Garage to Greenwood Brewing: Megan’s Journey Building Arizona’s First Woman-Owned Brewery | EP187

Join David DeLorenzo for Episode 187 of ‘On the Delo’ as he sits down with Megan Sparks of Greenwood Brewing Company, a woman-owned craft brewery making waves in downtown Phoenix. In a raw and inspiring conversation, Megan shares her unconventional path from industrial engineer to craft beer pioneer—including her garage microbrewery phase, the gut-wrenching decision to delay her brewery opening right before the 2020 shutdown, and her determination to create an inclusive, welcoming beer community that reflects her values.From small-town Iowa roots to navigating male-dominated industries, Megan opens up about the real barriers she faced securing funding, the unique culture she's built where 80% of job applicants are women, and why mindset is the ultimate business asset. She discusses what it takes to build a beloved taproom experience, her award-winning beers including the signature Rosemary IPA, and why representation in craft brewing matters. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone seeking authentic local stories, this episode delivers powerful insights on resilience, female empowerment, and creating community through craft.Chapter Guide (Timestamps):(0:00 - 3:10) Introduction: Episode 187 and Megan Sparks of Greenwood Brewing(3:10 - 8:47) The 2020 Startup Story: Delayed Opening, COVID Shutdown, and First Principles Thinking(8:47 - 14:00) Iowa Roots and Early Entrepreneurial DNA: From Grocery Store to Industrial Engineering(14:00 - 18:30) The Homebrew Origin Story: From Birthday Gift to Garage Microbrewery(18:30 - 22:00) From Concept to Reality: Building Greenwood and Creating an Inclusive Beer Space(22:00 - 28:45) Women in Brewing: Gender Dynamics, Representation, and Breaking Down Barriers(28:45 - 32:15) Funding Journey: Why Banks Said No and Finding Support from an Unlikely Partner(32:15 - 36:50) Life as a Business Owner and Greenwood: Non-Negotiables and Balancing it All(36:50 - 41:10) Rapid Fire Round: Arizona Living, Favorite Venues, and Personal Preferences(41:10 - 45:15) The Greenwood Brewing Difference: Award-Winning Beers, Distribution, and Looking Ahead👉 If Megan's story inspired you, hit Subscribe for more conversations celebrating Arizona entrepreneurs and the people building community through passion. 💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway from Megan's journey, and share this episode with someone chasing their own dream. 📍Go support local—grab Greenwood beers at Total Wine, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Safeway, and restaurants throughout the Valley.