About:
I edit and publish Beer Business Unplugged, not as a journalist who writes about the beer industry, but as an individual who spent their entire professional career actually in the beer business. I’m not like the “sports writer” who “never played the game,” but writes and comments about the sport. I actually played the “game.” In fact, my career covered six decades having started as a helper on a Coors truck while in college in 1969, so I’ve lived through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, and 10’s. In addition to owning my own distributorship, I worked at importers, crafts, W&S wholesalers, contract breweries, major domestic brewery,
and for wholesalers. I’ve been part of many organizations including the NBWA, WBDT, RMCBDA, and other state organizations. I’ve held most positions in the industry ranging from a helper on a truck to President of, not only my own company but also several importers. In recent years I have moved to teaching craft beer in colleges such as Portland State University for their Business of Craft Brewing program while lecturing on beer at the University of Texas-Dallas. Currently, I work as an independent consultant building and advising breweries and investment companies on the beer industry. I have also played a role as an expert witness in a number of beer-related court cases
While there are many fine industry publications, there are none that are strictly editorials that deal with the issues of today in a way that is not influenced by either subscribers or advertisers and is unfiltered. It has been my intention to continue that way so I hope you find these editorials thought-provoking and provide you with a perspective you might not have considered. I planned to address topics including but not limited to: the three-tier system, franchise laws, pricing, SKU’s, crafts, marketing, packaging, organizations, and I will also write about people who have played key roles in the beer industry but never received their due.
All of these will be tied to events I have actually participated in over the decades. Please send me your comments, I’d like to read them. I will continue to address the industries issues through the blog while I continue to consult with many companies on all three tiers. In the meantime, I have to go get a cold one, want to guess the brand?
I’m also available to speak at industry events and sales meetings. Please feel to contact me if you would like to discuss any engagements.
Leave a Reply