We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tom Horst. Check out our conversation below.
Tom, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The brewery business can be very difficult for a variety of reasons. People see a lot of people sitting in our taprooms, having a beer, and think we’re doing incredibly well. What they don’t realize is that a couple people can sit at a table for and hour or so and only drink one or two beers each. Our average tab is only about $23, which is actually pretty good for a brewery taproom. That same couple’s tab at restaurant or retail store could be well over a hundred dollars. Yet, when almost any charity or non profit needs money, who do they come to first? The local brewery. We’re in it because it’s very rewarding, not because we’re getting rich.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started out as a professional musician and teacher. In 2010, my wife, Kristy, and I decided to start a brewery. At that time we were the only employees. Over the 15 years we’ve been in business the brewery has grown and now we have several employees. What I currently do is oversee things and help out where I’m needed. We started in our garage on a 2/3 bbl system, producing 40 bbls our first year. Now we produce over 2000 bbls and have a taproom on Main Street. Our brewery is located in a technical center and we operate on a 15 bbl system. Kristy and I love the community we’re in and the people who visit us. We have lots of stories from the past 15 years, too many to tell here, but we’re having a great time, love what we do and continue to work on creating new and interesting beers while continually increasing the quality.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Mostly I would say my dad and mom. They worked hard and expected the same from my sisters and me. I grew up in a small farming community and almost everyone worked hard – so it was just something everyone did. I think people from the midwest have that reputation. My dad gave me confidence. He just always told me I could do about anything if I put my mind to it and just assumed I could figure things out if I really wanted to.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I had gone through a hard divorce. In trying to keep the marriage going, I left a great job and moved back to the midwest in hopes that we could get things back on track. It didn’t work and I had no idea what I was going to do. My brother-in-law made me realize that one of my “qualities” (stubbornness?) was that I never gave up. After a lot of broken roads I fell into a great job and met Kristy. Sometimes you just have to keep going. Quitting just isn’t an option.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Buying the assumption that money and power can make you happy. Happiness comes from doing things for people we care about – it makes us feel good and when we feel good (along with a nice beer) we’re happiest.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalspringsbrewing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalspringsbrewing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crystal-springs-brewing-company
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal%20Springs%20Brewing%20Company/1683347888565802/
Image Credits
Crystal Springs Brewing Company
