoy the opportunity to be creative without going overboard. Having a strong consistent product makes sales and marketing a lot easier.
BREWER: What are some adaptations in the industry that you’ve observed over these past few years, and how has your brewery adjusted to stay competitive?
FABRY: Being 10 years in now I guess we’re industry vets, which is weird to say. Speaking honestly, we’re constantly evolving our business and model every single year. The way we see it if you aren’t growing, you’re dying.
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