There are many, many homebrewers who daydream about opening their own brewery. However, making the leap from making small batches of beer in your kitchen to full-scale commercial brewing can be much more involved than some people imagine. “First, think seriously about why you want to start a brewery. Make sure that it’s something more than ‘I like to drink beer’ and ‘It would be fun’ and ‘I want to quit my job.’”
These are the words of Brooks Hemauer, founder and head brewer of Hemauer Brewing Company.
Hemauer Brewing Company started as a passion project. “I’d been homebrewing for three years and would serve my beer at homebrew events. Attendees would ask where they could buy it. That’s where the thought of opening a brewery and taproom began,” Brooks said. “With that being said, I always wanted to own my own business to provide for my family, and also reinvest in our community. A brewery and taproom offers both of these things. The taproom’s theme is a collection of ideas that I received from visiting other breweries throughout the country.”
Brooks is literally almost at the end of completing his transition to becoming a commercial brewery with a taproom to serve his offerings. The brewery is projected to open in July or August of 2019, and the taproom will follow suit in the fall. “We’re currently in negotiations for a place, and we’ll announce the location of the taproom through our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and newsletter,” he said.
As part of his plan to open Hemauer Brewing Company’s taproom, Brooks created a Founders Club. Much like a GoFundMe page, the Founders Club allows Brooks to raise capital from patrons who know and love him — plus, there are added perks for Founders Club members. As Brooks mentions, there are “membership-only bottle releases, first option to purchase special beer releases and invite-only parties.” Members also get a custom sweatshirt, growler, glassware and more.
Founders Club members truly create something special with the brewery that they’re affiliated with, and Brooks agrees. “I’m a member of another brewery’s Founders Club, so I’m speaking from personal experience — it’s knowing you’re a part of an exclusive club that’s helping a local business thrive from the beginning. By making a commitment to that business, you know you’re helping them succeed, and it really gives you a sense of pride.”
One element that’s of prime importance when opening a brewery or taproom is perseverance. While the ability to brew beer is important, when the going gets tough, entrepreneurs need to be able to draw from something more. As Brooks puts it, “This endeavor is much more than just brewing beer. It’s cash flow, taxes, employees, inventory, supplies and more. From local zoning, building codes and everything in between, expect someone to tell you ‘no’ to everything you want to do.”
In an effort to be prepared for the long haul, it’s helpful to have support. For Brooks, a lot of that support came from home. “There are many who’ve helped me, but I couldn’t have done it without the loving support and help from my wife, Shannon,” he added. “She’s been on board since day one and her support has never wavered. I cannot thank her enough for believing in me and this vision. There really hasn’t been anything in the process that has been easy, but once the project is completed — which is so close — I’ll have an overwhelming sense of pride.”
Brooks also encourages anyone considering a similar endeavor to write a solid business plan. “Your business plan is your written blueprint of all your ideas and research. It forces you to think through all of the processes of your business.”
With the official opening of Hemauer Brewing Company so close, it’s clear that Brooks knows what he’s talking about.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo: Shannon Hemauer Photography; all other photos, top to bottom: Shannon Hemauer Photography; Wendy Snyder Photography
