American Beer, Jim Koch, and You
When I was growing up, my German-born father would tell me that American beer was just “water with a head on it.” The fellow who did the most to change that was Jim Koch.
Jim is the guy who founded Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams Boston Lager (Sam Adams) and other beers. How he did it carries some lessons for you and your career.
Jim Koch used his assets. The recipe for Sam Adams was developed by his great-great-grandfather, Louis Koch in St. Louis in the 19th Century. He had family who had been in the brewing business who had contacts there. What special knowledge and relationships do you have?
Jim Koch built on what he knew. Jim knew a lot about beer, but he knew even more about production. He learned that working for the Boston Consulting Group. What have you learned in one part of your life that will help you transform another part?
Jim Koch got help where he needed it. Even with his knowledge and family connections, Jim knew he couldn’t do it all alone. He made Sam Adams at the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. They had the right configuration, plus knowledgeable people and good lab facilities for quality control.
He also went out and recruited a brewing expert and legend Joe Owades to help make Boston Beer Company a success. Who else do you need to achieve even greater success?
Jim Koch was realistic. He analyzed what his competition large and small did well and poorly. He reviewed the market for the kind of beer he wanted to make. Have you done your due diligence?
Jim Koch and Boston Beer have been an incredible success. You may not want to make great beer or change the habits of a market. You may not achieve the kind of success that Jim achieved. But you can achieve your own kind of success following the clues that people like Jim Koch have left for you.
