Photo from Brianne
One of the most important jobs for the Nebraska Craft Community that doesn’t directly involve brewing the beer is leading the Brewers Guild. Brianne Schuler became the Executive Director of the Nebraska Brewers Guild during the pandemic and led an industry through a tumultuous time.
I was lucky to get to meet Brianne early in her tenure. Over the years, I have been able to make relationships with most of the brewers in the state of Nebraska. I offered to go with Brianne to meet a couple of the brewers. During the late summer and fall of 2020, Brianne and I had a couple of road trips visiting places like Brush Creek Brewing Company in Atkinson, Nebraska, and the Fairfield Opera House in Fairfield, Nebraska.
I knew that Brianne would do extraordinary things to help support craft beer in Nebraska. She is a very energetic and passionate person who loves to help people! There was no doubt that Brianne would make a difference to help continue the growth of the breweries.
One of Brianne's first things was to launch a program in October of 2020 for Drink Local Month. This is a month where individuals pledge to drink just Nebraska brewed beer. This year it is even bigger with more information about the breweries and events that promote the wonderful craft beer community!
I have been wanting to interview Brianne for such a long time but thought this month would be perfect with Drink Local month going on! Here are the questions that I asked Brianne.
When did you first know you wanted to be in the role you're in today?
I didn’t until I was! Finding this role was somewhat serendipitous. I’m a nonprofit fundraiser by trade and had been working as a freelance consultant for a few years when COVID resulted in a loss of all of my contracting work. I happened to come across the Executive Director role with the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild on a nonprofit job board and was absolutely intrigued. As an avid craft beer enthusiast and a huge proponent of small business, it seemed like a perfect role to blend my background in organizational management and fundraising with something I’m passionate about. Today, I cannot imagine myself anywhere else!
What has it meant to you to be a part of the Nebraska Craft Beer Community?
Coming from the nonprofit sector, I didn’t think it would be possible to find a community as passionate or driven… I was wrong. It has been such a pleasure getting to know each of our member breweries and hear their stories, the “why” behind their business, and support the industry as it grows. Our members have poured their hearts and souls into bringing their businesses to life and making a positive impact in the communities in which they reside. The collaboration in craft brewing in Nebraska is beautiful; the sharing of ideas and resources is unparalleled. I feel lucky I’m allowed to play a supporting role in our industry’s successes.
What excites you most about the future of craft beer?
Growth of the industry in Nebraska! Right now, craft beer makes up only 3-4% of the market share. I believe, together, we have the power to grow our industry to be a much larger presence in the state. Introducing beer drinkers to local, independently owned, craft alternatives is my favorite part of the job. I see a future (soon!) where Nebraska beer makes up more than 10% of shelf and tap space across the state! Also, we have seen both the economic and social impact of breweries in the community - creating jobs, stimulating local economies, becoming a hub for communities to gather - breweries are important in place making within Nebraska cities and towns. Our Drink Local Nebraska campaign each October (happening now!) seeks to draw attention to the important role breweries play in the state and how choosing to drink #NebraskaBrewed beers, ciders, and seltzers is about more than just a great beverage.
What is it like being a woman in the craft beer industry?
While I still consider myself newer to the industry, I have felt welcomed and included within our craft brewing community in Nebraska. I will credit those who paved the way, both nationally and locally, for helping carve out space for women in an industry that has been, to this point, predominantly male. In 2021, widespread attention was brought to the sexual harassment and treatment of women in the craft brewing industry (read more here), rocking many communities. While I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Nebraska, I recognize we must constantly challenge ourselves to do better and be better.
I think we are seeing the response to the call for a more diverse and equitable workforce reflected industry-wide; the Brewers Association has magnified its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts by offering expanded resources for industry members, facilitating discussion, and making intentional efforts to foster an inclusive and diverse craft brewing community for both industry members and consumers. Organizations like the Pink Boots Society also continue to support and encourage women in the craft brewing industry. I look forward to continuing to educate not only myself but our community on how to best support women in the industry.
Why is it important to see greater representation of women in the brewing industry?
I think everyone wants to see themselves reflected in the activities they are involved in; if you are excited about beer, it is inspiring to see women leaders in the industry - as owners, brewers, managers, and more. The more women who enter and find success in the industry, the more it feels accessible for someone who may dream of opening their own brewery or exploring other careers in the craft beverage space. Women have played a historical role in the creation of beer, and I want to see women continue to play an integral part in its continued story.
Now the last question is just for fun! What was the first craft beer you tried?
It was probably Blue Moon or Boulevard Wheat, but my most memorable “first craft beer” story was being invited to a bottle share that included a 7 year vertical of Surly Darkness. Until that point, I had never tried a Russian Imperial Stout, barrel-aged beers, or realized the depth of flavor that could be produced in this style of beer. It was at that moment I became hooked!
From the 2020 Drink Local Program - Nebraska Beer night on my patio
Brianne it has been great getting to know you and to be part of some of the awesome things you are doing!
Keep the passion growing for craft beer in Nebraska!