Women’s History Month Brewery Feature #4
Lisa | Co-Founder + Co-Owner, Mikerphone Brewing
In honor of Women’s History Month, we will be featuring local female owned, or co-owned, breweries all month.
Meet Lisa from Mikerphone Brewing. Lisa is co-founder and co-owner, as well as HR and Accounting, for the brewery. Life outside the brewery is fast-paced as Lisa also works full-time for a Chicago-based CPA firm. When the business day ends, she is full-on mom helping with housework, homework, school projects and carpooling to the children’s sports and activities.
Mikerphone Brewing is “craft beer inspired by music” and located in Elk Grove Village, IL. “With music and flavor as their inspiration, Mikerphone Brewing continues to produce high-quality, small batch beer including everything from classic styles to styles that push the boundaries of what beer can become.”
Lisa says her favorite thing about the beer industry is “the supportive community it creates.”
We wanted to dive into her experience as a woman in the beer industry and learn more about her challenges, advice, and beer goals in our TOB Q&A:
What’s your favorite thing about the beer industry?
My favorite thing about the beer industry is the supportive community it creates. Brewery owners come together to collaborate on recipes, solve supply chain issues, donate to charitable causes, and most importantly, lend an ear when you just need someone to talk to. And of course, none of this is possible without the support of our customers who come to our tasting room, buy our products, and tell their friends about us.
Do you have any advice for women interested in the industry?
My advice regardless of gender or industry is to find a career that you’re passionate about with a company whose leadership shares your same core values and ethics. When these values are aligned, it makes working with that company fulfilling. Then, to help you advance within that industry or company, find a mentor who will be your champion. Mentors can increase your confidence and hold you accountable to your professional goals.
At Mikerphone, we strive to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. Currently, our staff is comprised of 50% women and we offer opportunities for them to learn, grow, and be involved in projects that interest them.
Let’s talk beer goals. Brewery expansion?
We are always open to expansion opportunities that exist in Illinois and Wisconsin. But it’s no secret that our Wisconsin fans continue to support our brand and create a demand for our product that’s difficult to ignore. While nothing is set in stone, we aim to have a second location in Wisconsin in the near future.
What does life look like outside of the brewery?
Life outside of the brewery is fast paced. In addition to my role at the brewery, I work full-time for a Chicago-based CPA firm, where I assist early staged businesses with their accounting, HR, and start-up business needs. I really enjoy working with entrepreneurs from different industries and advising them. It’s an amazing challenge that gives me great perspective and a sense of accomplishment. Then when the business day ends, I turn my attention to the family – helping with housework, homework, school projects and carpooling to the children’s sports and activities.
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