Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wim Vander Zalm, Owner of Mariner Brewing Inc., located in Coquitlam, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a craft brewery with a kitchen servicing all age groups of people and families.
Tell us about yourself
Business has always been exciting to me, and I've operated numerous different businesses. I enjoy working with people to build companies, and I then often sell them and move on to other ventures. The brewery business is fun and challenging, which makes working in the business and on the business exciting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing a small business that started with sales under $1M to a company with annual sales over $10M.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing people. Building a team that works well together is vitally important to long-term success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have a thorough business plan that will be your roadmap and will allow you to monitor what it was that you initially set out as your goals and objectives.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stay calm. Business is full of ups and downs and unexpected turns on the roads. Be ready to pivot. Your team gets strength from the leader's positive, calm and agile personality.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.marinerbrewing.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerbeer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerbeer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarinerBeer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wim-vander-zalm-06626715/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.