In 2023, beer became the most popular alcoholic drink in the U. S., with a market estimated at  $74 billion. So perhaps it’s no surprise that in recent years an increasing number of businesses have taken to the keg. A recent article by The Conversation reports that since 2015 the number of American craft breweries have doubled. This rise in popularity is in part explained by craft beer’s power to foster community, which is greater than any of its corporate competitors. To understand this phenomenon, we speak with Kaitlynn and Nate Kressin, owners of Just Tap’d and Fall Line Brewery.Nate and Kaitlynn are partners in business and life. Together, they've built three craft beer establishments in their beloved city of Macon, Georgia. Today, the pair runs a lively taproom and restaurant, and a brewery where they craft their products in-house and host local events. From opening their first storefront to distributing beer across the entire state of Georgia, they have built their thriving multi-shop business on love, teamwork and community. Today, the Kressins tell us how they have made all their craft beer dreams come true. They shine a spotlight on their homemade business strategy; revealing what to look for in a business partner, how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship, what a local community can do for your company… And of course, they share their secret to a good pint.Get ready for an episode brewed with love, and hop on the beer wagon with Patrick, Kaitlynn and Nate!Highlights:
Opening Just Tap’d and Nate’s journey into craft beer (2:06)
When Nate meets Kaitlynn: building a partnership (4:02)
Marriage and business as a juggling act (7:02)
Strategies to design professional and personal spaces (9:13)
In business together, for better or for worse! (11:12)
Launching Fall Line Brewery Co in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic (13:48)
Adapting to challenges: new distribution strategies (15:14)
Looking at Fall Line Brewery Co today (17:01)
How to make good beer with Nate Kressin (19:04)
Role models and team building in business ownership (21:27)
Community engagement with Kaitlynn Kressin (23:37)
The Kressins’ impact on the local economy (25:14)
Championing Macon beyond its borders (27:14)
Community and adaptability: the pillars of a local success (29:07)
Links:
Cadence Bank Website
Cadence Bank Twitter
Cadence Bank LinkedIn
Fall Line Brewery Co. Website
Fall Line Brewery Co. Instagram
Fall Line Brewery Co Facebook
Just Tap’d Website
Just Tap’d  Instagram
Just Tap’d Facebook
Kaitlynn Kressin’s LinkedIn
The Conversation - “Why craft beer fosters better communities than its competitors”
Statistica - Beer Market Statistics in the United States
If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, Natalie.Barron@cadencebank.com, Eydie.Pengelly@cadencebank.com, or danielle.kernell@cadencebank.com.