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