The Keys to Recovery for the Craft Brewing Industry in 2021, with Jason Sleeman, United Community Bank
John Ray: [00:00:00] And hello again, everyone. This is John Ray with Business RadioX. And I’m here with Jason Sleeman. Jason is with United Community Bank, and he is also an authority on the craft brewing industry. Jason, my question for you is, what are the keys to recovery for the craft brewing industry in 2021?
Jason Sleeman: [00:00:22] So, after 2020 not being such a great year for a lot of breweries, mainly because people couldn’t come and see them in the tap rooms, they’re focused on probably three things in 2021 to see that recovery. The first is watching their margins. So, because a lot of the beer that was sent out in 2020 was through package that was going out to retailers, they’re going to want to focus on trying to get some of that back into their tap room. So, selling the more profitable beer across their bar, and really trying to have people buy to go beer, and just really kind of support them at the source of manufacturing.
Jason Sleeman: [00:01:01] They’re also going to want to continue to focus on the quality beer. As people have more and more choices in 2021, the more quality that they can provide and the more unique varieties, people are going to really be flocked to their brand, and they’re just going to be really happy with what they’re going to do.
Jason Sleeman: [00:01:18] And lastly, I think they want to focus on the community. The craft beverage industry really is about camaraderie and people working together. And there’s so much industry cross collaboration that what they’re really trying to do is have the families out on the weekends and Saturdays as weather gets warmer, and really try and create that family environment. So, what they’re trying to do is really just put those three things together. They’re trying to create high profit, high quality, family-friendly environment. And that’s what’s going to be the key for their recovery in 2021.
Jason Sleeman, United Community Bank
Like many in the craft beverage business Jason Sleeman, VP of Craft Beverage Lending with United Community Bank, is following his passion. He has worked on many brewery, winery, and distillery projects, developing an understanding of the specific needs of these businesses and what roadblocks can happen in the lending process. No matter the stage, start-up, expansion, or acquisition Jason can help you deliver on your lending needs.
United Community Bank has a full service SBA and conventional lending group. They can assist with franchises, 504 lending, and general SBA 7a lending.
Jason works with his clients to be a true banking advisor, finding a win-win solution that addresses their financial needs. He introduces partners in his network to his clients, providing executive insight, strategic planning, and discussion to add value to the company.
This bio is Jason Sleeman’s personal profile; his views and opinions are his own and not that of UCBI.
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.
Listen to Jason’s full interview on Family Business Radio here.
The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.
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