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Memoirs of a Crazy Publican
People often comment on the amount of work owning and operating a brewpub must be. I jokingly reply “I’m glad I did it when I was young, stupid, and full of energy”. I often threaten that I’m writing a book entitled “So you want to own a Brewpub, Adventures in Running a Small Business” This book would detail the massive efforts it takes to get such a venture up and running, and the ongoing efforts its takes to keep it together. Often when things go wrong, which occurs weekly, I tell people, “Yep, this will go in chapter (insert number here) of my book”. Some classic examples in recent memory you ask? How about, “Nick, there is an inch of water in the women’s restroom!!”, or “Nick, the smoker is shooting flames out the door!!” Recently, while enjoying a few beers with some friends while watching Monday night football I got the call “Um, there is water pouring from the basement ceiling!!”
Early at the start of Block 15, the stress level would go through the roof. These days, I even amaze myself at how calm and collect I remain when dealing with the realities of keeping the pub flowing.
Now, that brings me to today, which could probably fill half my book. As part of my “grow quality” plan I ordered two more custom made conical fermenters. These much needed tanks would give us more flexibility and tank space in our brewing routine. Last July I put down the deposit and was told they would be delivered in September. September came and went, so did October, November, and December. Then I received the call from the trucking company on New Years eve, they were dropping off the tanks that afternoon! Of course, it’s not just as simple as dropping off the tanks and hooking them up. Nope, these tanks which way over 800lbs, have to be precariously moved down the stairs into our cellar. To do this takes coordinating, 1) a fork lift to move them from the truck to the sidewalk, 2) the removal of fire suppression at the landing of the stairs, 3) removing an exit sign, and 4) getting my good friend and do it all guy Brad to bring over various locks and tackle, frames, straps and a piano dollie. So, I had to ask the trucker to hold my load until today, so that I could make all of the necessary arrangements.
Today was the big day! I woke up at 4am and couldn’t go back to sleep as I repeated the procedures through my head. At 6:30 I met the fire suppressions guys at Block 15 to remove the pipes. 7:30 the forklift arrives, 8:00 I remove the exit sign. 8:15 Brad, Chris, Steve, and Matt show up, ready to get these new tanks moved and hooked up. 8:45 the semi pulls up with our tanks hidden in the trailer bed. As the bed is opened and the tanks are revealed, I can see on Brew master Steve’s face that something is wrong. These tanks did not look the same as our previous ones. We fork the first one down and I grab a tape measure. Sure enough these damn things are 92’’ tall, our ceiling is 90’’ tall, and the tanks are suppose to by 83’’tall to fit. Did I freak out? Nope, calmly I tell the driver I can’t accept the load and send them back. The manufacturer doesn’t know what happened in shipping and promises to refund my deposit; I’m not holding my breadth. Reality sets in that I need to go to work with another company on custom tanks and in the meantime I will be on the lookout for another Grundy tank or two so that we can keep up with a badass tap list and awesome craft beer.
You want a cherry on top of my lovely morning? The picture shows three work vans parked outside of the pub, all working on various projects, Hendrix heating installing a gas stove, Judson Pluming fixing multiple leaks, and Roto Rooter clearing the clog in our trench drain. 
Running a successful brewpub is far from easy and not for the sane people out there. It takes tons of energy, innovation, patience’s, hard work, brains & brawn. The reward; at the end of the day while raising that pint of hoppy nectar I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I truly get to work my dream job; brewing craft beer for the community, working along side my beautiful wife and our amazing employees, and making new friends with customers who weave the social fabric of our town. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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