Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jack O’Connell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jack, appreciate you joining us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
We are currently partnered with “Helping paws Rescue” in Pennsauken NJ which is part of Pennsauken Animal hospital owned by my partner Chris. Each season we brew a new beer that directly supports their organization. We start by putting 2 adoptable animals on the cans we sell, as well as more information on how people can help. We then take part of the proceeds earned from the beer and donate it back to the rescue to help all our little furry friends. We also spend some weeks hosting fundraisers for other surrounding rescues and organizations to invite our clients, their supporters, and even some adoptable animals to help raise funds for them.
We also have a near and dear project in “BrewStacheStrong” which is our (as well as hundreds of other breweries) partnership with the Stace Strong Foundation that raises money for brain cancer research in memory of the founder Colin’s brother. Each year us and the other breweries brew a special beer to help raise money to donate back to the organization. This means a lot to us since one of our beertenders Jeff has been kicking brain cancers ass up and down the block fore the past couple of years.
Jack, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started my career in animal medicine where I met my friend and now business partner Chris. I stayed in that field for quite some time before transitioning back into technology where my original schooling was. While out for drinks in 2018 Chris and our friend Jeff approached me about opening a brewery which I thought was crazy. I never worked fully in beer, and I was only 28 at the time. Before I knew it I left my job October of 2019 in the technology industry, went head first into learning all I could about not only the beer industry but running a brewery, and here I am 3 years later not able to imagine what my life would have been like without this journey. It’s been a wild ride learning along side some amazing people, as well as an ever changing industry. I’m so proud of what me and my team have accomplished in such a short amount of time. We are currently in our second expansion in just 3 years, and truly believe we’re making a beer for everyone to enjoy.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my partner Chris in 2014 when I was starting my studies in animal medicine and went to work at the hospital he owned, Mt Laurel Animal Hospital. We became pretty fast friends since I wanted to do everything I could in the field. I enjoyed large animal medicine which allowed me to go on multiple calls out to farms as well as help to take care of the large farm surrounding the hospital. I eventually pivoted from animal medicine and went back into technology in what I originally studied, but we have been friends ever since. I can’t imagine what my life would be like now if it wasn’t for him and our brewery!
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
This is a recent one for us that just happened in Jan of 2024. I have a large personality which many can attest to. Recently while working some marketing for the brewery I was presented with an opportunity for a billboard. I took the offer, and started working with a marketing team to see what the best design was. I wanted the board to stand out and be different from most marketing, so I took a bit of a curve and decided to stick myself on it. I couldn’t tell if what I was doing was egotistical or overly-prideful, but the billboard has gotten great feedback. I get people texting me asking if they just saw me high above Rte 130 to which I now respond, “Are you surprised?” the answer back usually being a chuckle and a no.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drbrewlittlesbeer.com
- Instagram: @dr.brewlittles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBrewlittles/
- Other: Check us out on Untappd