Navigating the complex waters of brewery financing is no small feat. From choosing the right funding options to making strategic decisions based on projections, there’s a lot to consider. Join industry experts Tom Williams and Jeremiah Johnson as they demystify the process, share their firsthand experiences, and provide tools for sound decision-making. Drawing upon Tom’s extensive experience with providing funding to more than 1,000 breweries and both presenters’ roles as brewery owners, attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of debt and financial considerations specific to the brewing industry.

Learning Objectives

• Dive deep into the myriad of funding options available, helping you make informed choices that align with your brewery’s needs
• Unpack the essentials of goal setting for funding, equipment procurement, and growth, ensuring alignment with your brewery’s long-term vision
• Learn to set realistic projections, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), determine essential budget figures, and strategize for unforeseen contingencies
• Decode the logistics of brewery expansion and understand how to phase growth, anticipate equipment needs, and ensure a market for your product post-expansion
• Engage with Tom and Jeremiah directly in a Q&A session, delving deeper into specific questions on your unique challenges

About the Speakers

Jeremiah Johnson, Owner

Jeremiah Johnson Brewing

Jeremiah Johnson earned his degree in business marketing from Montana State University before embarking on a successful career path that led him from marketing and sales to economic development and real estate development. Although Jeremiah was enjoying a rewarding career, he couldn’t shake his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. An opportunity arose when a local brewery owner was looking to sell. Jeremiah seized the opportunity and in 2017, he and his wife, Katherine (Katie), took on the challenge of purchasing the assets of that local brewery and began work on creating their own brand.

Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company quickly grew from localized Montana distribution to distribution in 11 states. Since the beginning, Jeremiah and Katie have not only grown distribution but have also diversified their business by opening a Jeremiah Johnson taproom in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2019 and a second 10-barrel brewing operation with a partner restaurant, Blackstar, in Whitefish, Montana in 2022.

Their goal is to brew world-class, no-nonsense beer that highlights Montana-grown barley and other local ingredients. Jeremiah and Katie have a daughter, Estella, who is getting involved in the family business through a new soda brand they have begun working on.

Tom Williams, Owner

St. Pete Brewing Co. & ELEASE

J. Thomas “Tom” Williams is an entrepreneur at heart, driving success in every venture he’s been a part of. Tom is the proud owner of St. Pete Brewing Co. and ELEASE, which includes the innovative Keg Connect department. Under his leadership, they’ve assisted more than 1,000 breweries with keg leasing, sales, equipment funding, and working capital loans.

Thomas graduated from the Peddie School and earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Boston University in 1994. His business acumen is further evidenced by his involvement with the Ernst & Young “Ernie” Project. Moreover, he founded two companies: Cold Fusion Sports (Fusion.com), an e-commerce platform that was later acquired by Action Sports in Minnesota in 2000, and LeaseExchange, honored by Red Herring as one of the “Top 10 Technology Companies to Watch” in 2000.

In 2001, his first venture, Paragon Capital, acquired the ELEASE brand from Idealabs and licensed the software from LeaseExchange. ELEASE has since been acknowledged as a frontrunner in the industry. Above all, Thomas is deeply committed to supporting small businesses and promoting self-employment, a passion that led him to be inducted into the Leasing Hall of Fame by Lessors.