Preoccupations: An Early Start at Sierra Nevada Brewing
June 3, 2010 by admin
Filed under Career News and Advice
MY father, Ken Grossman, started Sierra Nevada Brewing Company with a partner 30 years ago and bought him out in 1998. I always knew I wanted to work in the family business. As a kid, I was always there. I learned how to ride a bicycle in the parking lot, and I’d tinker in the maintenance shop. I’ve grown up around some of the employees.
My first paying job at the brewery, at 15, was cleaning the fermenting tanks. After that, I helped prepare the yeast, malt and hops. From there I moved into the production departments and brewed the beer. I also worked in maintenance and learned welding and other skills. Both of my older sisters have worked in the brewery, too, but neither works here right now.
This year, I became general manager for the Chico area, in charge of distribution, inventory and sales. I report to a national director along with six other regional managers.
My father and I agreed that I should never report to him. I’m 25 and he’s 55. We see things differently. I’m also very aware of being the boss’s son. Our family decided long ago that we wanted to avoid any perception of favoritism. We have about 450 employees. Even though many of them have been here for years, you sense that people may be watching to see if you get special treatment. It’s human nature.
We’d rather not have in-laws work here; it just works out better. My two brothers-in-law understand. I’m engaged, and my future wife will probably work …
Read the original article at NYTimes