Meet Lisa Wolters and Nate Cornett of Yellow Springs Brewery - Heart of the Business
An interview with Founder Lisa Wolter and cofounder Nate Cornett
Cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Pictured: Founder Lisa Wolter and cofounder Nate Cornett
http://yellowspringsbrewery.comHow did your story Begin? What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Yellow Springs Brewery started with Nate’s home-brewing adventures. He has always enjoyed sharing his brews with friends and neighbors, and opening a brewery felt like the natural next step. Lisa was equally excited about the idea and saw it as the perfect opportunity to put her marketing and design skills to work in their new venture.
What do you love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs?
We truly enjoy working together every day and sharing our love of beer with the community
What products, services, or experiences of yours do people love most, and why are they special to you?
Boat Show IPA is by far our most popular beer! We call it the “gateway IPA” because so many people fall in love with it, even those who don’t usually consider themselves fans of hoppy beers.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
This year’s biggest challenge is tied directly to the state of the economy. More folks are choosing to socialize at home to save money, which means they aren’t visiting local establishments as often. Our challenge is to encourage people to stop by the taproom regularly and remind them what makes the experience special.
“We live right here in Yellow Springs and do our best to be a valuable part of this interesting and unique community.“
When you’re not at your business, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
We love the rotating menu at The Winds!
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
We live right here in Yellow Springs and do our best to be a valuable part of this interesting and unique community.
What are the top three things you love most about being a small business owner?
Being in Yellow Springs, meeting the wide variety of people who shop here, and being surrounded by the happiness and positivity that fills the village.
What is the mission or heart behind your business—the “why” that keeps you going?
We aim to produce exceptional craft beer in an artistic and mindful environment. We strive to stay thoughtful about our customers, our products, and every member of our brewery staff.
What’s something else that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
Just a few months after opening in April 2013, we actually had to close for 10 days because we ran out of beer. We had no idea how thirsty Yellow Springs (and the surrounding area) really was!
In addition to running this small business, what other hats do you wear?
There isn’t much extra time, but Lisa enjoys working in her clay studio whenever she gets the chance.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with a customer or client that has stayed with you?
Hearing someone exclaim about how beautiful a piece of art is, those spontaneous moments of joy really stay with us.
Yellow Springs Brewery prominently features local art through its “Art + Ales” series, with rotating exhibits displayed on the walls of its taproom, offering a continuous flow of different artists and styles, from paintings to unique craft pieces, available for viewing and purchase.
How many people does your business employ?
Between our Yellow Springs location and our Columbus taproom, we employ around 45 people.
How long have you been in business?
We opened our doors in April 2013.
For over 12 years, Yellow Springs Brewery has been crafting exceptional beer and building community in the village. Founded by Nate and Lisa, the brewery grew from Nate’s home-brewing passion and Lisa’s design and marketing talent. Their Boat Show IPA quickly became a local favorite, so popular that they briefly ran out of beer just months after opening.
Their mission is simple: create artful, mindful craft beer while staying connected to the community they call home. Today, the brewery employs around 45 people across their Yellow Springs and Columbus locations.
Learn more at yellowspringsbrewery.com.
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
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