Collect Experiences - Dead Frog Brewery
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Derrick Smith, CEO of Dead Frog Brewery, located in Langley, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dead Frog Brewery is an award-winning craft brewery, born and raised in the Fraser Valley and located in Langley, B.C. As a family-run business, we've been brewing great craft beer for over 14 years. We believe in creativity, innovation, using the best ingredients, and of course, having a great time doing it!
We focus on infusing creativity and innovation into everything we do, from our Juice Box Sour Mixer to our Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout. We've got a beautiful Tasting Room with over 20+ craft brews on tap, all brewed a brisk 55 feet from our taps, and a kitchen with fresh eats made in-house from locally sourced ingredients. Our brewing team sources only premium malts and hops, with no artificial anything, ever. Our brews are full of flavour. We even use our own brews in our food items for unique flavour profiles like our Commander Imperial Stout Beef Dip or our Moscow Mule Lime Ginger Ale Wings.
Our customers live for adventure and new experiences. They value quality products produced locally by independent businesses. They're looking for a place to have a hoppin' good time, and Dead Frog is that place to be!
Tell us about yourself
Beer has always been a passion of mine. I love the social aspect of sharing a beer with friends, and I love being able to enjoy good beer with good food. At the time, there were many big breweries on the market with limited options, and I wanted to create an accessible beer with unique flavours and local ingredients. Supporting people gives me motivation, and Dead Frog is a great avenue for me to be able to support my staff. We really value our staff, and I love having a place where people can come to their job and have fun doing it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Woah, that's a tough one - I have so many! I absolutely love that my children have grown up with this brewery and have chosen to work with me. Having my wife, sons, and daughter-in-law is a real integral part of the company, and I am really proud of that.
Giving back is an important part of who we are. Our Fraser Valley community has been a huge support to us over the years, and we are lucky enough to help out and give back. One of our biggest accomplishments was giving 2,500 six-packs of beer to frontline workers when our Tasting Room was closed down. These amazing human beings were giving so much to our community, and it was a small way for us to say thank you. That was a great day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest, but the best part, is that I have over 40 staff who depend and rely on me every day!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The first tip I'd give is to love what you do. It will make your days much more enjoyable. Second, treat your crew well - they are important for your business's growth. And lastly, stay committed - you can get through anything with hard work and determination!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Since I was 18 years old, I've wanted to open up my own brewery, and I am extremely grateful to have my dream of creating delicious craft brews come true.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://deadfrog.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadfrogbrewery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadfrogbrewery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deadfrogbrewery
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.
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