Sorry everyone. I know it’s been a LONG time since I last updated the blog. I swore to myself early on in this journey that I would keep the blog alive and consistent but it seems I’ve fallen short on that promise. I really wanted to chronicle, through the blog, the raw emotion experienced from buildout to opening if for no other reason than to give me perspective later down the line. Maybe I felt it would help keep me humble or maybe even grounded as things hopefully progress in the coming years. Whatever the initial reason, events have a way of distracting a person or at the very least priorities change like the wind it would seem. I know…not a great excuse but it’s all I got at the moment.
So here we are…..one month into production and weeks away from opening the tap room. I can’t believe it’s been one year since leaving my old life behind and making the decision to travel down this road. I have to say that I’ve NEVER been more physically exhausted and mentally drained. And as I’m sure most of you know, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s impossible to gather your thoughts and make rational decisions when you’re working 80+ hours a week with no sleep and it’s impossible to conjure up any energy when you’re brain keeps telling you to throw in the towel and slam down on the “easy” button. Yup….the books certainly don’t detail this side of the brewing business.
With that said, I’ve personally found strength in knowing that the whole Jailbreak team, including the families, are struggling through the same hurdles as well. These feelings and emotions aren’t exclusively my own and knowing that my team, my wife and my children are equally as affected by all this gives me just enough strength to pull my shit back together and forge ahead. Hell, I’d imagine everyone shares the same source of determination. And it’s funny as starting a business can seemingly create bubbles around each individual where each person feels that they’re giving more…..pushing harder….sacrificing more than the next person so it’s continually a test of one’s friendship to continue to empathize. The fact of the matter is that we’re all hurting and we’ve all risked equally as much in order to build this. I always try to keep that in mind inside my little bubble.
But enough of me whining because at the end of the day, that’s all it is. I truly believe we’ve assembled an amazing team of talented people with like values. We’ve successfully taken the fragments of a dream that was this brewery and reassembled it with concrete and steel and sweat and most importantly love. Yup…..I said it. The tall goofy guy with a now burly and graying beard said it. We made it with love for there could be no other driving force that might create such a perfectly simple yet deeply inspiring oasis as this. It’s not the biggest, the baddest or most state-of-the-art brewery ever created by any means but it is our own and so we cherish it.
We’re very much looking forward to sharing it with the world. Regardless of the challenges faced in getting here, there are zero regrets and I’m sure we’d all agree that we’re happier people for choosing this journey. There’s still plenty of work to be done and that work will never be over. But I personally welcome the challenges to come because at the end of the day, we’re creating then sharing a personal piece of each of us….both as individuals and a group, with the rest of the world. What can be more rewarding than that?
So to my friends and family, forgive me for my absence during all of this. I’m slowly clawing my way out of this bubble….or maybe more aptly described as my cocoon. Transformation is never easy but hopefully the best of me is yet to come.
-Justin
Justin, the rest of the team, and everyone’s families… thank you for all your hard work! It’s already paying off. I’ve seen the buzz on social media, the steady crowd that came in for growler fills, etc. Everybody’s excited, and so far the beer is certainly living up to the hype.
Believe it or not, I have a pint of Into the Dark in my hand right now. I’m finishing up my growler I picked up on Thursday. I’ve liked it more and more each day.
Again, thank you so much! It’s an honor to be a beta taster, and be a small part of such a great new venture!!
It shows Justin. It shows that you, the Jailbreak crew & their families have built this establishment with their heart & soul. As a potential client/ customer, I’ve never been treated with more respect, kindness & generosity at every encounter. I “was” a perfect stranger with similar passions, but you welcomed us like we were old friends. Here’s to new friendships!
Cheers!
Scott