Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eric Phillips, Co-Owner and CCO of Schilling Cider, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Schilling Cider is my business. Anyone who loves delicious hard cider.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Eric Phillips; I am the Chief Commercial Officer for Schilling Cider. I fell in love with cider on a trip to England and then discovered that people we starting to create more of it back in the US. I love helping people grow within their roles. I love educating people on the deliciousness of cider made from fresh pressed juice. I get the privilege of working every day to improve the adult beverage industry from a company culture standpoint.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I want to be clear; I am one of the co-owners. The founders are Colin Schilling and Mark Kornei. We are now the largest fresh-pressed cidery in the country. We have one of the fastest scanning lines on the west coast, and we are currently one of the top 3 fastest growing alcohol companies in the nation.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding balance within your personal and professional life. Staying ahead of the curve as you continue to scale. Creating, maintaining, and improving company culture, more companies should pay more attention to creating a positive company culture that is more inclusive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do the basics and do them at an exceptional level.
- Follow up and follow through.
- Find balance.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Schilling Cider has two cider houses, one in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle and the other near the goat blocks in Portland. They have 32, and 50 taps of cider, respectively, and feature craft ciders made locally as well as across the US and world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://schillingcider.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchillingCider/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schillingcider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/schillingcider
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schillingcider/
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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