Here’s a brief update on what I’ve been up to:

1. Attending all sorts of beer-related events. If it’s related to beer, I’m there. I’ve toured most of the Chicago breweries and hope to check out the new Revolution Brewing pub soon. I also purchased tickets to Night of the Living Ales happening in March.

2. Attending all sorts of entrepreneurship/business-related events. Earlier this week, the Business School at Kendall College put on a workshop for entrepreneurs. Some Northwestern Law School students were there talking about the common legal issues that entrepreneurs face when starting a business. While most of what they covered was stuff I already knew about, it did give me another perspective on incorporating as an S-corp rather than an LLC. I have been researching the best way to structure the company for almost 5 months now, and I think I’ve finally decided how I want to do it. It all depends on how I’m going to fund this venture!

3. Reading, reading, and more reading on beer, brewing, brewery history, beer news, and various business books. Last week I finished the “The History of Beer and Brewing in Chicago, Volume 2” by Bob Skilnik and have started The Wall Street Journal’s “Complete Small Business Guidebook.” by Colleen DeBlaise.

4. Continuing to talk with #beer people, business people, and anyone who wants to hear about Robey Street!

5. Working on new brew recipes. Today I’m bottling the MLK & Cookie Stout and will be trying to fit in the brew day for the Belgian Rose Witbier sometime next week.

6. Participating in a BJCP study group starting next week.

7. Continuing to fill in sections of my business plan.

8. Planning the (rescheduled from December) Robey Street Fundraising Party, tentatively scheduled for March!

I’ve taken some time to think about what I’d really like to be doing when it comes to running the business as well as some things that I will definitely need help with in the future. I am perfectly content doing whatever it takes by wearing as many hats as possible, but I do see where having someone else with complementary strengths and weaknesses will be necessary for success.

I AM someone with:

• A clear vision for the Robey Street mission and brand.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• A serious dedication to making this business come to fruition.
• A passion for learning and learning quickly to get things done.
• An eye for the big picture as well as all the details within.
• Experience working in many different industries, business types, and with people from all over the world.
• Growing knowledge about brewing and beer in general.
• A preference to be behind the scenes working on the production side.
• A realistic and practical approach to getting things done, and doing them right the first time around.
• Strong budgeting and money management skills.

I NEED someone with:

• A passion for craft beer and small business.
• Enough time to dedicate themselves fully to this endeavor.
• Start-up business experience, especially financing, putting together PPMs, etc.
• Craft beer industry experience, whether on the business side of things, on the brewing side of things, or any combination thereof.
• Experience managing small business finances.
• A desire to promote the product and brand directly with the public. A “people person” who wants to be “face” of Robey Street.
• Discipline, focus, and a positive attitude even in rough times.
• NO drug, alcohol, or other dependencies. ABSOLUTELY SERIOUS. It’s one thing to love beer, it’s another thing to overdo it.
• A clear understanding that we probably won’t be profitable for YEARS, so don’t expect to be making bank anytime soon.
• Tons of money! (Just kidding…. kinda.)

Does this describe someone you or someone you know? Remember that I’m not looking to “hire” someone, I’m looking for a business partner. An EQUAL partnership. Serious inquiries only. CONTACT ME.

Legally, I cannot establish a beer company as a non-profit entity. Basically, I’d have to establish two companies, one for-profit, and a non-profit organization. The profits from the beer company can be then passed on to the non-profit arm.

Since it usually takes most microbreweries a couple years to break even, much less, become profitable, I will just be incorporating the for-profit beer company for now. Once we become profitable, I will do one of two things:

1. Open a non-profit to utilize profits from Robey Street beer sales.

2. Make all profits from specific beers benefit various local charities and organizations.

I’ve been leaning towards the second option.

So, there’s the update. Thanks to everyone for their feedback on the previous post(s)!

So, now it’s 2010 and this year is going to be all about business. There are some major hurdles that I have to get over in order to get this brewery off the ground.

Some of the goals for Robey Street this year include:

• Find a Business Partner
• Write the Business Plan
• Get Funding
• Finalize the recipes for the first 4 beers
• Finalize the graphic design and branding for Robey Street and the beers

I GREATLY appreciate all the support I’ve received thus far and hope that craft beer fans will continue to support this endeavor. Especially those of you in Chicago. :)

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to go into greater detail about my goals listed above. I have a feeling that none of this can move forward without finding a business partner first. As much as I’d like to do this all myself, it’s just not realistic.