Jennifer Brinton | Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island owner
When you start from scratch like we did with Grey Sail in 2011, it’s really important to go in with no ego.
You have to realize quickly that you need help from people, and that there are people with experience who are not only willing to share their expertise but are available to do so.
Sometimes you take their input and use it, and sometimes you adapt it to the circumstances, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek it out.
Grey Sail’s engagement with the community reflects our belief in the phrase, “It takes a village,” but that applies to building a company, too.
When you start a business from scratch it can be a challenge to win financing or find your place in the market, so if you can tap into someone else’s knowledge to overcome one or more barriers, do it.
As I say to my kids all the time, whatever you do, make sure you do it well. And if you’re going to excel, you have to be aware of your shortcomings because you simply can’t do everything. You need to find people to play different roles.
This is particularly important in a competitive industry such as brewing, but it applies everywhere else, too. Because even if you get a second chance, there are no guarantees.
So focus on putting together a team that will make it possible for you to get it right the first time.
