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

Hi Michael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my career in highly corporate market research roles — helping universities attract students and Tech companies attract software engineers. I learned a lot, but always had a desire to start my own business. I began enjoying the craft beer scene, particularly the community, environments, and camaraderie. One night, I had a 2am thought, “Hmmm, I wonder if anyone is doing consumer research for craft breweries?” The next day I woke up, surveyed the space, and discovered there was no one providing market research in this space. Sure there were some major firms helping the largest sized beer companies, but no one was helping the small to mid size space. Craft Beer Advisory Services was born!

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?
Craft Beer Advisory Services was started with one purpose: to give small business owners corporate-level information to support decision making. It’s certainly not easy — I own a small business serving small businesses. But it’s unique because we share similar challenges with limited budgets, people, and time. It’s forced me to adapt and learn how to use technology in a meaningful way. Now I’m proud to say we provide real-time consumer insights to breweries nationwide.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend, Henry Harrs, sent a speech by Theodore Roosevelt. There’s a passage known as the “Man in the Arena.” Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles … The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena … who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming … who at best knows the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least failed while daring greatly.”

This has been a guiding philosophy for when things haven’t always worked out. Trials and failures, but always with a mind of knowing it’s worth it. Shoutout to Henry and Theodore Roosevelt.

Website: https://www.craftbeeradvisoryservices.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeeradvisoryservices/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/craft-beer-advisory-services

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeeradvisory/

Image Credits
N/A – personal friends taking photos at conferences

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