Washington Business Fall 2016 | Washington Business | Page 50

doing business as

Two Beers Brewing Co.
From experimenting with home-brewing in
a garage to bravely expanding operations
during the Great Recession, this brewery was
created on the belief that time is everything.
founded: 2007
headquarters: Seattle
the product: The more than 20 varieties of beer — seasonal and
year-round — are distinctly Northwest, offering a mix of styles with
something for every palate. Featuring Washington-grown hops and
Northwest grains, the company prides itself on being a community
partner, purchasing goods and services locally whenever possible. With
a host of year-round and seasonal beers available in 12-ounce cans, Two
Beers Brewing strives to create beer that’s perfect for accompanying
outdoor adventures.

two-beer conversation: Circa 2005, prior to starting Two
Beers Brewing Co., Joel VandenBrink found himself and a friend not
seeing eye-to-eye. They agreed the best way to work things out was to
go to the local watering hole. About half-way through the second beer,
they figured out what the issues were and resolved them. As they left,
VandenBrink looked at his friend and said, “I guess life is just a little
more honest after two beers.” With that, the brewery’s name was born.
170-square-feet of success:

The brewery, like many other
great start-ups, began in a garage. Small batches were made to share
with friends. Experimenting with different ingredients, one popular
concoction was a cherry-chocolate stout. The operation became licensed
in 2007 and landed in 170-square-foot space. That’s where Jive Espresso
Stout was created. Served at a local beer fest in Phinney Ridge, it picked
up the Best in Show honor.

50 association of washington business

Joel VandenBrink, founder

$17: With their popularity growing in the Seattle beer
scene, and the purchase of their first delivery vehicle, a
Chevy Astro van lovingly called “Brutus,” the time was ripe
for expansion. Or was it? Set to move to a larger space and
investors committed, the very same week in 2007 the stock
market crashed and money dried up. It took eight months to
raise enough money to expand. After the lease was signed,
security deposit and rent paid on the new space, the business’
bank account balance was $17.
connection to outdoors: The success of the business
and owner’s passion for hiking has given rise to the company’s
commitment to organizations that support the trail systems and
the outdoors throughout the state. “Wonderland Trail,” one of
the company’s beers, is named after the 93-mile trek around
Mount Rainier.

greater purpose: “One of the greatest benefits of being a
business owner is I get to take what I’m doing and use it to do
good for other organizations and people in our community.” —
Joel VandenBrink, owner of Two Beers Brewing Co. and Seattle
Cider Co.
—Bobbi Cussins