Drink Comfortably

I cover a lot of ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and grand openings because of my job. I have to admit I have always wanted to be "important" enough to hold those huge gold scissors and snip the yellow tape, red bow or decorative string in two. Although I have covered many of these events it wasn't until this past weekend that I really understood why people have this ceremonial "ritual".

Three guys I have known for twenty years opened their own business this weekend. It has taken several years for their brewery to come to fruition, but it seems it was always destined to be. I had the pleasure of working with these gentlemen (a term I use loosely) early on in my career and although a mischievous sense of humor can overpower their other human qualities, their dedication to hard work always shined through.

Working at a small town television station you find out who has what it takes to make it in this rough and tumble world. Long hours, ancient equipment, low pay - these are the things that try a person's mettle. But these guys would never shirk from helping a person when they were in a jam and ALWAYS left you with a laugh for the road.

Seeing their establishment up close and personal was truly a memorable moment. These guys worked so hard and completely transformed what was once a dismal, empty space. Dry wall, painting, laying cement -  these three left their blood (literally), sweat and tears all over this brewery and it is a marvel to see what they were able to do.

I never really thought of all the decisions that go into starting a new business until I saw their place. All the pieces that had to be acquired, the furniture, the bar, the lighting fixtures. This labor of love came together slowly and the investment of time and money is overwhelming. It is such a gamble to go out and try to put your mark on the business world. It is certainly not a venture for the faint of heart but for these three, it is a mission they have no choice but to make successful.

The most telling part of this story is the fact that the threesome was originally a foursome. One of the partners died tragically two years ago. The sudden loss of the driving force behind this venture could have been the end to the dream, but that was not an option. Honoring their friend, by providing great beer to the masses in a comfortable setting, was going to be a reality - no matter what it took.

There is a shadowbox behind the bar which contains an embroidered shirt for the silent partner who inspired this journey. He lives on each day the brewery is open, in every toast that is toasted, and in every growler that is emptied.

It is these kind of stories that make a ribbon cutting day one to savor. Yeah, it is nice to see the photo op, it is fun to hear the snip of the scissors and cheers of hurray, but it is important to reflect on the moments along the way that inspired people to take a chance and go for it.

I have always liked Franklin Delano Roosevelt's quote, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." But for these guys the quote would go - there is no fear just drink beer!