As a Veteran Dennis Guy what brought you to the beer industry?
Sammie, my wife, bought me a homebrewing kit for Christmas 2015 and I fell in love with the process. Then experiencing the atmosphere of a small neighborhood brewery, we wanted to create that for our community. So, we set off on planning to open a brewery and when we realized the amount of capital involved we pivoted to wanting to send beer in the mail. We ran into roadblocks where we again needed a substantial amount of capital just to start. Then we pivoted one last time to the model we have today where we feature a different brewery every month and focus on the story, the merchandise of the brewery and small businesses around the country that make unique items out of beer. We are so happy we landed on our current model because it does not matter where in the world you live or how old you are, since there is no alcohol.
Dennis, What brought you to military service?
Sitting on my grandfather’s porch after school hearing his tales of the Vietnam War, then 9/11 happened. I studied military science for 3 years and joined while I was a senior in high school, I felt the calling in my heart.
Since your service ended in 2014 after 8 years, have your military skills crossed over into your new career?
Yes, my leadership skills crossed over. It’s the leadership experience that helped me exponentially along the path that I am on, having started my own company. Working alongside a diverse group of men and women in the Army help my communication skills greatly.
How does your sacrifice in service to America affect your family?
They are extremely proud and see how my military service set me up with a solid foundation for success for my entire life.
As you are committed to your craft beer marketing career, what is your greatest reward in it all?
Happiness. Since I left my desk job to follow my dream of starting my own company, I have never been happier. Which was only possible with the love and support of my beautiful wife Sammie.
In one word, how do you show thankfulness?
Acknowledgement
Why is Beersgiving during Military Family Appreciation Month important to you?
It is incredibly important because it highlights the fact that none of us are alone and we all need to understand it is ok to ask for help.