According to the Brewer's Association, I found the following very exciting and interesting facts pertaining to the craft beer industry; 1) There were approximately 1.5 breweries opening every day in 2014. 2) Based on the 2013 data, 51.5 percent of brewpubs and 76 percent of microbreweries that have opened in the modern era (since 1980) are still open (so failure rates of 48.5 percent and 24 percent respectively)...compared to small businesses and restaurants which have a 60% failure rate within the first three years.
Comparing more data in recent years, (2013-2014) CraftBeer reports growth of the craft brewing industry in 2014 was 18% by volume and 22% by dollar shares from 2013. Retail dollar value from craft brewing in 2014 was estimated at $19.6 billion, up from $14.3 billion in 2013.
What do these numbers mean? Numbers (well, craft beer drinkers) are supporting the expansion and growth of this industry! I will be a part of it. With new young vibrant breweries popping up and becoming wildly successful, it seems as if overnight, coupled with the recent acquisitions of craft breweries by the big guys, it's without a doubt a very attractive and progressive scene to be involved.
So how do I create my corner of success in the midst of this movement? Confidence and dots. I am extremely confident I will make it happen. I am not being arrogant or brash, just ultimately sure I have the passion, drive, background, schooling and experience to make my second career and dream turn into a reality. With that...I network. With networking I meet competent people. With meeting competent people I ask questions. With asking questions to competent people I get credible answers. With credible answers I have insight. With insight I have a vision. With a vision I have a plan. With a plan I have a path. With a path I follow the dots. The dots connect and I confidently move forward on my Road to Brewington.