How Community Building Plays a Huge Role in Enabling Business Success With Broken Clock Brewing’s Jeremy Mathison

SUMMARY: Broken Clock Brewing is a co-op brewery in Northeast Minneapolis that was founded with the goal of giving people a voice and creating a business that had meaning and community. The idea for the brewery came after the founders decided to create a co-op first, and then realized that a brewery would be a natural fit. They faced challenges in raising money and navigating the co-op structure, but were able to build a strong community of member owners. The brewery initially struggled to make money and had to rely on wholesale sales, but eventually found success and expanded into a taproom. The founders emphasized the importance of trust and communication in managing a co-op and making decisions as a team. Broken Clock Brewery has grown from a small community-focused brewery to a thriving business in Northeast Minneapolis. They have learned valuable lessons along the way, such as the importance of taking a slower approach to growth and being mindful of financial decisions. The vision for Broken Clock is to continue supporting and engaging with the community through events and partnerships with nonprofits. They are also expanding their offerings to include non-alcoholic options and exploring new ideas inspired by music. The brewery values community involvement and offers opportunities for members to have a voice in the business. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Broken Clock Brewing was founded with the goal of giving people a voice and creating a business that had meaning and community. The brewery initially struggled to make money and had to rely on wholesale sales, but eventually found success and expanded into a taproom. Managing a co-op requires trust and effective communication to ensure that everyone's ideas are heard and considered. Building a strong community of member owners is crucial for the success of a co-op brewery. Taking a slower approach to growth and being mindful of financial decisions can have long-term benefits for a business. Engaging with the community and supporting local organizations can create a positive impact and build strong relationships. Expanding offerings to include non-alcoholic options and exploring new ideas can attract a wider audience. Involving community members in decision-making and seeking their input can lead to innovative ideas and a sense of ownership. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Broken Clock Brewing 01:03 The Why Behind Broken Clock Brewing 02:02 Starting with a Co-op Model 09:41 The Power of Community and Collaboration 12:34 Managing Ideas and Emotions in a Co-op 19:17 Building a Strong Community of Member Owners 21:38 The Novelty and Success of a Co-op Brewery 24:29 Lessons Learned: Taking a Slow Approach to Growth 28:10 Community Engagement: Supporting and Partnering with Nonprofits 29:07 Expanding Offerings: Non-Alcoholic Options and Music-Inspired Ideas 35:54 Involving the Community: Giving Members a Voice GUEST RESOURCES: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.mathison.5 Linkedin - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mathison-36784140/⁠