Episode 24: Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery

Episode 24: Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery

In this short interview, Henry Nosek of Midwest Microbrew sits down with Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery to discuss what it truly takes to start and run a successful craft brewery. Russ shares his hard-earned wisdom on managing cash flow, choosing the right business partners, building a distribution strategy, and why passion and personality are just as important as making great beer. Whether you're a homebrewer dreaming of going pro, an aspiring brewery owner, or simply a craft beer lover, this interview is full of practical advice straight from one of the Midwest's most experienced brewers. 🍺 Topics covered in this interview: The biggest financial challenges of starting a brewery How to choose the right business partners (and plan for exit strategies) The role of quality in long-term success Taproom vs. distribution — how to sell your beer Marketing your brewery through personality and community 🎙️ Missed our first interview with Russ? Watch it here:    • Episode 5: Russ Klisch, President of Lakef...  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDTMPnaBqf0] 🔔 Subscribe to Midwest Microbrew for more craft beer interviews, brewery spotlights, and everything the Midwest microbrew scene has to offer! #MidwestMicrobrew [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestmicrobrew] #CraftBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeer] #LakefrontBrewery [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lakefrontbrewery] #BreweryLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brewerylife] #CraftBrewery [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbrewery] #HomebrewToPro [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/homebrewtopro] #MidwestBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestbeer] #BrewingBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brewingbusiness] #CraftBeerPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeerpodcast] #MicroBrewery [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/microbrewery] #BeerPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/beerpodcast] #RussKlisch [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/russklisch] #BreweryStartup [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brewerystartup] #CraftBeerCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeercommunity]

Episode 23: Brian Buss, Co-Owner at Bust'd Brewing

How does a small craft brewery build a fiercely loyal customer base in a competitive market? Brian Buss of Bust'd Brewing in Peoria, Illinois breaks down exactly how he's done it. In part two of our conversation, Brian shares the strategies and tactics Bust'd Brewing has used to attract all kinds of people to their taproom and keep them coming back — from die-hard beer geeks to total newcomers. If you're a craft beer fan or a small business owner, this one is packed with real, actionable insight from someone who's built something special in central Illinois. 🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/_v6PWLg8q5Y] 🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com 🍺 About Midwest Microbrew: Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. #CraftBeer #MidwestBeer #BustdBrewing #Peoria #Illinois #CraftBrewery #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #SmallBusiness #TaproomCulture #BeerCommunity

Episode 22: Dan Carey, Co-Founder at New Glarus Brewing

Dan Carey co-founded New Glarus Brewing in 1993 with no money, no investors, and no roadmap — just a passion for world-class beer and the work ethic to match. This is part two of our conversation with one of the most respected brewmasters in the Midwest. In this episode, Dan opens up about the brutal early years of building New Glarus from scratch using dairy equipment bought at auction, the legendary mentors who shaped his craft — including the man known as the "Pope of Beer" — and why after 32 years in business, his greatest achievement has nothing to do with medals or ratings. Dan also talks about how he manages stress, and why running has kept him sane through it all. 🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/dFyFBBYnjWc 🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – The challenges of starting New Glarus in 1993 04:22 – How the craft beer world has changed 05:06 – Dan's most influential mentors 09:18 – His greatest achievement after 32 years 12:13 – How Dan handles stress 13:30 – Running, racing, and staying grounded 🍺 About Midwest Microbrew: Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. #NewGlarusBrewing #DanCarey #CraftBeer #Wisconsin #MidwestBeer #WisconsinBeer #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBrewery #HomebrewHistory #BrewmasterLife #SmallBusiness

Episode 21: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, host sits down with Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company, for their second conversation — and this time the focus shifts from the beer to the people who love it. We dig into how Great Lakes Brewing Company has cultivated one of the most loyal craft beer communities in the Midwest, what it takes to grow a craft beer brand in today's competitive market, and the strategies behind turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or someone interested in beverage brand development — this episode is packed with insight. 🎙️ What we cover: How Great Lakes Brewing Company builds and retains customer loyalty Brand development strategies in the craft beer industry Growing a craft beer audience in the Midwest market What makes the Great Lakes community unique 📍 Great Lakes Brewing Company | Cleveland, Ohio 🎧 Subscribe for weekly craft beer stories, brewery interviews, and guides across the Midwest #CraftBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeer] #GreatLakesBrewing [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/greatlakesbrewing] #MidwestBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestbeer] #CraftBrewery [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbrewery] #BeerPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/beerpodcast] #BreweryLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brewerylife] #MidwestMicrobrew [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestmicrobrew] #BrandDevelopment [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/branddevelopment] #CraftBeerCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeercommunity] #OhioBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ohiobeer]

Episode 20: Neil Blair and Elliot Thompson, Brewer and Founder of Alluvial Brewing

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Elliot Thompson (Founder) and Neil Blair (Brewer) from Alluvial Brewing in Ames, Iowa. We dig into the story behind one of central Iowa's most exciting craft breweries — from its founding and early days to the vibrant taproom atmosphere and the live music scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Whether you're a craft beer lover, a fan of the Ames community, or just looking for your next great Iowa brewery to visit, this episode has something for you. In this episode we cover: The founding and formation of Alluvial Brewing What makes the Alluvial taproom atmosphere so unique How live music has become a cornerstone of the Alluvial experience Neil and Elliot's passion for craft beer and community 🎙️ Guest: Neil Blair & Elliot Thompson — Alluvial Brewing 📍 Location: Ames, Iowa