The Uphill Battle: Chasing the Craft Beer Dream
Ah, the craft beer lover’s dream – to one day don the esteemed title of “Head Brewer.” For many of us, it all starts with that first sip that transports us to a whole new world of flavors, aromas, and pure unadulterated bliss. The journey, however, is far from straightforward. It’s a winding, unforgiving path filled with obstacles, setbacks, and a whole lot of perseverance.
Allow me to introduce you to Ricky Landrum, a man who’s lived and breathed this dream for the better part of a decade. His story is a testament to the grit and determination it takes to make it in the craft beer industry. Picture this – a guy working in childcare, daydreaming about the day he’d get to put his own stamp on a perfectly poured pint. Sound like a far-fetched fantasy? Well, Ricky’s here to prove that dreams can, in fact, become a reality.
The Humble Beginnings: From Craft Beer Enthusiast to Aspiring Brewer
It all began, as it so often does, with that first fateful sip. Ricky found himself immersed in the burgeoning craft beer scene of the Bay Area, frequenting renowned breweries like Russian River, Lagunitas, and Bear Republic. The captivating flavors, the artful presentations, the sense of community – it was enough to hook him for good. “I tried everything and I loved it all,” Ricky recalls. “I knew right away that I wanted to brew beer professionally.”
The only question was, how? Ricky was, after all, working a steady job in childcare, with little to no brewing experience under his belt. But with a pioneering spirit and a relentless determination, he set out to make his dream a reality. During the summer of 2013, Ricky embarked on a mission, reaching out to every local brewery he could, in search of a way to get his foot in the door.
The Internship Hustle: Learning the Ropes, One Step at a Time
Ricky’s persistence paid off, and he landed an internship at a small local brewery, where he cut his teeth in the taproom and on the delivery route. It was a humble start, but it was a start nonetheless. “I serviced their product on the shelves of my local Safeway stores between my shifts in child care, and pitched in with whatever odd jobs I could,” Ricky remembers.
It wasn’t long before Ricky’s thirst for hands-on brewing experience led him to another internship, this time at the now-defunct Working Man Brewing Company. Here, he had the chance to truly immerse himself in the craft, shadowing the brewers, learning to mill grain, clean tanks, and familiarize himself with the basics of the trade. “We were a team,” Ricky shares. “The brewers, they took me under their wing. Within a few months, I was kegging by myself and performing a bunch of the tasks without help.”
The Struggle for a Foothold: Overcoming Roadblocks and Setbacks
But as with any worthwhile pursuit, Ricky’s journey was far from smooth sailing. Despite his growing expertise and the support of his mentors, the path to a full-time brewing position proved to be a treacherous one. Time and time again, Ricky faced roadblocks and setbacks that threatened to derail his dreams.
One such hurdle came when, after nearly two years of interning, Ricky was finally offered a full-time role at the brewery. The Up and Under Pub had become his home away from home, and the thought of not having to juggle a second job anymore was exhilarating. But just as he was about to quit his day job and move in with his girlfriend, the rug was pulled out from under him. “I thought I’d made it,” Ricky laments. “I wouldn’t have to have a second job anymore, and then… well, not so much.”
Perseverance Prevails: Navigating the Obstacles, One by One
Undeterred, Ricky pressed on, taking on a warehouse gig and a bartending stint to make ends meet. His determination never wavered, and a few months later, he managed to secure the full-time brewing position he had so desperately sought. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless – $18 an hour in a city where the cost of living is 80 points higher than the national average.
Ricky’s role at Working Man Brewing grew, and within a year and a half, he was virtually running the show. Developing recipes, handling ingredient procurement, and overseeing the entire brewing process – Ricky was doing it all. But there was one last hurdle to clear: the coveted title of Head Brewer. Despite his dedication and expertise, Ricky was denied the role, as one of the owners had claimed it for himself.
The Leap of Faith: Chasing Opportunity Across State Lines
Faced with yet another setback, Ricky and his girlfriend decided to take a leap of faith. They packed up and headed to Bend, Oregon, in search of new opportunities and a fresh start. The move, however, proved to be more challenging than they had anticipated. Ricky struggled to find a brewing job, settling for a bartending gig while his girlfriend took on a lower-paying healthcare job to make ends meet.
It was a difficult time, but Ricky refused to give up on his dream. He eventually landed a brewing position at Sunriver Brewing, a respected craft beer outfit known for its exquisite IPAs. But even then, the journey was far from easy. Ricky’s late shifts and his girlfriend’s struggle to find fulfillment in her new job took a toll on their relationship and finances.
The Homecoming: A Triumphant Return to the Bay Area
Just when it seemed like Ricky’s dream was slipping away, fate intervened. He and his girlfriend decided to move back to California, where she was able to find a job with her previous employer and even earn a raise. This provided some much-needed financial stability, allowing Ricky to take a job at the renowned 21st Amendment Brewing.
It was a familiar role, but Ricky knew he still wasn’t brewing his own beer, the true passion that had driven him all these years. With a renewed sense of determination, he pressed on, advocating for himself and earning a modest pay bump. And then, just a couple of weeks into his 21st Amendment gig, Ricky received a call that would change everything.
The Breakthrough: Becoming a Head Brewer at Last
A friend had informed Ricky that a small local brewery was in need of a Head Brewer. Ricky, knowing nothing about the brewery, decided to take a chance and sent in his resume. To his surprise, the owner called him in for an interview, which just so happened to be taking place right next door to the suit shop where Ricky was shopping for an upcoming wedding.
“The owner put it like this,” Ricky recalls. “Sunriver wins awards. Can you win awards?” Ricky, never one to back down from a challenge, seized the opportunity. The negotiations were easy, and the ownership was supportive. After nearly a decade of perseverance and hard-won experience, Ricky Landrum had finally achieved his dream of becoming a Head Brewer, taking the reins at INC 82 Brewing in Dublin, California.
The Rewards of Persistence: Crafting Award-Winning Brews
And the accolades soon followed. Under Ricky’s leadership, INC 82 Brewing has earned gold and double-gold medals for its IPAs at the Denver Beer Cup, as well as a silver in Blonde Ales and a gold and silver in American Hefeweizen at the California Craft Beer Cup. “I love creating a new beer, knowing that a bunch of people are going to love it in a few weeks,” Ricky says with a smile. “I never stress about brewing because it’s always fresh and exciting.”
But the true victory, Ricky will tell you, is the life he’s been able to build for himself and his family. “The best part is the part that nobody sees,” he remarks. “I get to see my wife every day now. We have a one-year-old. We’re able to save, and we both get to work in the fields we want to. This is the best situation I could ever ask for.”
Lessons Learned: Embracing the Challenges, Celebrating the Triumphs
Ricky’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of adaptability, and the unwavering belief in one’s own dreams. Through every obstacle and setback, he never lost sight of his ultimate goal, and his determination only grew stronger with each challenge he faced.
Lesson #1: Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Lesson #2: Be Willing to Adapt and Evolve
Lesson #3: Believe in Yourself, No Matter What
As I reflect on Ricky’s story, I can’t help but feel inspired. The craft beer industry may be fiercely competitive, but with the right mindset and a whole lot of grit, the impossible can become reality. And for those of us who dream of one day donning the coveted title of Head Brewer, Ricky’s journey serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through sheer determination and an unwavering passion for the craft.
So, fellow home brewers, take heart. The road may be long and winding, but the rewards that await are worth every step. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and never lose sight of your dream. After all, as Ricky has proven, with enough perseverance, your own personal brewing brilliance can be the key to unlocking a future more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
