42. Brewing Inspiring Moments with Martin Bém

Host Nicholas Braman interviews Martin Bém, founder of Level 33, the world’s highest microbrewery, about his life path and entrepreneurship in Singapore. Martin moved to Singapore in 1999 as San Pellegrino’s Director Asia, helped grow Western brands as Asian markets opened, then left corporate life after three years to start an agency bringing European brands to Asia, only to be hit immediately by SARS, nearly running out of funds before a partner invested. He later launched his own restaurant concepts despite no operations background, emphasizing quick feedback, humility, and decision-making driven by numbers rather than attachment to ideas. Bém explains Level 33’s concept (fresh beer, serious food, and wine), adapting to trends like cocktails and sustainability, retaining talent through structured HR practices, and navigating COVID without layoffs while reflecting on exits and future health-focused concepts. Martin's links: Level33 Website: https://level33.com.sg/  Level33 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level33_sg/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Intro to Martin Bém 04:13 Taking the Leap Abroad 08:34 Building Brands and Ownership 11:26 Learning to Pivot Fast 17:15 Keeping the Concept Evolving 21:21 Coping With Setbacks 31:46 Work Life Balance Reality 36:27 Next Goals and New Concepts 42:48 Social Links and Farewell