[a10t2]

I would add Tony Magee's new book to the list. I got it for Xmas and have just about finished it.

http://amzn.com/1556525621

For a brewpub, check out The Restaurant Manager's Handbook. It's essentially the bible for that industry - which is much, much more complicated than a brewery.

http://amzn.com/0910627975

[majorvices]

btw off-topic, how did you guys find your first commercial brewing jobs?

Most of us are all homebrewers here. But for me it involved sinking a bunch of money into a business.

I hire people who seem like diligent and earnest individuals and who will work for for $9 per hour. If it works out I try to get them a raise whenever possible. 2 of my best hires started out as volunteers. That said I don't take on volunteers any longer because of insurance issues.

[S. cerevisiae]

IMO, if one enjoys brewing they should remain a homebrewer.

+10,000

[bluesman]

There are many books available some of which were mentioned, but my advice is to meet with and talk to as many professional brewers/owners as you can to get a first hand feel for the business. Commercial brewing is a tough business to crack and takes a lot of knowledge, some experience and the relentless pursuit to succeed. Certainly research the business as much as possible. All the best to you!

[jeffy]

There are many books available some of which were mentioned, but my advice is to meet with and talk to as many professional brewers/owners as you can to get a first hand feel for the business. Commercial brewing is a tough business to crack and takes a lot of knowledge, some experience and the relentless pursuit to succeed. Certainly research the business as much as possible. All the best to you!

By the way, welcome back.  How is the new brewery going?

[bluesman]

Thanks Jeff! The brewery is doing well. We are moving and grooving. We've signed an agreement with the largest distributor in the state and have about a half dozen draft brands shipping. We also just released our first brand in bottles. I find it amazing that I have time to post on this awesome forum, but I'll never forget where I came from. Cheers!

[majorvices]

It seems, to me at least, that if one enjoys brewing they should look to a brewing job. Owning a brewery is probably more for the guy/gal who loves sales and dealing with bills, taxes, and government regulations.

IMO, if one enjoys brewing they should remain a homebrewer.

I appreciate and respect your opinion but you are misguided. I brew 5 or 6 days a week and can't get enough of it. What a great and fun career.

[Stevie]

Major - I think the best thing you got going for you is the fact that you have a team around you that allows you to continue doing your thing. From what you have said in the past, sounds like you did it right.

[HoosierBrew]

Major - I think the best thing you go going for you is the fact that you have a team around you that allows you to continue doing your thing. From what you have said in the past, sounds like you did it right.

+1.   Freeing yourself to brew and create has to make a huge difference. I know it would for me.

[a10t2]

I appreciate and respect your opinion but you are misguided. I brew 5 or 6 days a week and can't get enough of it. What a great and fun career.

I also fall into this camp, and after puzzling over this for a few minutes I realized that it's because I like brewing, as opposed to making beer. Making beer, especially as a home brewer, is pretty simple. Water, malt, time, temperature. It's cooking. Brewing, on the other hand, is all about solving problems as they arise. It's engineering, as opposed to cooking, and I enjoy engineering as only the truly perverse can.

[mattmartin3053]

http://www.amazon.com/Brewers-Associations-Guide-Starting-Brewery/dp/1938469054

it could just be because it's not a fully comprehensive book, but it does seem like an interesting read nonetheless. I'm looking at the Zymurgy article now and it's pretty interesting as well.

Thank you for the recommendation.  I enjoy brewing, but I just finished my MBA, and would love to run a brewery one day.  While that is far far away since I do not have the capital to start one, but I am doing a lot of research to hopefully make this happen someday.  While I understand that I might not be able to concentrate on the brewing as much, but I also really enjoy crunching numbers and the business side as well.  Maybe it could be the best of both worlds!

[Stevie]

I know there are industry specific attorneys out there. Maybe beer centric accountants are a thing.

[Pinski]

I know there are industry specific attorneys out there. Maybe beer centric accountants are a thing.

They are in Portland.

[mattmartin3053]

That would be sweet. I'll look and see if there are any in the Bay Area!


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[denny]

Maybe buy a book on winning the lottery, too!