Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Roth.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelsey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a media producer for 15 years before getting into the beer industry. I was no longer happy with that industry and was looking to work with something I was passionate about. I loved beer and the local beer scene here in Massachusetts and decided to focus on that. I saw that Craft Beer Cellar was hiring for a new store (their second location) in Winchester so I applied and got the job. I was able to use the tools I learned as a media producer and marketer to help build that store’s customer base and reputation. After working there for about a year, the owners moved me on to the brand team where I worked for another year and a half as their marketing and brand manager. I also coordinated events, did staff training and led outside classes and seminars.
When I heard that Matthew Steinberg was opening a new brewery and was looking for someone to head up the retail side of the brewery, it sounded like a great opportunity. I had met Matthew through my work at Craft Beer Cellar and knew that if nothing else, the beer would be good and that’s a solid platform to start on.
Since opening almost 2 years ago, my roles have changed as we have been able to add staff, hire specific managers for the different departments and grow as a company.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish it was smooth! There are always challenges, especially when changing careers. The biggest challenge was going from a senior producer position to basically starting over from scratch at the bottom of an industry. I knew very few people in the local beer scene, so I had to use all the tools in my portfolio to make a name and a reputation for myself. Also, the pay was a major step down. So my wife and I needed to adjust in that area as well. I would not be where I am without her help and support. Having her as my biggest cheerleader (and critic) has been invaluable.
Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a local craft brewery that specializes in high quality, artisanal beers. We are best known for our hop forward beers like The Cat’s Meow IPA and Hair Raiser Double IPA. But our Goody Two Shoes Kölsch received a perfect 100 Score from BeerAdvocate, and it’s the beer we are probably most proud of.
I’m most proud of the way that Matthew and I, along with our incredible staff, have quickly made a name for ourselves and a distinctive brand that stands out in the marketplace. We haven’t even been around for 2 years and we have people coming from New York, Pennsylvania and elsewhere just to come visit and try our beers.
I also love how we take the concept of beer as an art form and translate that to almost everything we do, from the collaborative art gallery in our taproom to the original bands we have play on Friday nights, to the ballet dance performances we have in the brewery. Art is everywhere and we try to celebrate it in all its forms whenever we can.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success isn’t defined by me. It’s defined by the people and community around me. Am I making this a better company? Am I making this a better industry? Am I making this a better community? If I’m affecting change for the better, then I’m being successful at what I do.
Pricing:
- Good Two Shoes Kolsch – $11 a four pack
- The Cat’s Meow IPA – $16 a four pack
- Hair Raiser DIPA – $19 a four pack
- Briefcase Porter – $14 a four pack
Contact Info:
- Address: 81 Morton Street, Framingham, MA 01702
- Website: www.exhibit-a-brewing.com
- Phone: 508-202-9297
- Email: info@exhibit-a-brewing.com
Image Credit:
Erik Kilby – personal photo
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