We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sally Whitney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sally below.
Sally, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Building our brewery has been a rollercoaster of challenges, none more dramatic than Mother Nature’s wrath. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into constructing our dream space, a devastating storm ripped through our city, leaving our brewery in ruins. It was a gut-wrenching moment that tested our resilience to the core. With the building a total loss and our grand opening dreams shattered, we faced a stark choice: walk away or fight back.
Driven by our passion and the significant investment we’d already made, we refused to give up. Leveraging Andrew’s (my husband and business partner) industry expertise, we pivoted our business to produce a line of non-alcoholic beverages. This unexpected turn not only helped us survive but laid the groundwork for a new and exciting product line. It was a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome adversity. Today, our brewery and taproom stand as a symbol of our perseverance and a testament to the power of human spirit.
Sally, 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?
Good Cause Brewing is more than just a brewery; it’s a community hub built on the foundation of exceptional craft beer and inclusive spaces. We’re passionate about crafting small-batch, flavor-packed brews that push the boundaries of taste. From tart sours to juicy IPAs and refreshing non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone. But our mission extends beyond the glass. We’ve created a welcoming taproom where people can connect, relax, and be themselves. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in everything from our accessible space to our partnerships with local organizations. With a background spanning nonprofits and customer service, I’ve always been driven by making a positive impact. Good Cause Brewing is the culmination of that passion, where great beer and community collide.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
We could write a book on resiliency. Our journey into the craft beer world was filled with unexpected twists. A year-long delay due to a storm was just the most recent and largest of the challenges. In the beginning of our journey, though, we opted for contract brewing (paying another facility to produce and package) to gain entry to market, but quickly learned that partnerships can be as fragile as glass and contracts are only as good as your ability to litigate. We lost a massive amount of product due to a contract gone wrong, which was a devastating blow. But, looking back, it’s these challenges that have forged our determination and commitment.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
It’s incredible to see how word-of-mouth has truly been the driving force behind our growth. There’s something really special about someone loving our beer so much that they can’t wait to share it with their friends. Our initial marketing budget took a hit due to opening delays, so we’ve been fortunate to rely heavily on organic reach. While we’ve been building our social media presence and have had some great media coverage, it’s the genuine enthusiasm of our customers that has really propelled us forward. It’s a testament to the beer we’re crafting and the experience we’re creating here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Goodcausebrewing
- Instagram: @goodcausebrewing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodcausebrewing
