Community, Sustainability, Beer - Counterpoint Brewing Co.

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Graeme Kobayashi, founder of Counterpoint Brewing Company Inc., located in Kitchener, ON, Canada.

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

Counterpoint Brewing Company is a (very) small net-zero craft brewery in Kitchener. We're focused on community, sustainability, and beer! We brew every batch with the goal of providing our customers with high-quality, unique, and delicious beverages. We also collaborate with like-minded businesses and organizations to create positive change within our community.

Tell us about yourself

My business started as a hobby, with zero interest in turning it into a business. I brewed beer as a creative outlet and to share with friends. After a few years of brewing, a discussion with friends (over beer) turned into writing a business plan, and before I knew it, I was signing a lease!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment at Counterpoint is assembling the dream team. Within a matter of a few months, I hired four amazing people who love my business as much I do. Not only can I rely on them to do great work, but they are enthusiastic and caring. They have made Counterpoint a better place to spend time (for both myself and our customers).

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

The hardest thing about owning my own business is learning and maintaining all aspects of the operation. Even with a great team, every part of the business needs your attention at one point or another. It's important to be aware of how everything is running behind the scenes to give our customers the best experience that we can.

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

1. Prioritize your time, and complete one task at a time. You can't do everything at once, so do what needs your attention the most and move on to the next task.
2. Turning your hobby into a business can be the best decision you'll ever make, but keep in mind it does turn your pastime into a full-time job.
3. Be patient with yourself and your business. It will take time for you to figure out how your business works, who your customers are, and how to serve them best.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://counterpointbrewing.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counterpointbrewingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counterpointbrewingco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CounterpointKit

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.