Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peter Cole, owner of Big Axe Brewery Inc., located in Nackawic, NB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Big Axe Brewery, and it is a craft brewery that provides customers with the best quality products in an amazing atmosphere. Our customers always comment on the excellent service and product while enjoying the view of the Saint John River.
Tell us about yourself
I have always enjoyed a great pint ever since I lived in Germany in the mid-1980s. Since then, I have brewed beer from kits and moved on to all-grain recipes at home. When I decided to open a commercial brewery, I spent a lot of time researching as well as taking brewing courses and microbiology courses at UC Davis. I also brewed with a few breweries in New Brunswick as well as in Ontario. I am motivated each day by our customers and staff who come here and tell us how amazing it is here and how much they love our beer and cider!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest physical accomplishment was building this huge facility 42'x100' cedar log building and expanding our products to all NB liquor stores in New Brunswick. But personally, I feel my biggest accomplishment is, having customers who love coming here and having our staff calling this "their happy place."
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Dealing with constant changes, whether it is the economy, so many brewers popping up everywhere, or mother nature (we rely on great weather in our rural area to host boaters and snowmobilers!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do a lot of research. Talk to others in the same industry to understand the pros and cons and intimate details. Make sure it is your passion. Otherwise, you may get frustrated and lose your motivation. Remain positive, and don't let others get you down!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bigaxe.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigAxeBrewery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigaxebrewery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigaxebrewery
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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