RE: What I've Learned (Bill Butcher)

I was pleased to see that Bill Butcher mentioned people as integral to a craft brewery's operation, ("What I've Learned." American Brewer Vol. 30, Number 1). Unlike equipment and ingredients, where all you need is to purchase them and plug, or dump, them in, people are dynamic and unique. It is wise to hire people who share your vision, but it is of utmost importance to take care of your most important factor.People disagree, they tend to argue or push things under the rug until a lump starts to show, and they have lives outside of work. These things, and more, affect your brewing and business. We have seen this with many clients; teamwork deteriorates through disagreements, ineffective communication, and wrinkles  in home life. There is much focus on the technicalities, legal aspects, and business models of brewing, but precious little on the development, enrichment and safeguarding of the people in brewing. ---------------------------------------------