Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Shufelt, Co-Founder of Athletic Brewing, located in Milford, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is called Athletic Brewing Company - we are out to reframe drinking for the modern adult by making great beer anytime, anywhere. Premium non-alcoholic beer that lets you enjoy great beer without compromising on taste or experience.
Tell us about yourself
I'm out to positively impact the health and happiness of tens of millions of adults by giving them better adult beverage options for their busy, modern lives. Over 50% of adults rarely drink alcohol, and another 15M adults suffer from alcoholism - I want to give them all great options to join the incredible beer world and enjoy social, family, and celebratory moments.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Everything has been brick by brick at Athletic. From brewing on Gatorade jugs to brewing in one o the biggest facilities in the northeast US. Our Run Wild IPA has won 3x back-to-back gold medals at the US Open Beer Championship, and we were named Brewery of the Year by Brewbound out of over 9,000 craft brewers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Nothing's ever easy! And that is both the fun and the challenge of it. Even the smallest things can take hours, days, or weeks. But it sure is worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- People and culture are everything. Hire really slow, and be really intentional in your culture.
- Be sure that the passion is there. When the alarm goes off at 3 am on Saturday, or you have to do the accounting at midnight on a Friday night, is it EXACTLY what you want to be doing?
- Who are you trying to have a positive impact on with your venture?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Our Two for the Trails program is super exciting - one of the largest environmental programs in the country! https://athleticbrewing.com/pages/two-for-the-trails
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://athleticbrewing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleticBrewing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleticbrewing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthleticBrewing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-brewing-company-llc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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