We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Zirpolo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.
Matthew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My two partners and I were all born and raised in San Diego. We chose the name Burgeon because we grew up here, but also because we strive for growth as a company. Not only in physical size, but growth through consistently learning and experimentation to elevate our craft.
Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have always had a passion for craft beer. I previously worked going door to door selling copiers for five years before starting Burgeon. I always wanted to follow my passion for Craft Beer. That’s when I approached my two partners Anthony and Derek with the idea to open a brewery of our own. My partner Anthony was one of the Head Brewers at Stone. My other partner Derek worked in manufacturing. With our three different skill sets we were able to work together to create Burgeon Beer. I handle all the Sales, Marketing and Distribution. Anthony handles all the Brewing and Inventory. Derek handles all the Operations and Financials. Over the past five years we have learned how crucial each of these skill sets are to the success of Burgeon.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When we were initially going out to get investors, I had a family friend tell me that I would never raise the funds necessary to start this company and that it would never be successful. I challenged him and asked if I did raise all the money except for the last investor spot if he would take it. He said he would, but it was never going to happen. 3 months later we raised all the funds for the company with the exception of the last investor. I reached out to him and he stayed true to his word. He became our final investor and we had all the funds needed to start Burgeon. 4 years after opening we were just voted the best brewery in San Diego by San Diego magazine.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the pandemic hit in 2020 all of our draft accounts in San Diego shut down overnight. Draft accounts at that time accounted for 70% of our business. Fortunately we had a canning line and realized people were still drinking beer, but had to do so now at home. We pivoted and started canning all our beer. Offering new special releases consistently while allowing for customers to have beer delivered to their doorstep. This was a crucial element in us getting through the pandemic without having to lay off a single employee.
Contact Info:
- Website: Burgeonbeer.com
- Instagram: @burgeonbeer
- Facebook: @burgeonbeer
- Linkedin: Burgeon Beer
- Twitter: @burgeonbeer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcVCr4E-dmo
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/burgeon-beer-co-carlsbad
Image Credits
Andy Vesci Photography for the Treevana Photo