Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bob Szuter, Owner and Co-Founder of Wolf's Ridge Brewing, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is a family-owned and -operated brewery, restaurant, and private event space in downtown Columbus. Understory, our sister brewery, restaurant, and event space, is located in the Old North neighborhood of Columbus. Both are co-owned by myself and my dad, Alan Szuter. The brewery has been in business for nearly ten years, while Understory opened just this year - a major feat coming through the challenges of the pandemic. Our customers are adventurous and curious, looking for an engaging experience with high-quality craft beer, food, wine, and cocktails. Through our two businesses, because we didn’t want to duplicate experiences, we offer a little bit of everything to our customers. From meeting with friends in our Lounge to relaxing on our patio after a bike ride of the Olentangy Trail in the Commons at Understory to taking in a beautiful meal using Ohio’s seasonal ingredients to sampling our award-winning brews, people are sure to find the right ambiance and experience they are looking for at both locations.

Tell us about yourself

Creating memorable dining experiences was the inspiration behind wanting to open a business but what truly makes it successful is our people. Seeing the passion, they bring to the table each day is what motivates me to keep doing what we do, especially throughout the pandemic. On top of that, creating and growing a small business and seeing its impact on our employees and community is incredibly rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Since founding Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, we have focused on building sustainable employment opportunities for staff through a focus on living wages, employer-paid short-term disability, paid time off, 401(k) plan, health insurance, and an employee assistance fund. All of which work to allow for consistent and stable employment with the safety of knowing the Wolf’s Ridge Brewing staff will be taken care of when life happens.

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

Initially, the problems you need to solve are fairly straightforward and right in front of you. As our business has grown, it has become more difficult to know what’s a major issue and what’s a red herring, so to speak. Focus has been really important over the past few years. We developed a vision last year and supplemented that with values so we can better organize our entire team to work towards the same goal and do it the way that, we believe, will allow for all of our staff to share in the success of the business.

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

  1. Understand what it is you want your business to be. Develop a vision that is clear and understandable. Creating a “north star” of sorts will help as you decide what to say yes to and, more importantly, what to say no to. Work to develop a set of guiding principles (values) that will allow you to, specifically, detail the actions that are important to the success of the entire business and employees. Share that widely and often so you can intentionally develop how your team works together.
  2. Empower your staff and work to understand what it is that they value. Treating them how they want to be treated is important to developing mutual respect, trust, and the drive necessary to grow any business.
  3. Focus on passion. It can be difficult as businesses grow but continuing to ensure what you do is fueled by some sort of passion or interest will be important. It can act as the fuel that keeps the engine moving and can help to keep your team engaged and excited.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. Wolf’s Ridge supports many community initiatives with intentionality in order to have an impact on our community. I also serve on the Columbus Women’s Commission, an advisory body to Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. The commission is tasked with advancing the economic well-being of women in our community, especially in the areas of health, housing, gender equity in the workplace, and workforce development, all spaces I am passionate about. I also think it’s really important to advocate for the restaurant industry as a whole. By working together as a community, we are all successful in providing wonderful experiences, food, and customer service to the people of Columbus and beyond.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wolfsridgebrewing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfsridgebrewing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wolfsridgebrew

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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