What NOT to Do When Opening a Brewery

Respecting the Beer

Learn from our mistakes! Gary Ardnt grills three brewery owners on their mistakes when opening a brewery. Bobby and Allison Fleshman of McFleshmans, Steve Lonsway of Stone Arch Brew Pub, and Oliver Behm of Hop Yard Ale Works reminisce on hard lessons they've learned while opening breweries and why they keep doing it, despite the challenges.

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GUEST BIOS

// Steve Lonsway //

Stonearch Brew Pub, Owner, Founder, CEO

https://www.stonearchbrewpub.com/

Steve's brewing journey began in college in 1991 after discovering his passion for home brewing. Partnering with his father and brother, they established Homebrew Market in 1993 then Steve further honed his skills at the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in 1996. As Corporate Brew Master of a local brewery, he oversaw multiple locations before starting Stone Arch with his father in 2004. Steve enjoys traveling with his wife, two daughters and rescue dog, supporting the Chicago Bears, and finding solace in his yard and parlor.

// Oliver Behm //

Hop Yard Ale Works, Owner, Founder, Brewer

https://hopyardaleworks.com/

Oliver & Amy Behm were born and raised in the Fox Valley. Their passion for food & love for beer took them on many adventures across the county. What they created for you is a collaboration of the best parts of their memories. Their wish is you enjoy the atmosphere, community and brewery experience as much as they did to risk it all, and follow their dreams!

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TIMELINE

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:22 Challenges of Starting a Brewery

01:45 Learning from Mistakes

03:51 Financial Struggles and Planning

10:29 The Importance of Banking Relationships

15:48 Cost of Starting a Brewery

18:06 Personal Stories and Experiences

19:32 Why We Keep Brewing

21:11 Conclusion and Farewell

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CREDITS

Hosts:

Bobby Fleshman

Allison McCoy-Fleshman

Gary Ardnt

Music by Sarah Lynn Huss

Recorded & Produced by David Kalsow

Brought to you by McFleshman's Brewing Co