The True Craft Podcast

On this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we chat with Doug Veliky, the "Mr. Rogers of beer" and co-founder of BrightBev. From his background as a CPA to serving as CFO and marketing head for Revolution Brewing, Doug brings a unique financial and marketing lens to the craft beverage landscape.We chat about navigating distribution, the shifting economics of craft beer, and the reality of industry closures and consolidation, including highlights like:The 12 key reasons why breweries are closing across the countryHow contract brewing and sharing overhead can drastically shift margins from negative to positiveWhy the core craft beer demographic is changing and what it means for future volume salesIf you're a brewery owner looking to navigate today's tough market conditions, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.BrightBev - WebsiteDoug Veliky (beeraficionado) - InstagramBook a profit strategy call with the SBS team

On this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Tim Barnes, founder of Black Tooth Brewing in Sheridan, Wyoming. Tim shares his 15-year journey from starting with a small 10-barrel brewhouse to expanding into four taprooms across the state and producing over 8,500 barrels annually. They dive deep into what it takes to build a sustainable craft brand in a low-density market, including: Why Black Tooth refused a food menu and still built four high-performing taprooms How to resist distributor "innovation fatigue" by doubling down on core SKUs Tim’s real take on industry saturation and why craft beer isn't dying Whether you're scaling up or scaling back, Tim’s straight-shooting approach is a must-listen for every craft brewery owner. Black Tooth Brewing - WebsiteBlack Tooth Brewing - Instagram Get a FREE PROFIT PLAY call with the SBS team

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we connect with UK-based brand strategist and author Tim Weaver to explore how craft breweries can thrive in a mature, shifting market. We dive deep into the differences between UK and US brewing scenes, highlighting why running a successful brewery requires far more than just making great liquid in 2026. Some highlights include: How to pinpoint your brewery's true "diamond in the rough" brand identity to stand out from the competition. Why closing the disconnect between passionate sales reps and static packaging can unlock major revenue growth. Where to spend your marketing dollars (including low-cost email tactics and high-impact radio strategies) If you are looking to refine your brand's message and build a loyal audience, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tim reminds us of the biggest challenge facing taprooms today, noting, "Realistically every brewery right now is in a battle with the couch." The Brand Weaver - WebsiteBranding for Breweries - Instagram Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Brewmaster & Marketing Professional Ryan Seiz from Warwick Farm Brewing to discuss how they've built one of Pennsylvania's premier destination breweries by intentionally avoiding the traditional distribution game. From transforming a former meat processing facility into a thriving taproom to creating events that draw hundreds of people every week, Warwick Farm has built a business around experiences. Some highlights include: Why selling 95% of their beer through the taproom has become a competitive advantage How festivals, cornhole leagues, and thoughtful taproom design generate more consistent traffic What launching an RTD line taught them about expanding revenue without cannibalizing beer sales From building a destination brewery from the ground up to finding growth outside of traditional distribution, this conversation is full of practical lessons for brewery owners looking to build a more resilient business. There's a lot packed into this episode for operators thinking beyond the brewhouse! Enjoy the episode! Warwick Farm Brewing - WebsiteWarwick Farm Brewing - Instagram Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team

In this episode, we are sitting down with Alan Brinton, the co-founder of Grey Sail Brewing, located right on the coastal border of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Alan shares his journey from brewing "God-awful" beer in his college apartment to establishing one of Rhode Island's largest production breweries and successfully navigating 15 years of industry evolution. We dive into the realities of scaling a bootstrap operation, the intricate dynamics of distributor relationships, and the shifting economic landscape facing modern craft brewery owners. Some highlights include: Why managing repairs and maintenance costs is the "next shoe to drop" for maturing breweries. How a single double IPA, Captain's Daughter, completely transformed Grey Sail's trajectory and fueled their expansion. Why treating your distributors as your true customers is essential for long-term retail success. As the craft beer market matures and overhead costs fluctuate, mastering your financials is no longer optional. As Alan puts it: “Just understand your product costs and your margins... it's basic, but it's hard.” Enjoy the episode! Grey Sail Brewing - WebsiteGrey Sail Brewing - Instagram Book a profit strategy call with the SBS team