Canadian Rockies Craft Brewery

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josh Forster, Co-Founder of Sheepdog Brewing, located in Canmore, AB, Canada.

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

We a small-batch craft brewery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We have built our business to tailor to the local community and have developed a strong relationship with our clientele that live and work in the Bow Valley.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Josh, and I'm one of the founding members of Sheepdog Brewing. The concept for our brewery was developed in my basement with a couple of friends while we learned how to brew beer. We had a passion for creating recipes and sharing those beverages with friends, and the idea of the brewery was created.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel that the biggest accomplishment is being recognized by the community as what we originally perceived the brewery to become. We wanted to be a local place where it felt like "Cheers," and you'll know someone every time you walk in. That has happened, and our customers tell us they feel like they are coming to a friend's place to have a beer.

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

I find it hard to 'turn it off.' I'm constantly thinking about what we can do differently to improve and continue to grow.

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

Get professionals on your side. A good accountant will save you time & money. A good lawyer will set your company up in the most efficient manner. Basically, surround yourself with people that can help build your passion into a thriving business. You can't do it ALL on your own.
Set your business objectives and stay true to what you want to do. There will be a lot of noise from people that feel like they can interject their idea of what you should do and should be doing.
Embrace the good and the bad. It's a rollercoaster. Enjoy it all.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

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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