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The True Craft Podcast

The True Craft Podcast

Hosted by Small Batch Standard

BusinessManagementInterviews guests
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Episodes

131

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

The True Craft Podcast facilitates the honest, insightful, behind-closed-doors conversations that craft owners and operators actually want to hear. Join us each week to hear co-hosts Chris Farmand and Katy Noel speak with a guest craft owner as they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and decisions facing craft practitioners every day across the country.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
June 12, 202659 min

E130: Managing Margins in the Modern Market with Alan Brinton of Grey Sail Brewing

In this episode, we are sitting down with Alan Brinton, the co-founder of Grey Sail Brewing, located right on the coastal border of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Alan shares his journey from brewing "God-awful" beer in his college apartment to establishing one of Rhode Island's largest production breweries and successfully navigating 15 years of industry evolution. We dive into the realities of scaling a bootstrap operation, the intricate dynamics of distributor relationships, and the shifting economic landscape facing modern craft brewery owners. Some highlights include: Why managing repairs and maintenance costs is the "next shoe to drop" for maturing breweries. How a single double IPA, Captain's Daughter, completely transformed Grey Sail's trajectory and fueled their expansion. Why treating your distributors as your true customers is essential for long-term retail success. As the craft beer market matures and overhead costs fluctuate, mastering your financials is no longer optional. As Alan puts it: “Just understand your product costs and your margins... it's basic, but it's hard.” Enjoy the episode! Grey Sail Brewing - WebsiteGrey Sail Brewing - Instagram Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team

May 15, 202629 min

E129: Self-Distro Secrets, GF Beer, and Brewing on an Island with Alicia MacDonald of Port Rexton Brewing

In this episode, we’re trekking to a tiny town of 350 people in rural Newfoundland to chat with Alicia MacDonald, co-founder of Port Rexton Brewing (who is celebrating 10 years this summer)! Along with her business partner, Alicia has spent the last decade navigating island logistics, dodging icebergs, and balancing summer tourism with distribution-filled winters. Highlights include: Turning a DIY four-barrel hobby into a 15-barrel production facility How a celiac diagnosis led to running the only certified gluten-free brewery in Atlantic Canada The reality and insight gained of brewing on an island and how to get the most out of your taproom being a seasonal magnet for tourists Alicia proves that staying power comes from a "true brand following" and…well, a lot of grit. If you’re brewery is focused on local, local, local, you may just find a gem or two in this episode! Port Rexton Brewing - Website Port Rexton Brewing - Instagram   Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team

May 1, 202649 min

E128: From NASA to the Brewhouse with Bobby Fleshman and Emy Senkbeil of McFleshman's Brewing Co.

In this episode, we are hanging out with Bobby Fleshman and Emy Senkbeil of McFleshman’s Brewing Company out of Appleton, Wisconsin. Quick question for you: what happens when you trade a career at NASA for a mash tun? Well, we’re finding out that and so much more on this episode! We chat with Bobby and Emy about how astrophysics and "unreasonable" hospitality created a brewery for brewers. Highlights include: An inside look at the necessary, but oftentimes difficult, process of cutting down from a dozen offerings to four core styles (plus a few seasonals) The 95/5 rule and how it makes some of the best taproom culture The secret behind using QR code magnets and how they turn wholesale accounts into a self-ordering machine Bobby’s approach to the industry remains rooted in his training as a scientist and a physicist. As he puts it: "Really, I just say, we're problem solvers. We just break them down into their basic elements, and put 'em back together".   McFleshman’s Brewing Co. Official Website Bobby’s Podcast: Respecting the Beer The Business Bible: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara   Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team

April 3, 202645 min

Strategic Expansions and Outlasting Tourist Season with Brad Fitzgerald of Swellsa Brewing

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode we sit down with Brad Fitzgerald of Swellsa Brewing about building a modern craft staple in the heart of Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina. From navigating the unique challenges of the Outer Banks to winning a World Beer Cup gold medal, Swellsa has been creating a community hub that thrives in a "feast or famine" tourist economy. Some highlights include: Why skipping a kitchen to maintain local restaurant partnerships could be a move for breweries who are hesitant to have their own in-house food program How Swellsa scales for summers that jump from a local annual population of 7k to over 40k What skipping a traditional distribution strategy looks like when scaling in 2026 (and what to do instead) From navigating coastal logistics to launching a hemp-derived beverage brand, Brad’s "move fast" mentality is a masterclass in modern brewery scaling. There is a lot packed into this episode for owners looking to grow their business in 2026. Follow Swellsa and Duck Dive Bar on Instagram: @swellsa_brewing or @duckdivebar Visit their website: https://www.swellsabrewing.com

March 20, 202640 min

E126: Marketing Strategy vs. Execution with Warren Bondi of Wood Foot Beer Co. and Beer Marketeers

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Warren Bondi, the co-founder of Wood Foot Beer Co. in Fort Walton Beach and the founder of marketing agency Beer Marketeers. With a background spanning from stocking shelves for major distributors to serving as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Warren brings a unique 360-degree perspective on how to move product in craft today. Highlights include: Why small systems (like a five-barrel brewhouse) allows greater control without distribution headaches How multi-day events and pop-ups drive massive sales through community experiences Why you should stop "boosting" your posts and start using an Ads Manager to see real results Whether you are struggling with a "quiet" brand or trying to decide if table service is ruining your reviews, this conversation is filled with tips and tricks for the modern brewery. Visit the Wood Foot Beer Co. website: https://woodfoot.beer Follow them on Instagram: @woodfootbeer Visit the Beer Marketeers website: https://www.beermarketeers.com Follow them on Instagram: @beermarketeers

March 6, 202645 min

E125: Modern Brewery Ops, Guild Leadership, and Parenthood with Hannah Ison of Zeroday Brewing and Brewers of Pennsylvania

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we are sitting down with Hannah Ison of Zeroday Brewing Company and the Brewers of Pennsylvania to discuss the evolving definition of a craft brewery. We explore why leaning into the "beverage manufacturer" label might be the move in reaching new demographics and how offering variety—from hand-chopped ginger beer to hop water—is becoming an industry standard. Highlights include: The logistical reality of managing production scheduling and guild leadership while raising a daughter as a single mother How to navigate wholesaler acquisitions and the transition from a self-distribution model Why collaboration and brewery co-ops are unlocking potential for businesses with limited resources This episode offers a grounded look at the grit required to keep a brewery running in 2026 when the traditional "let's grab a beer" culture is shifting. Whether you’re interested in diversifying your taproom lineup or want to hear how the "survival of the fittest" is playing out in the Mid-Atlantic, Hannah’s perspective as both a brewer and an executive provides unique insight for the modern age. Visit the Zeroday Brewing Co. website: https://zerodaybrewing.comVisit the Brewers of Pennsylvania website: https://www.brewersofpa.orgFollow Hannah on Instagram: @beermakingmama

February 20, 202640 min

E124: Winning in Wholesale with Brian Durand of Asbury Park Brewery

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Brian Durand of Asbury Park Brewery about what it takes to build a wholesale presence in a competitive, seasonal shore market. We unpack how distribution fits into their broader strategy and what it really means to grow alongside a distributor. Highlights include: The one thing most breweries struggle to do well even in 2026 Two surprisingly high-performing snacks that stand out to both Chris and Brian for taprooms The right cadence for communicating with your distributor If you’re evaluating your own distribution strategy or trying to make wholesale feel more intentional, this episode with a 20-year industry veteran offers a look at what it takes to grow beyond the taproom in 2026. Visit the Asbury Park Brewery website: https://asburyparkbrewery.com Follow them on Instagram: @asburyparkbrewery

February 6, 20261 hr 1 min

E123: The Entertainment-Driven Brewery Model with Chris O’Neill from One Well Brewing

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit—In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Chris O’Neill of One Well Brewing out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. We unpack how a brewery that started with just $80K grew into a ~$1M business by paying close attention to why customers behave the way they do...and then designing the business around those behaviors instead of following what some would maybe call industry norms!Highlights include:Why a simple food menu stops customers from leaving (and could even double beer sales)The overlooked difference between attracting customers versus keeping themHow the right entertainment mix can change how (and when) customers show upIf you’ve ever felt that tension between playing it safe and trusting your instincts as an owner, this episode is a reminder that building something different is often the whole point.Learn more about One Well Brewing at their website: https://onewellbrewing.comFollow them on Instagram: @onewellbrewing

January 23, 202648 min

E122: Making the Shift to Contract Brewing with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit—In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works. We unpack how operating two busy brewpubs in a tourist-driven market ultimately pushed them toward contract brewing (and why it turned out to be one of the most stabilizing decisions they’ve made...despite the emotional challenges).Highlights include:The hidden inefficiencies of producing beer in a remote, seasonal marketHow focusing on the taproom experience and NA offerings led to more predictable marginsWhy partnering with both large and small contract brewers could be the big move in 2026Kevin shares that contract brewing “was the hardest decision [he’s] ever had to make, because [he’s] the homebrewer that started a brewery—it’s part of [his] identity to make the beer.” If you’ve been wrestling with making a similar move, this episode is filled with honest and helpful insight from someone who has been in this business for over a decade.Learn more about Alibi Ale Works at their website: https://alibialeworks.comFollow them on Instagram: @alibialeworks

November 14, 202541 min

E121: Crafting Award-Winning Bourbon in a Control State with Doug McLaughlin and Mike Orozco of M&O Spirits

In this episode, we chat with Doug McLaughlin and Mike Orozco (the “M” and “O” behind M&O Spirits), a small but mighty distillery just outside Columbus, Ohio. What started as a bourbon experiment in a basement quickly turned into an award-winning craft distillery!Doug and Mike share how years in the film industry led to distilling, how a curious neighbor sparked their decision to “go legal,” and why they’ve stayed fiercely independent.Highlights include:How distribution hurdles keep small producers stuck…even when demand is there (and what to do about)Grassroots approaches to grow traffic without a marketing budgetWeighing the choice between staying small and handcrafted vs. chasing volume and big equipmentIn the episode, Doug sums up their operation as: “Everything is in-house, by hand.” And this episode truly highlights what it takes to be in craft in 2025. Don’t miss this one!Learn more about Wanderback Beer Works at https://www.mospirits.comFollow them on Instagram: @mospiritsYou can subscribe for SBS insights at sbstandard.com/insightsOr see what SBS can do for your brewery or distillery: sbstandard.com/contact

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