Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

—

In this episode we sit down with Brad Fitzgerald of Swellsa Brewing about building a modern craft staple in the heart of Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina. From navigating the unique challenges of the Outer Banks to winning a World Beer Cup gold medal, Swellsa has been creating a community hub that thrives in a "feast or famine" tourist economy.

Some highlights include:

• Why skipping a kitchen to maintain local restaurant partnerships could be a move for breweries who are hesitant to have their own in-house food program
• How Swellsa scales for summers that jump from a local annual population of 7k to over 40k
• What skipping a traditional distribution strategy looks like when scaling in 2026 (and what to do instead)

From navigating coastal logistics to launching a hemp-derived beverage brand, Brad’s "move fast" mentality is a masterclass in modern brewery scaling. There is a lot packed into this episode for owners looking to grow their business in 2026.

Follow Swellsa and Duck Dive Bar on Instagram: @swellsa_brewing or @duckdivebar
Visit their website: https://www.swellsabrewing.com

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Warren Bondi, the co-founder of Wood Foot Beer Co. in Fort Walton Beach and the founder of marketing agency Beer Marketeers. With a background spanning from stocking shelves for major distributors to serving as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Warren brings a unique 360-degree perspective on how to move product in craft today.

Highlights include:

• Why small systems (like a five-barrel brewhouse) allows greater control without distribution headaches
• How multi-day events and pop-ups drive massive sales through community experiences
• Why you should stop "boosting" your posts and start using an Ads Manager to see real results

Whether you are struggling with a "quiet" brand or trying to decide if table service is ruining your reviews, this conversation is filled with tips and tricks for the modern brewery.

Visit the Wood Foot Beer Co. website: https://woodfoot.beer
Follow them on Instagram: @woodfootbeer

Visit the Beer Marketeers website: https://www.beermarketeers.com
Follow them on Instagram: @beermarketeers

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

—

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we are sitting down with Hannah Ison of Zeroday Brewing Company and the Brewers of Pennsylvania to discuss the evolving definition of a craft brewery. We explore why leaning into the "beverage manufacturer" label might be the move in reaching new demographics and how offering variety—from hand-chopped ginger beer to hop water—is becoming an industry standard.

Highlights include:

• The logistical reality of managing production scheduling and guild leadership while raising a daughter as a single mother
• How to navigate wholesaler acquisitions and the transition from a self-distribution model
• Why collaboration and brewery co-ops are unlocking potential for businesses with limited resources

This episode offers a grounded look at the grit required to keep a brewery running in 2026 when the traditional "let's grab a beer" culture is shifting. Whether you’re interested in diversifying your taproom lineup or want to hear how the "survival of the fittest" is playing out in the Mid-Atlantic, Hannah’s perspective as both a brewer and an executive provides unique insight for the modern age.

Visit the Zeroday Brewing Co. website: https://zerodaybrewing.com
Visit the Brewers of Pennsylvania website: https://www.brewersofpa.org
Follow Hannah on Instagram: @beermakingmama