Why Start Final Draft Taphouse?
Kimberly
Because I love craft beer and everything it represents! And I believe beer will save the world! [Insert photo with quote on it]. Haha, I know that sounds funny but thus far it’s saved mine so I’m going with that and here’s why. I moved to the Pacific Northwest almost four years ago to change my life. I’ve always loved beer and I knew I wanted to do something in the craft beer industry. One day it donned on me while sipping a flight of 24 at Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon, I’m going to explore craft beer in the Pacific Northwest and seek out adventures and write about it. I’ve always written blogs and frankly always wanted to have the time to write a ‘travel’ blog so finally in my new life, I was demonstrated to do what I loved and share my experiences with others through writing and create a purpose for my desire to try craft beer and travel in my new home!
As I did just that and met people in the craft beer industry, I started working craft beer at Ex Novo Brewing and a few other breweries…Deschutes, Fat Head’s Brewery. Through my work and my blog, I learned more and more about craft beer, brewing, and the overall community. I was immediately overwhelmed with the joy of it all and was taken back by the pure awesomeness of the community. Craft beer people are generous and kind, and collaborative and willing to help each other, even though they are seemingly competitors in a sense. Craft beer people are social and passionate and often have stories similar to mine…once did something else for a career, were burned out or wanted to become entrepreneurs and finally took the plunge, and got into the craft beer industry. Not to mention, craft beer people are chill and love to gather over a pint, and love trying new things, are adventurous, and welcoming and caring.
From learning about what the craft beer community was all about, I was hooked. I often said…I don’t what to work in another industry! And, I’ve always dreamt of having my own full-time business. So when Mike and I met, and starting dreaming up life dreams and goals together, it was a no-brainer. Soon after, the idea and the means for Final Draft Taphouse presented themselves. It was a true blessing really. It felt like all my dreams were coming true. Combining my passion of craft beer and bringing people together in community are really what I believe I can offer the world! Oh, and some other things that my hope is will come through more clearly out in the creation of Final Draft and what we offer up in an experience and experiences while at the taphouse! So while this taphouse and this industry and the people who drink craft beer have ‘saved’ me and offered me a whole new life/world to bloom in, my hope is that we/our taphouse can be that for someone else!
Mike
There was one particular day while I sat in a tiny brewery in Missoula, Montana that I will never forget. As I put down my almost empty pint of Bayern Doppelbock, I looked around and saw everyone gathered around drinking beer, having a great time and enjoying the moment. This “moment” I realized that beer is powerful and does great things. Beer brings people together, bringing people together creates friendship and happiness. At this moment, I was truly happy. At this moment in this tiny brewery, I fell in love with beer and what it can do!
Falling in love with beer completely changed my career path and life. I immediately wanted to find a job in the beer industry. I had no experience in the industry and had to start with an entry-level job stocking shelves with Columbia Distribution. Let’s just say…I didn’t love it. However, I knew it was the only way. I slowly shuffled up the ranks and was selling beer in a year or so. Though I loved my co-workers and the company, I wasn’t yet truly happy. After I parted ways with Columbia Distribution, I started working at a couple of small breweries just like the one I fell in love with beer in. I’ve been working at Oregon City Brewery and Fortside Brewing, and life could not be more awesome! I am surrounded by great people, great times and great beer! The beer community is truly amazing, and I will never leave it. After all, beer brought Kimberly and I together. I met the love of my life because of beer. Awesome!!!
We both share the same love and passion for beer and the craft-beer community. We want to always be surrounded by great people and great times and great beer. So we decided to open a FREAKING taphouse! It only makes sense for us. We would be doing this regardless! My hope with Final Draft Taphouse is that more people can drink great beer, meet awesome people, have a rad time and fall in love with beer like I did in that tiny brewery in Missoula, Montana almost 15 years ago.