We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evan Blum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Evan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success, from my point of view came from having a strong work ethic, taking risks and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who motivated me.
I’ve never considered myself inherently “smart” in the traditional sense. School didn’t come naturally to me, and while I consistently earned A’s and B’s, it was through sheer determination and a persistent work ethic. Looking back, I realize that my roots were grounded in a strong work ethic, something that has become the cornerstone of my journey.
When I ventured into entrepreneurship, i took a leap into the unknown with a background in Corporate Supply Chain, I lacked marketing experience and industry connections to start a Media Marketing Company. However, what I did possess was a profound vision for the Craft Beer Experience and a keen understanding of Gen Z, coupled with an awareness of the pivotal role that social media plays in the lives of the next generation. Starting BrewedAt was a leap of faith, and success didn’t come overnight. After quitting my corporate job, I spent about six months in a period of uncertainty, contemplating my next move. It wasn’t until I decided to give BrewedAt full-time devotion that things began to take shape. Within that journey, and even now, it’s been a roller coaster of ups and downs.
Success isn’t about being “smart” or having all the answers from the start. It’s about putting in the hard work, taking risks, persevering through challenges, and staying flexible. When we faced setbacks in establishing our presence, rather than getting discouraged, we reevaluated our strategies. Leveraging social media, we took the risk to build a community around the Craft Beer Experience. This adaptability proved crucial, and gradually as we’ve seen BrewedAt gain traction.
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’m Evan Blum, Co-Founder & CEO of BrewedAt, and I’m excited to discuss the story of our journey into craft beer for BrewedAt. It started with an deep appreciation for craft beer and a vision to elevate it in the digital age.
BrewedAt emerged from noticing a gap in the market—a void where breweries, despite running their own social media, lacked a centralized source for localized craft beer visuals and excitement. I saw an opportunity to not just showcase beers but to capture the essence of what makes each brewery special—the atmosphere, creativity, and, of course, the beer.
What sets BrewedAt apart is our dedication to filling this void by spotlighting local breweries on social media. We aim to be a lighthearted presence online, helping casual drinkers explore the craft beer scene through simple guides, uncovering local gems, and participating in community events. Although we are expanding and diversifying as well with “The BrewedAt Podcast” which showcases a much more educational and behind the curtain view on the Craft Beer industry.
For businesses, BrewedAt is more than a marketing service. We offer various services, from videos and event promotion to social media marketing, with the goal of introducing craft beer to new audiences. We take pride in building relationships and making a positive impact on the local craft beer community. While being a liaison for craft breweries to adapt to the digital age.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, BrewedAt isn’t just a brand—it’s a community-driven effort celebrating the entire craft beer experience. Join us as we showcase not only the beers but also the unique stories, atmospheres, and creativity that make each brewery special.
It’s worth noting that BrewedAt isn’t merely about joining a booming industry, as the craft beer market has seen a steady decline in alcohol market share over the years. Instead, we see it as individuals passionately following our aspirations, determined to reinvigorate the space and pave the way for the next generation. BrewedAt is not just about the present; it’s about the future of craft beer.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Embarking on the endeavor to build our social media presence at BrewedAt has been a journey defined by passion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to the craft beer community. My co-founder and I, fueled by a shared love for craft beer, started planning weekends and weekdays after our regular work hours to immerse ourselves in the brewery scene. Countless hours were dedicated to extensive travel, networking, and meticulous editing.
In those early months, we poured our energy into filming and photographing breweries, editing videos that showcased their unique stories. This sustained effort, though initially without monetary returns, began to resonate with the beer community, gradually gaining traction among enthusiasts and occasionally catching the attention of brewery owners.
Naturally we pushed the boundaries further, actively seeking opportunities to introduce ourselves to brewery teams and setting up meetings in advance. This proactive approach played a pivotal role in our integration into the vibrant beer community. While also supporting and paving our road for the future of opportunities, within the marketing side of the businesses.
As time progressed, these connections evolved into meaningful partnerships, friendships, and collaborations with brewery owners. Followers not only began to accumulate for BrewedAt but also for the breweries we featured. The community that emerged from our shared dedication and authentic storytelling became a powerful force, driving engagement and fostering a mutual appreciation between BrewedAt, the breweries, and our growing audience.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
BrewedAt is a self-funded business. Cole Decker & myself have been the financial backbone of the venture since day one. It’s still self-funded by us today, maybe we will be open to investors in the future. Initially I used my Nestle Supply Chain salary and savings to kick things off. While it laid the foundation, a significant part of my personal funds went into living expenses, so I could actually pursue BrewedAt as my full-time job. I ended up skipping a paycheck for over 2 years and even had to sell my car to keep the dream of the business afloat.
Cole & I have been putting in our own money to make BrewedAt happen. The dedication and belief in the venture is what kept us going in the early days. Especially as we were not just investing money but also pouring in hours of hard work, creativity, and passion into our business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brewedat.com
- Instagram: @brewedat / @thebrewedatpodcast
- Facebook: @brewedat / @thebrewedatpodcast
- Linkedin: BrewedAt
- Youtube: @brewedat / @thebrewedatpodcast
- Other: Email – [email protected]