Sarah Jackson - Combustion Brewing - Episode 10

Cosmos & Commerce Podcast

Oct 8 2023 • 46 mins

Hosts:

Michele Cook from Body Ache Escape Massage Center
Janis Francis with the Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace

Guest:

Sarah Jackson, the driving force behind Combustion Brewery

Headlines:

Introduction to Sarah Jackson and Combustion Brewery
- Michele introduces the episode and the guest, emphasizing the blend of business and pleasure.
- Sarah expresses gratitude for being on the show.
Origin Story of Combustion Brewery
- Sarah shares how homebrewing was the catalyst for entering the industry.
- Personal story of how she and her husband Keith started brewing as a gift for a friend.
- Their move to the Pacific Northwest exposed them to the craft beer industry.
- Keith's career progression in brewing and their decision to open their own brewery.
Sarah's Background
- Studied anthropology and French in undergrad and has a master's in outdoor environmental education.
- No direct background in business or beer.
Choosing Pickerington for Combustion Brewery
- Pickerington chose them; they initially looked for locations in Columbus.
- The old creamery building in Pickerington was perfect for a brewery.
- The community's growth and demographics were appealing.
Opening a Second Location in Clintonville
- Celebrated one-year anniversary recently.
- The pandemic pushed them to consider a second location.
- Challenges included securing production space and ensuring a variety of beers.
- Clintonville and Pickerington locations have similar but not always identical beer selections.
Balancing Business and Family
- Sarah emphasizes the importance of not trying to manage everything herself.
- The team at Combustion Brewery plays a crucial role in its success.
- Prioritizing family and ensuring they have strong relationships with them.
Community Involvement and Giving Back
- Sarah's personal history of community involvement influenced the brewery's ethos.
- Combustion Brewery hosts community nights, euchre nights, and other events to support local organizations.
- The Farmer's Market initiative and the annual hog roast are examples of their community involvement.
- The Pickerington Pelotonia and lip sync battle fundraisers are other notable events.