Anne Linehan
Read about the perspective of Anne Linehan at Brocklebank Craft Brewing to help you on your search and interview process!
Sometimes working in the beer industry our jobs require us to wear a lot of hats, check out all the amazing things Anne has accomplished!
What is your brewery story? / How did you find yourself working in the beer industry?
My husband Ben and I opened Brocklebank Craft Brewing in 2015 after he had been a homebrewer for a long time. It’s a side-gig for both of us, a tiny operation open on Fridays and Saturdays.
What is your role at the brewery?
Ben is the brewer and I am the “everything-else-er.” I run the taproom, manage the books and permits, order merch, plan our events, and manage the website and social media. Sometimes I design our beer labels – I like to make cut-paper collages for the labels.
What are the top things you would look for in hiring someone at your brewery?
Someone who loves talking to people in the taproom, and doesn’t mind pitching in wherever help is needed.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love our regulars! Many of them have become good friends over the past 9 years. I also enjoy meeting the new people who come in from all over Vermont and beyond. It’s fun to introduce people to craft beer, when they think they only like the lightest possible beer and then they walk out of the brewery with a 4-pack of stout. And I love the beer.
What is the hardest part of your job?
I have a full-time day job at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The day job plus the brewery can make for a long week.
How have you seen your role develop?
We are a small brewery and have always intended to stay small, so my role hasn’t changed much. I started the Vermont Nanobrewery Festival (NanoFest) and that has grown into a big annual event. I never would have expected to be an event planner, but here I am!
What is a typical day like for you?
Greeting customers, keeping the beer flowing, keeping the taproom tidy, managing sales.
What would you recommend to someone who is hoping to work for a brewery in your field?
Learn about different beer styles to help people find beers that they enjoy. Feel comfortable talking to all kinds of people. Be resourceful – if you work at a small brewery, you’ll do a little bit of everything.
