How a Charlotte entrepreneur traded corporate banking for craft beer — and built a thriving brewery in the Carolinas.
Watch the full interview with Chris Goulet, Managing Partner of Birdsong Brewing Company in Charlotte, NC, as he shares how he made the leap from corporate banking to the Carolina craft beer industry — and what it takes to run a small business with heart.
Episode Overview
In this episode of Real Business, LifeTime Lessons, Chris Goulet joins host Aubrey E Fitzloff to talk about:
- Making the leap from corporate banking to a passion-driven career
- How collaboration fuels growth in the craft beer community
- Leadership lessons unique to brewery management
- Why communication and team alignment are non-negotiable
- Navigating local regulations and small business challenges
- The financial and emotional investment of entrepreneurship
- Insights on the future of craft beer in the Carolinas
Whether you’re an aspiring brewer, a small business owner, or simply curious about what it takes to grow a passion project into a thriving brand, you’ll find actionable insights and inspiration in this conversation.
Key Takeaways from Chris Goulet
- Transitioned from corporate banking to craft brewing.
- Believes the craft beer industry thrives on collaboration and support.
- Says leadership in brewing requires unique management approaches.
- Stresses that effective communication is crucial for team alignment.
- Shares that brewery operations involve complex logistics and finance.
- Notes that local regulations can be challenging for small businesses.
- Cautions that emotional investment in a business can be draining.
- Observes that the craft beer industry is experiencing a consolidation phase.
- Advises aspiring brewers to know their numbers and costs.
- Proves that switching to a passion-driven career is possible and rewarding.
Resources & Links
📚 Leadership book recommendation: Ben & Jerry’s: The Inside Scoop by Fred “Chico” Lager
🍺 Connect with Chris:
