We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Betsy Duffy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Betsy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Well, let’s brew up a tale about starting a brewery, from the initial spark to pouring that first pint.

The Idea Takes Hold:
It all began with a passion for craft beer and the belief in the recruiting power of a pint of beer. When I was approached by my business partner about starting a brewery the idea took hold: why not turn this passion into a business? I never doubted that I would be able to start a brewery with a little help from my friends.

Research and Planning:
Immediately, fueled by that excitement, I delved into research. I started by studying the local market: who were the competitors, what types of beers were popular, and where there might be a niche for our own offerings. This phase involved countless hours of market research, learning about licensing requirements, and understanding the logistics of production and distribution.

Crafting the Business Plan:
Armed with knowledge, I began drafting a business plan. This document would become my roadmap, outlining everything from the brewery’s concept and target market to financial projections and marketing strategies. Each section required careful consideration and often revision as I sought feedback from mentors and peers in the industry.

Securing Financing: With a solid plan in hand, the next hurdle was financing. We explored various options: from personal savings and loans to potential investors. Each avenue had its challenges, but eventually, we secured enough funding to lease a suitable space, purchase equipment, and cover initial operating costs.

Navigating Regulations:
The bureaucratic side of things couldn’t be ignored. I spent years navigating local, state, and federal regulations, running into opposition from one city council and also navigating a federal shutdown, ultimately ensuring I had all the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. This was a tedious process, but essential to avoid future headaches.

Setting Up Shop:
Once the legalities were sorted, the physical setup began. From creating a team, purchasing, relocating, and installing brewing equipment, renovating brewery and taproom spaces, setting up utilities, every detail required attention. I worked closely with contractors and suppliers to ensure everything met the brewery’s needs and complied with safety standards.

Brewing and Testing:
Finally, the moment arrived to brew the first official batches. This was where all of the work over the several years felt that it was finally paying off and made the brewery feel more real.

Building the Brand: Simultaneously, I focused on building the brewery’s brand. This involved everything from working with teams to design logos and labels, creating merchandise, to our team creating a website and establishing a social media presence. Building a community around the brand was crucial, so I engaged with local beer enthusiasts and participated in events to generate buzz.

Opening Day:
Months of hard work culminated in opening day. Friends, family, and curious locals and those from all over Iowa streamed in to sample our beers. It was a mix of nerves and exhilaration as we poured that first pint and received feedback from customers. The support and positive reception affirmed that all the effort was worth it.

Growing and Adapting:
In the months that followed, I focused on growing the business while simultaneously adapting around the ever-changing requirements created by the pandemic. This meant refining operations, expanding distribution channels, and introducing new beers to keep customers engaged. It was a constant learning process, listening to feedback, and adapting to market trends and developing mandates while staying true to our core values.

Looking Back:
Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was a whirlwind of challenges and rewards. It required perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. Each day brought and continues to bring new opportunities to refine our craft and connect with the community of beer enthusiasts who supported us along the way.

Launching a brewery wasn’t just about brewing beer; it was about adaptation and creating an experience—a place where people could gather, share stories, and enjoy quality brews crafted with passion. It was about providing a quality product. And that, my friends, is how we brewed our dream into reality.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I hold an elementary education degree from the University of Iowa. My interests in teaching, problem-solving, creativity, desire for new challenges, leadership, and curiosity has driven me to into business, engineering, and entrepreneurship. It is these personal passions that provided me the opportunities to play significant roles in making transitions successful.

I am most proud of our very Gezellig team. Gezellig is a Dutch word that means that comfortable feeling that you get when you are with loved ones and our team exemplifies the word. With their help Gezellig Brewing Company has been awarded 21 national awards for our beers. I have also been named one of Iowa’s top 40 Women To Watch. Together we work diligently to provide the very best product in a variety of styles.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Our cofounder, Mindi Vanden Bosch and I had known of one another for several years when we decided to create Gezellig Brewing Company together. At one point we shared stories of being kids and going visiting a small remote fishing camp in Canada with one another. We had not known one another while growing up as we grew up across the state from one another. It turned out we had both visited the same camp and the same time, she with her grandparents and I with mine. Years later at the same fishing camp her grandfather actually helped to search for my grandfather after he had been pulled over a waterfall when portaging his boat.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media requires a combination of authenticity, consistency, and engagement.

1. Be Authentic.
2. Know Your Audience
3. Consistency Is Key
4. Engage With Your Community
5. Use Analytics
6. Be Patient and Persistent

Advice for Beginners:
1. Start with a clear plan
2. Engage actively
3. Stay authentic
4. Leverage multiple platforms
5. Be open to feedback

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gezelligbrewing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gezelligbrewing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GezelligBrewing/
• Twitter: https://x.com/gezelligbrewing