We recently had the chance to connect with Jon Powell and have shared our conversation below.
Jon, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Playing guitar. While I know I am not good enough to play professionally, I still love to practice and learn. I could honestly play for hours and have to set time limits since I have other things that I need to tend to.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jon Powell and I am the co-founder of Hop and Sting Brewing Company. My business partner and I are both professional brewers that had the opportunity to buy the facility that once housed Grapevine Craft Brewery, which was a brewery that we both worked for.
Our brewery was not started by raising large amounts of investment or loans. We simply were offered an opportunity to buy the facility on credit. With limited funds, we essentially ran our business “paycheck to paycheck” for the first couple years.
Thankfully, we are both very experienced in brewing operations and were able to handle most of the beer production ourselves, while learning how to run a business. We like to say that we are 100% Brewer Owned and Operated, which is normally not the case for most breweries these days.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I don’t think there was a single person. I have seen many people who work hard at so many different types of jobs and tasks. I am a firm believer in consistent effort and constant learning and improvement.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, with this brewery! The first couple years we were always worrying about having enough money to cover expenses. Right when we thought we were turning a corner, COVID happened. Even since then, we have had to re-think and re-form our organization and operations.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Pretty much. One of the reasons I got into the brewing industry was because I felt like I could be myself. I don’t like wearing nice clothes or worrying about my appearance in general, so a hot, humid, dirty environment was perfect for me. I like to work hard and implement processes to get a job done in the best way possible.
I also enjoy the pub culture. Still to this day, you can find me in our taproom enjoying the company of our regulars and a cold beer. I end up having conversations with plenty of strangers, some who become friends. I like an environment where it’s almost expected to start conversations with complete strangers.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Playing guitar. I practice just for myself and have no intention of playing in front of anyone. Just a great escape for me to focus and be in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopandsting.com
- Instagram: @hopandsting
- Twitter: @hopandsting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hop-and-Sting-Brewing-Co-100090143612624/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hop-and-sting-brewing-company-grapevine
