In 2023, beer became the most popular alcoholic drink in the U. S., with a market estimated at
$74 billion. So perhaps it’s no surprise that in recent years an increasing number of businesses have taken to the keg. A
recent article by The Conversation reports that since 2015 the number of American craft breweries have doubled. This rise in popularity is in part explained by craft beer’s power to foster community, which is greater than any of its corporate competitors. To understand this phenomenon, we speak with Kaitlynn and Nate Kressin, owners of
Just Tap’d and
Fall Line Brewery.
Nate and Kaitlynn are partners in business and life. Together, they've built three craft beer establishments in their beloved city of Macon, Georgia. Today, the pair runs a lively taproom and restaurant, and a brewery where they craft their products in-house and host local events. From opening their first storefront to distributing beer across the entire state of Georgia, they have built their thriving multi-shop business on love, teamwork and community.
Today, the Kressins tell us how they have made all their craft beer dreams come true. They shine a spotlight on their homemade business strategy; revealing what to look for in a business partner, how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship, what a local community can do for your company… And of course, they share their secret to a good pint.
Get ready for an episode brewed with love, and hop on the beer wagon with Patrick, Kaitlynn and Nate!
Highlights:
- Opening Just Tap’d and Nate’s journey into craft beer (2:06)
- When Nate meets Kaitlynn: building a partnership (4:02)
- Marriage and business as a juggling act (7:02)
- Strategies to design professional and personal spaces (9:13)
- In business together, for better or for worse! (11:12)
- Launching Fall Line Brewery Co in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic (13:48)
- Adapting to challenges: new distribution strategies (15:14)
- Looking at Fall Line Brewery Co today (17:01)
- How to make good beer with Nate Kressin (19:04)
- Role models and team building in business ownership (21:27)
- Community engagement with Kaitlynn Kressin (23:37)
- The Kressins’ impact on the local economy (25:14)
- Championing Macon beyond its borders (27:14)
- Community and adaptability: the pillars of a local success (29:07)
Links:
If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, Natalie.Barron@cadencebank.com, Eydie.Pengelly@cadencebank.com, or danielle.kernell@cadencebank.com.
What is In Good Companies?
Starting and running a business or managing one isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re balancing internal and external forces in a continually changing landscape. This is where Cadence Bank’s In Good Companies comes in. We share our wealth of knowledge–and insights from noted industry experts–to guide you through the forces shaping business today.
It’s hosted by Patrick Pacheco, an EVP and President of Cadence Asset Management and Trust, who has more than 25 years’ experience and is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. He leads discussions with business owners and subject matter experts about how they’re tackling business challenges like:
● What are ways to grow my business without growing my debt?
● How can I turn my data into meaningful information?
● Why is company culture more important than ever?
It’s information you need, in one place, in under 30 minutes. More than 250,000 listeners tune in each week. Shouldn’t you?
ABOUT OUR HOST
With more than 25 years’ experience in wealth management for business clients and a penchant for hosting, Patrick Pacheco is an EVP and president of Cadence Asset Management and Trust, and presenter of the bank’s In Good Companies podcast, now in its fourth season.
His background features years of legal practice and multiple degrees, including a Master of Taxation from University of Houston, a law degree from Southern Methodist University, and both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Economics from University of Texas at Arlington.
Pacheco describes himself as a lifelong learner and someone who loves asking questions–probably the ones you’re thinking about too. He’s especially excited about season four because of the diversity of topics and guests who will not only share their wealth of knowledge, but listeners will also get tips and tricks they can use in their own businesses, careers and professional lives.