Talk about the fast track for Caitlin Braam: what began as a freelance marketing gig with Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company has evolved into an executive position with one of the fastest growing cider brands in the U.S.
Seattle-based Two Beers Brewing, which also owns Seattle Cider Company, today named Braam as its new president. Braam, who first began working with Two Beers in 2011 on a freelance basis, joined both companies full-time last January as their director of business development and marketing.
“I’ve known Caitlin for about nine years now and I have always known her to be incredibly gifted, thorough and talented,” said Joel VandenBrink, the founder and CEO of both companies. “When I decided to bring her on full time last year, this was always a part of the conversation.”
Braam led Seattle Cider’s expansion into nine new markets in 2015, grew dollar sales for the brand by more than 200 percent and helped increase production to more than 12,000 barrels. She also oversaw 20 percent growth for the Two Beers label, to more than 7,800 barrels in 2015, and was influential in designing the company’s new look in 2013.
“There is no other person who I trust more to work hand in hand with in continuing to grow both Seattle Cider and Two Beers Brewing Co.,” VandenBrink said in a statement.
As president, Braam, who will report directly to Vandenbrink, will continue to focus on branding, marketing and business development. She’ll also assist with day-to-day operations, industry affairs and help shape both companies’ long-term growth strategies.
Additional details are included in the press statement below.
SEATTLE (February 2, 2015) – Seattle, Washington-based Two Beers Brewing Co. and Seattle Cider Company are pleased to announce the promotion of Director of Business Development and Marketing, Caitlin Braam, to the position of President.
Braam, who has been with the company since 2011, began as a freelancer, leading media outreach, marketing and branding for the two companies, including the launch of Seattle Cider Company and the full rebrand of Two Beers Brewing. Since joining in-house as Director of Business Development and Marketing in January 2015, Braam has overseen the expansion of Seattle Cider Company to nine new markets, built an extensive community partnership program, and further established Two Beers Brewing as one of Washington state’s top breweries.
As President, Braam will continue to focus on branding, marketing and business development, with the addition of day-to-day operations and industry affairs. She will continue to report to and work with Founder & CEO Joel VandenBrink.
“I came to work for Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company because I truly believe in not only our products, but the culture and environment that has been built here,” said Braam. “Every day, I work with an amazing team to grow these remarkable companies, and it’s exciting. There is so much opportunity and so much potential in front of us, and we’re just getting started.”
“I am incredibly excited about the promotion of Caitlin Braam to President. There is no other person who I trust more to work hand in hand with in continuing to grow both Seattle Cider and Two Beers Brewing Co.,” said Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company Founder and CEO Joel VandenBrink “I know that without a doubt good things lie ahead for us.”
Caitlin received degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Business Management from the University of Minnesota, and is a founding board member of the Pacific Northwest Cider Awards. She also serves on the marketing committees of the Northwest Cider Association and the Washington Beer Commission.
Braam’s new position will go into effect immediately. VandenBrink will remain CEO of Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company, overseeing long-term strategy, product development, and the construction and integration of the companies’ growing facilities.
About Two Beers Brewing Co.
Two Beers Brewing Co. began operations in a small Seattle basement in 2007 and today, produces fifteen unique beers including eight year-round, seven seasonals and a host of intricate infusions in its 4,800-square-foot SoDo brewery. Two Beers Brewing can be found in Seattle-area bars and restaurants, with tastings kegs and growler fill-ups available at their tasting room located at 4660 Ohio Ave. S. in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday – Thursday from 3-8 pm, Fridays from 3-10pm, Saturdays from 1-10pm and Sundays from 1-6 pm. Select products can also be found in 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans at bars, restaurants and local retailers throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. For more information, visit www.twobeersbrewery.com.
About Seattle Cider Company
Not your standard cider. Seattle Cider Company is the city’s first cidery since prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle and across the country. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, dry cider, Seattle Cider’s break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Naturally gluten free and made from a custom blend of fresh-pressed, locally grown apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with real ingredients and never from concentrate. Find Seattle Cider products in stores and on tap throughout Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Alaska, California, Idaho and Austin, Texas. Seattle Cider is also available on tap at The Woods tasting room, located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday – Saturday. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter (@seattleciderco) and Instagram (@seattleciderco).