When Richard Norgrove, President and CEO of Bear Republic, gave us a tour of their facilities, it once again became apparent why top breweries aren’t just about great recipes. An enormous amount of planning, discipline and business acumen goes into running a successful operation, too.

Richard spent 20 years in corporate U.S.A. before retiring in 1992—an array of finance and management books still adorn his office shelf. His son, who had homebrewed and sold the beer in college, proposed that the family start a brewery. Rather than rush in, Richard’s son brewed for a couple of years elsewhere, while the rest of the family visited as many breweries and pubs as they could.

Getting financing was tough. Richard admits, “We didn’t have any experience running a brewery, so banks were skeptical.” They also weren’t going to open just anywhere. “We wanted to be a brewery that also serves good food. We had a list of five characteristics a town had to possess before we even considered it an appropriate location. Healdsburg was right for us.” When financing came through in 1995, they decided to open in January the next year. “We wanted to open in winter, so that we wouldn’t think we were that good. Give us all winter to attract locals, we thought, and then we’ll be able to judge summer.” Before opening the brew-pub, they invited family and friends and did test runs with all kinds of scenarios, even using play money.

Bear Republic expanded a year-and-a-half later, and the Norgroves eventually moved the main brewery north while continuing to run the popular brew-pub in Healdsburg. The main brewery is a marvel to see. Modern, of course, but also clean and running like clockwork. Super-precise temperature controls. A yeast laboratory. Several race cars—the family loves racing! In choosing an equipment manufacturer, Richard decided one that could service them quickly was the best option. “We also spent a long time studying distributors,” he says, in large part because of the influence they have on the business. Also, a good distributor must carefully maintain the condition of the beer. Caution, Richard seems to say, makes for good business. Love and family makes for good beer.

Bear Republic is officially imported by Nagano Trading: www.naganotrading.com

This article was published in Japan Beer Times # () and is among the limited content available online. Order your copy through our online shop or download the digital version from the iTunes store to access the full contents of this issue.