A love of beer with an artistic vibe

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gavin Reynolds founder of Railyard Brewing, located in Calgary, Canada.

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

Railyard Brewing is a Calgary-based craft brewery with a vibrant spirit, passionate about innovation and taste, where we combine a love of beer with an artistic vibe. When you walk in the door, we want to create an experience for our customers. Making craft beer is a creative outlet, just like the incredible street art that covers our walls and our cans. We offer our core lineup, as well as a variety of seasonals throughout the year – we've got something for everyone's tastes. Calgary has an awesome craft beer scene, and we're grateful to be part of it.

Tell us about yourself

What started out as a hobby brewing beer in my garage with a neighbor turned into an idea of a lifetime. I've always been interested in business and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to mix business and pleasure. It's been an adventure to say the least, but it's both motivating and rewarding to see your product in the market, to see customers enjoying your product, and to keep working towards making your dream a reality.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

After two and a half years of planning and putting blood, sweat, and tears into the construction, we opened the doors to our facility in November 2017. I remember the incredible feeling of welcoming our first customers into our taproom and seeing the end result of all the hard work creating the brewery. Since then, winning Bronze at the Canadian International Beer Awards for our Peach Sour was a huge accomplishment.

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

Taking the risk. Being an entrepreneur comes with a lot of risks and a lot of unknowns. When you're passionate about your business, you have to take risks and focus on the possibilities. You give it everything you have to make it happen.

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

1. When it comes to budget and starting a business, double your estimates. They always come in higher than you expect.

2. Be conservative in your business plan approach and projections, rather than aggressive.

3. Surround yourself with a trusted and talented team.

Where can people find you and your business?

https://www.railyardbrewing.ca

https://www.instagram.com/railyardbrewingyyc

https://ca.linkedin.com/company/railyard-brewing

https://twitter.com/railyardbrewing

https://www.facebook.com/railyardbrewing

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.