For smaller breweries, creating and maintaining a culture that not only embodies the company’s personality but also encourages employees to take ownership of a brand can be a challenge, especially as the business grows. Brewery owners who spend too much time focused on growth, scaling production, entering new markets and hiring often forget to step back and assess what kind of culture is emerging.

That’s why Brewbound has invited Oskar Blues founder Dale Katechis and marketing director Chad Melis to share how the company has maintained its identity throughout periods of high-growth and rapid expansion during the upcoming Brewbound Session on June 11 in Chicago.

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As a brewery with a self-proclaimed “chaotic” company culture, Oskar Blues has made a habit of growing the business in creative ways. Since launching in 1997, the company has spawned a number of diverse enterprises, including multiple brewpubs, a farm, a non-profit organization, a coffee roastery, a food truck and even a bicycle company. In 2012, the Colorado-based brewery added a second production facility in North Carolina, and with it dozens of jobs.

So how has Oskar Blues balanced an intentionally “chaotic” company culture with the need for structure and support as it has grown? During a moderated conversation with Brewbound editor Chris Furnari, Katechis and Melis will share insights into how Oskar Blues has successfully empowered and challenged its employees to be more entrepreneurial. The pair will also explain why it prefers distractions and mistakes to organization and risk-averse decision-making.

The Brewbound Session, which is being held at Moonlight Studios in Chicago, is a full-day conference addressing the challenges of scaling a business in an increasingly competitive craft brewing sector. Next month’s event features an outstanding lineup of industry experts and highlights some of the most important issues facing craft brewery owners today.

Our full agenda is now available and is packed with a swath of presentations and panel discussions.

About the Brewbound Session:

The Brewbound Session is a business conference addressing the topics that most directly impact the decisions craft brewers are faced with as they look to grow their brands. The event focuses on the business side of craft, offering brewers a unique opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts.