Meet Chad Fegely | Operations Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chad Fegely and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chad, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I saw a need in the brewing and distilling industries for operations to run more effectively. Most breweries you walk in, they have beer whether it is 6 or 18 taps, you think wow they have it going on…but in reality it takes a whole heck of a lot to get the beer into the retail pint for the customer to enjoy. Simplifying SOP’s, creating checklists, and getting organized from top to bottom of the hierarchy of the business is essential. Now, implementing all the changes that are needed to do this can/will be difficult. Some owners of facilities don’t accept change very well. I believe my ability to create real, authentic relationships has helped me in accomplishes the goals I set for a hurting brewery/distillery. It’s all about customer service, cleanliness, and support from the management team. Creating my business has encouraged me to continue to help struggling business owners.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Blue Sky Ventures, is an operations consulting business. I first started this business in 2019 with a friend to potentially flip houses in lower median areas of Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho, but then the pandemic occurred. So, I then took it upon myself to create a much different plan closer to the skills and foresight I already had, operations. I like to walk into a place and see all the moving parts, to see the motion, to get a feel of what works and what does not. Then, I engage the employees, managers, and owner on what they like and dislike. With deep thought and research, I come up with a plan for the business all the while explaining to the employees of why my plan will work and also help them complete their job task much more efficiently. Some resist, some do not like change, but after a while and with some coaching employees get on-board a little faster then managers and owners because they are using these new tools, from my plan, on a day to day basis. I enjoy fine tuning an establishment to create a fun atmosphere while creating brand loyalty and culture.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So much to do out here in Colorado…I’m currently in the Broomfield/Arvada area, so here’s my list: Got to hit some breweries, so in this area I’d recommend 4 Noses, Kokopelli, and Wonderland Brewing. Burn’s Pub is a must visit for anyone in the area, worth the trip from Denver as well…over 500 whiskies and delicious food, live Celtic music on Sundays and you can even stay at their upgraded, vintage motel. Take in a Rockies game…get to the Rooftop bar for early adult beverage specials. Fort Collins is a must visit for at least the day to enjoy a brew at Purpose Brewing & Cellars, Rally King, and Jessup Farms…new and upcoming place Myth Maker Brewing is another spot to visit. Then off to the Social for a cocktail and dinner, great atmosphere. If getting into the mountains is on the agenda I have so many places that I’m keeping those for myself…but I definitely recommend a trip to the Great Sand Dunes, on your way hit Bud’s Bar in Sedalia (cash only) to eat the most amazingly simple cheeseburger, Estes Park Wild Basin side of Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike with many waterfalls, and the town of Salida, where Wood’s Distillery is located. Poncho Springs to hit Elevation Brewing as well. Hwy 285 is one of my favorite roads in the country. Some very unique places to stay in and around the Great Sand Dunes area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize my Grandfather, Jack Grey and my mom, Jan Potzer, for helping me in where I’m at today. My grandfather always said, “Follow Through,” and I have intentionally reminded myself of that statement. My mom has instilled manners, work ethic, and kindness to me via living by example. I wouldn’t have had the experiences or reached my goals without these two in my life.

Instagram: ChadFegely

Image Credits
All photos property of Chad Fegely