Jeremy Tofte

Always pay it forward. Give back as much as you can. Don’t do it expecting something in return.

 

Few people can simply stand by while the beer market becomes oversaturated with bad, questionable brews. Jeremy Tofte is one of those individuals who aim to help improve the craft beer industry with his ingenious brews. Jeremy has known since college high school that his calling was to claim his stake in the craft beer world. He has accomplished a lot of goals in such a short amount of time. His craft beer company Melvin Brewing has been receiving with critical acclaim for their brews and services that they provide to their customers. However, this would only be the beginning of Jeremy’s personal journey.

Jeremy strongly believes in the value of teamwork. He owes it all to his colleagues when it comes to receiving praise for the success of their company. Honesty is another integral ingredient to success that Jeremy lives by. Owning up to your mistakes is crucial to improving. Melvin Brewing gives back to the community as often as possible by hosting fundraisers and other events. It is almost unbelievable to imagine that such a successful company started in a Thai restaurant around two decades ago. The future is bright for Jeremy and his team.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

There was an incredibly small craft brewing scene in Jackson, WY over ten years ago. I wanted to bring some different brews to our local scene. This would be the motivating factor that would lead me to create our company.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I’m always up at 6 a.m. It doesn’t matter if I went out drinking the night before. I always have to push through any hangover that I am experiencing. I have my cups of coffee matcha and begin checking emails while riding the stationary bike for an hour. Then I go over our daily operation to-do list to ensure that everything is running efficiently and spend the day on calls and in meetings. We like to have “think tank” meetings in the evening with a couple of beers to come up with new ideas.

How do you bring ideas to life?

The most important thing that anyone can do is to believe in your ideas. This will subconsciously motivate you to do everything in your power to bring your ideas to life. Everything else is just arbitrary.

What’s one trend that excites you?

A lot of smaller craft breweries are beginning to decline offers from big breweries. They wish to remain independent and not controlled by a corporation. This independence is something we strive for, and it excites me.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I always like to receive feedback from my community. Hearing their input helps keep me on my A-game whenever I am at it each day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Always listen to your elders.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

If you make the delicious, expensive beer because you don’t cut corners, people will buy it.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Always pay it forward. Give back as much as you can. Don’t do it expecting something in return.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Word of mouth marketing is powerful. We spend a lot of time marketing ourselves in the area by going to local events. You’d be surprised at the turnout that we get just by doing this.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Wanting too much too soon. We experienced financial hardships in the beginning because I pushed too hard. I learned from it and allowed organic growth to happen.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Find some partners to start a Mexican restaurant with all Mexican style beers! I get 5%.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Took my friends out for a tasting event and got to experience some new brews that are being made right here in the area. It was absolutely worth it.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use Google docs for everything. There are so many files on my profile that I might have to upgrade soon.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Read Traction by Gino Wickman. This book will change your life.

What is your favorite quote?

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I live by this philosophy.

Key Learnings:

● Always give back to the community.
● Challenge yourself more.
● Always take care of your employees, and they will take care of you.

Connect:

melvinbrewing.com