The German-inspired Beer Styles

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matt Schwandt, president and co-founder of Bauhaus Brew Labs, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Bauhaus Brew Labs is a craft brewery and taproom located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At Bauhaus, we aim to unify art, craft, and technology to produce innovative, world-class craft beverages. Our customers are culturally aware, urban-dwelling individuals who love craft beverages as well as new experiences. In addition, our customers appreciate our attention to quality and understand those craft beverages are meant to enhance the celebration with friends and family.

Tell us about yourself

Over the past two decades, I have gone from being a Nashville-based musician and attorney in Minneapolis to the president and co-founder of a craft brewery and taproom. Although my career path has been anything but linear, there is one unifying thread: I love to create! Whether it's writing music, drafting legal contracts, or designing a tasty pilsner recipe, I have always enjoyed the creative process. My day-to-day motivation arises out of the limitless possibilities afforded by creativity.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was successfully navigating the precarious start-up phase and getting the business to a place of financial stability. Many, if not most, new business ideas never come to fruition. Craft beer is more competitive than it has ever been, and I'm very proud that the brand we launched in 2014 is still thriving today.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Personally, I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is having to use the best available information for making strategic decisions. It's often the case that the best available information doesn't provide much guidance, so business owners are required to rely on instinct more than many people probably assume!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Make sure you know why you're looking to start, run, and grow a business. If your motive is profit, make sure you have a financial strategy actually to get there. Alternatively, if you're seeking to start a company to provide a fixed income simply, make sure you accept the reality of that scenario.
Ask for help when you need it. You should never suffer in silence when the business community is often more than willing to assist new business owners in navigating challenging aspects of business ownership.
Keep a close eye on liquidity at all times. Lack of liquid capital is the biggest killer of new/small businesses. It's critical that a business owner has a firm grasp of the business's cash flow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bauhausbrewlabs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BauhausBrewLabs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bauhausbrewlabs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BauhausBrewLabs

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.