From breeding bears to brewing beer - Polar Park Brewery

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Oeming, Founder and CEO of Polar Park Brewery, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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

We used to breed polar & grizzly bears, now we brew beer.

Tell us about yourself

The death of my grandfather (Al Oeming) motivated me to start Polar Park Brewing Co LTD. He was the founder of Polar Park (wildlife sanctuary 1959-1999), and he passed on March 17, 2014 (St. Patrick's Day). I moved to Alberta, stole his business name, and incorporated July 22, 2015.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Paying 20+ staff for over 2 years.

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

Once the ship sails, it will float or sink. The owner is responsible for that story.

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

Don't start a business without money. Quality partners are everything (my boat would have sunk had it not been for Philip Burgess and Artur Merkulov). And own the real estate, DO NOT lease.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We have the best beer in the world.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.polarparkbrewing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarparkbrewco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/polarparkbrewco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polarparkbrewco

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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