Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Robkin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Workplace inclusion is a cultural issue. For me that means that inclusion and acceptance have to be the expected cultural norms for most of the people involved. Generally that comes from the top down as actions and behavior, not edicts and directives. It is a bit of a Catch-22 that you have to demonstrate inclusivity in a place that does not embrace it before it can take root. To get around that I turn to professionalism. You respect the job, you ignore those areas that are not part of the job and you behave towards people the way you want to be treated at all times. In short, respect. If respect flows from management to labor; if tolerance and generosity are standards of behavior; if courtesy is an ordinary event, then people will feel safe enough in themselves not to fear some excluded other.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Our brand is about looking outside of your comfort zone for something unusual an daring, which is a core value of the Craft Beer Movement. I began brewing beer as one more Making activity to achieve a creative outlet. The careful crafting of flavors that do not finish for weeks appeal to my nature and are a contrast to my professional career in the entertainment industry where speed and “done is beautiful” were the central themes.

What I want clients to take away after a visit to our taproom is a sense of artistic and community support. We strive to provide a welcoming place for everyone where artists, musicians, and other creative people can feel safe expressing themselves.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My entire career has been pivots. I began by training as a theatrical lighting designer. Two years after getting my graduate degree I was installing electrical, lighting, audio and pneumatic systems in Japanese theme environments. After that I was teaching and directing theatre at a small New England College. When that didn’t work out I returned to Los Angeles and met a partner who was shopping scripts to investors for low-budget feature films. That chapter closed when the funding bank (Daiwa) failed and I had to return to my theatrical roots for income. After 10 years in a small community performing arts center, I decided to try teaching again, only to discover that it was no longer a good fit. I returned to LA and began lighting dance clubs. A motorcycle accident closed that career path and I found myself being the facilitator to a tech startup. That project introduced me to the investment partner who is supporting my current venture.

Any advice for managing a team?

I manage my team by giving them a safe, comfortable environment where they can express themselves without judgement or comment. I also make sure they have a voice in how they perform their job duties, an opportunity to contribute to the products we sell, and I try to instill a sense of ownership by allowing everyone to create products for the company to make. I pay a low wage, but a higher one than the mandated minimum and I make sure that everyone gets a share of the tips because everyone is involved directly in customer service. I support everyone when there are problems and I do not pressure anyone to put work before family, health, or sanity. This is not a perfect fit for everyone and I have to make sure to let people go if they start to take advantage of the situation or try to control their co-workers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wingwalkerbrewing.com
• Instagram: @wingwalkerbrewing
• Facebook: @wingwalkerbrewing
• Linkedin: DavidRobkin
• Twitter: @wingwalkerbeer
• Yelp: Wingwalker Brewing
• Other: YouTube is coming

Image Credits
Heidi Marie Photography Robyn Heller