The Financial Playbook for Profitable Breweries

The Financial Playbook for Profitable Breweries

Author: Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast May 15, 2026 Duration: 58:07
In this episode, Jake Lohse and I break down “The Financial Playbook for Profitable Breweries” - a practical framework for brewery owners who want to move beyond survival mode and build a more profitable, financially disciplined business. The conversation explores the financial realities of running a brewery, the key metrics that matter at each stage of growth, and the systems, dashboards, and routines that successful breweries use to make smarter decisions. From cash flow forecas...

For brewery owners, operators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, the financial side of the business can feel like a foreign language. The Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast translates that complexity into actionable knowledge. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical, episode-by-episode guide to building a financially resilient craft beverage business. You'll hear straightforward discussions on creating realistic budgets, understanding cash flow cycles specific to production, and interpreting key performance indicators that actually matter on the brewhouse floor. We explore the nuances of pricing your beer for both profitability and market appeal, managing inventory costs, and making smart capital investments for growth. Each session is designed to demystify the numbers behind the passion, offering clarity on everything from daily bookkeeping practices to long-term financial planning. Tune in for a direct, no-nonsense approach to the business fundamentals that allow the art of brewing to thrive. The Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast is your ongoing resource for developing the financial acumen essential in today's competitive market, ensuring your focus can remain on crafting great beer while building a sustainable enterprise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast
Podcast Episodes
A Practical Guide to Brewery COGS & Margins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:16
In this episode, we break down what really belongs in COGS, how to read gross margin correctly, and how to dig deeper to uncover hidden margin leaks. If you want stronger cash flow, smarter pricing, and better decisions,…
7 Financial Red Flags That Predict Brewery Trouble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
In this episode, we dig into how financial trouble usually shows up months before it becomes a crisis, and why so many owners and managers miss the warning signs. When you’re busy fighting daily fires, reviewing financia…
Brewery Budget Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:28
In today's podcast we cover the basics of brewery budgeting, keys to success and 3 simple steps to get started building your plan today. Key Topics Budget questions: Who, what, where, why, when and howCommon obstacles an…
How Lawson’s Finest Liquids Scaled With Plans, Numbers, And Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
Today, I sit down with Sean Lawson the founder behind Sip of Sunshine to unpack how careful planning, advisory boards, and a purpose-first mindset can carry a brewery through hypergrowth, supply shocks, and a once-in-a-c…
Inside Athletic Brewing’s Playbook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
What does it take to scale from a bold idea to a beverage category leader? We sit down with Athletic Brewing’s CFO Evan Zawatsky and communications leader Chris Furnari to dig into the decisions that powered Athletic’s r…
Brewery R&D Tax Credits, Demystified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
In today's podcast we show how breweries can turn recipe development and process innovation into real cash using the federal R&D tax credit, plus a clear path to claim refunds retroactively. Maggie Crowley and Devin Medr…
How Breweries Can Use Workforce Grants To Boost Profit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:31
In today's podcast we lay out a simple path for Massachusetts breweries to use the Workforce Training Fund Express program for up to 100% reimbursement on financial training. From eligibility to application steps, we rev…
How to Build a Profitable Brewery Membership Program [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:41
In today's podcast, Ross Stensrud from Tapwyse shares how craft breweries turn memberships, flash rewards, and push messages into recurring revenue and reliable taproom traffic. Real data from 100+ brewery apps shows why…