Heather Kraemer
Read about the perspective of Heather, a co-owner of Kraemer & Kin Brewery, to help you on your search and interview process!
What is your brewery story?
Kraemer & Kin is a family business, born from fireside chats after long days of late August hop picking by hand in North Hero—thirsty work, of course. Our labor was rewarded by sipping on kegs of Levi [Kraemer]’s homebrew. Those hop harvest weeks were rich in small-scale agriculture, steeped in the appreciation of family and soaked in good beer. Absolutely wonderful.
What is your role at the brewery?
We are lucky to have three owners. Over the last six years, roles have shifted as needed annually, but I primarily work in our service space, looking after our retail taproom and pizza program in North Hero and stewarding various aspects of digital marketing.
What are the top things you would look for in hiring?
A positive attitude and a strong work ethic go a long way. The ability to think critically and work collaboratively within a team. Experience is a bonus, but an appreciation for beer is required!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Fostering connective experiences, whether through conversation, space, product or community.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Time management; long lists when there are only so many hours in a day.
How have you seen your role grow?
My role has evolved; in the early years (not that long ago) we did everything that needed doing, sometimes twice, always learning. Now, we have a small but incredible team that shoulders many responsibilities, helping us grow sustainably. This infusion of effort helps me focus more on my tasks at hand.
What is a typical day like for you?
Haha, typical! While there is a general cadence, it is mostly administrative and supports our taproom and wood-fired pizza service. Each day feels anew, bringing its own challenges to solve and wins to appreciate.
What is one thing you would recommend to someone who is hoping to work your position at a brewery?
Apply! Or talk with us; we are a small, accessible team that is always growing in some way. Initial placement at a company you like and want to work for might not always look like your dream job, but is there room for role mobility? A seat at the table can get you started on that trajectory. We value teamwork, collaboration and improving the world around us.
Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Kraemer & Kin is a small, family brewery in a rural, seasonally driven area. The winters are tough, not just for us, but for most folks. Breweries, like most small businesses, face numerous challenges that lack easy, quick or affordable solutions. It can feel bleak and demoralizing at times, especially given the national industry downturn. But that’s where passion and thoughtful strategy, driven by the strength of our ownership and team, continue to shine; up the mountain we go! We wholeheartedly believe in the products we create, and creativity continues to flow for much more. Now in our seventh year, we have made it this far; still hungry to grow, create, and build community as we go.
