Our CEO asked me to write a well-crafted, thought-provoking and chock full of eye-popping statistics blog post. Unfortunately, I sit here at almost 5:00 pm on the day it’s due trying to decide what I want to say. It’s not because I haven’t thought about it since he asked me two weeks ago. Mostly, I’ve over-analyzed it and I had a few things going on in between. The days can get hectic around here and there always seems to be another fire around the corner. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

There are so many things that I want to say and topics I want to discuss about this great industry of ours. We get to make, sell and deliver beer for a living. We get to talk about the myriad of styles, complexities and nuances, and trends of the craft beer community on a daily basis. So where should we begin the conversation?

 

I’m going to start by saying thank you.

 

Seven years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where I’d be today. I stepped away from a career that many would covet. I did so with the hope of finding a better version of me. I think I’m on my way. Turning 40 this year allowed me to reflect that maybe we do get better with age.

 

Thanks to my wife for knowing that I was crazy, but believing in me anyway. Thanks to my parents for supporting me even when I know you worried what the hell I was doing and understanding that “All that wander are not lost.” Thanks to those friends of mine who encouraged me when I considered turning back.

 

Thanks to the entire Lonerider Brewing Co. team. Your hard work and dedication to craft beer and customer service have made us what we are today. I relish waking up every morning and coming to work with you.

 

And certainly thanks to everyone in the craft beer community who makes what we do a possibility. If you are reading this, then you most likely have had a hand in cultivating and growing this great industry. That support drives us to get better every day and bring craft beer to a new level.

 

I guess I should have started this sooner.

 

-P