Ken Grossman, co-founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, discusses the operational tensions and compensation adjustments between him and co-founder Paul Camusi.
Insight
Boutique Breweries Must Offer Unique Products and Charge Premium Prices
“So he helped sort of create what is now the craft brewing industry by Realizing that if you're going to be a small boutique brewery in this country, you better, one, produce a unique product, and two, figure out how to charge enough of a price that you can sur…”
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Grossman Secretly Jackhammered His Leased Warehouse Floor to Install Brewery Drainage
“So we went in, and unbeknownst to the Landlord, we jackhammered, ah, through the floor, sawed, and put in drainage, and then poured slope floors on top of that, and but we did all that ourselves”
Assertion Supported
The US Hop Industry Lacked a Distinct Aroma Signature Before Cascade
“In this country, there wasn't really a aroma signature from the U.S. Hop industry until us and a few other brewers started to focus on a new variety called Cascade which was bred up in at Oregon State.”
Insight
Grossman: Venture Capital Forces Exit Timelines That Harm Long-Term Founders
“They're gonna have some really tough metrics that I've gotta meet to give them the returns they're looking for, and then they're gonna want out in five or seven years, and I'm gonna be right back where I am today, but in a worse place.”
Assertion Supported
Deadly Pathogens Cannot Grow in Beer
“Well, I guess one of the things about beer making is that things like that don't grow in beer.
[584] Guy Raz: I gotcha.
[585] Guy Raz: Okay, fine.
[586] Guy Raz: Good to know.
[586] Ken Grossman: The alcohol, the pH, and the hops are all inhibitory to
[591]…”
Assertion Not checkable as stated
90% of Tasters Rejected Sierra Nevada's Early Beer as Too Bitter
“And it was even that way when we first started the brewery, you know, you'd go to a tasting, and 90% of the people were like, wow, this is way too bitter, I can't drink this, or I don't like this, and but then you'd find somebody who's like, god, I just love t…”