This is (only) my fourth blog post about my real-time journey to opening a Microbrewery. I'm finishing my 5th class in the UCSD Brewing Program. I still have a long way to go. I'm looking at another year of course work, followed by my 10 week internship and then the grueling process of presenting my business plan to investors, looking and building out the right space (daunting to me, due to my lack of building anything). I'm thinking...do I really need to write this blog post every Friday? Writing is not my strength, that's for sure. I'm busy, you're busy...will it contribute to my success? Why? This is purely a self-inflicted task.
Then, I sit down at my computer because I've made a commitment to myself and to you and begin to type on a completely different topic. My thoughts then took a twisted turn, and I had an "ah-ha" moment and thought...the finish line. THE finish line. My MICROBREWERY! That's the answer to my question, "why!" With only a vision in my head, still unnamed, no financial backing, and no location other than Tempe/Scottsdale area, I can clearly see the finish line.
Being an Ironman triathlete and you might say "a little" competitive in nature, I realize this path is extremely similar to my Ironman training. Both involve huge amounts of adrenaline and impeccable discipline along with:
- Mental toughness to commit to the finish line (ie opening day) no matter what challenges arise
- Planning and executing a winning training schedule (ie..., how can I be successfully prepared?)
- Advice - Ask for it from anyone who will share info. Don't be a know it all. This will avoid common mistakes.
- Research - Read, and talk with everyone in the field who knows about the industry.
- Support Group - Surround yourself with like-minded positive people who want to see you succeed
- Choose Your Coach/Team Wisely - You can't do this alone. Pick trustworthy people to be with you.
- Make every workout a quality workout - when you are working, work efficiently and successfully
- Train Diligently - Put the mileage in.. (ie, try various craft beers)
- Have fun - Life is short. Enjoy your passions, don't take them too seriously or you'll lose the fun factor.
- Know When to Shut Up - Not everyone is as passionate about your goal are you. Realize that and switch the conversation up.
- Get some shut eye. Mistakes/injuries happen most times when you are overworked and tired.
- Sit back, relax and enjoy your success with your support crew!
- I've got this attitude! See #1 I'VE GOT THIS!
I know this blog is only a small, but important, part of gathering my support team and engaging my craft beer supporters while getting closer to the finish line. It will be thru consistent hard work, setting timely goals, my burning desire and, you, my supporters who will be instrumental along the road to the finish line. So I ask you, please stick with me along my journey as I document and blog about my successes, challenges and inevitable mistakes. Remember to check back every Friday and see how it will gradually all fall into place.
With that being said, it's now time to do a little "training" and crack open a beer with a friend...in my case it's a Whopper from Coachella Valley Brewing Co. Some training is more fun than others!
CHEERS!