Everything Brewery - Crane Brewing Company

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in brewery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Meyers, Co-Founder of Crane Brewing Company, located in Raytown, MO, USA.

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

We are a midwestern community brewery located off downtown Raytown near the stadiums in Kansas City, MO. We brew beers for everyone, so our customers are very diverse and are looking for fresh-tasting, high-quality beers. Everything from a crushable lager to a Brett Saison to a beer made with beets!

Tell us about yourself

I started with my love of craft beer and eventually got into homebrewing. I met my business partner Michael, and we started the brewery together. We are motivated by doing what we love, brewing and sharing great beers, and using our brewery as a resource to help our communities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have been voted the best brewery in Kansas City a few times now. One of our biggest accomplishments was just getting to the other side of the worst parts of COVID. We pushed ourselves and are now even a stronger team than before.

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

Stress. The responsibility and accountability to your team can be incredibly nerve-wracking. The development comes with many stages of growing pains. You might think you can do it all when you can really do greater things with the right team. Surround yourself with people who are more knowledgeable and more capable than even yourself. Everyone is important.

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

1. Plan your phases. Start small and build along the way. There is no need to take on great debt on day one.
2. Pay attention to your market. Balance between the customer demands, but don't lose focus on your passion.
3. Never stop setting goals for yourself, your team, and your business. No matter how small sometimes, just keep making positive steps.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cranebrewing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjmey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tophermey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisjmey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjmey/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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