Why We Do What We Do

There is a lot going on right now... there are many of us that are worried about what is going to happen to our jobs, our company's, and our loved ones. We all have some worry about the world right now. I have even heard business owner's ask the question, "Is this even worth still trying to do?" I'm in the hospitality business and this Corona Virus is devastating the hospitality world.

"But why do we do it? Why do we keep going? What's the point? Why not close up shop and throw in the towel? Everyone else on our street has... The market of the brewing industry has changed so much... Is it even worth trying to do again? We have to re-launch every brand and act like we are opening for the first time all over again." Are just some of the things I have heard said.

I don't remember who said it but, "The greatest canvas upon which we can paint is that of humanity." We all leave a mark on the world around us. We paint whether we want to or not and we do it without realizing it.

About a year ago we brewed a beer here at Cannon Brew Pub that we named, Newman's 20th. Jim Newman was our fist brewer and one of our founders, who passed away too early in his life. So for our 20th anniversary we named the barrel aged brut sour after him.

I was doing some work on a Saturday when the bar area got full. We only had one bartender at that moment along with a full dinning room. So I grabbed about half the group and took them into the brewery for a small walk about and tour.

On my 2nd tour that afternoon I noticed a woman in the group that was very curious about what was being said but did not really interact with anyone in the group. When the tour was done and I was shaking hands with people as they were leaving the brewery she stayed around. Once everyone was gone she began asking me questions. Some of them were specific and very detailed questions about the Cannon.

We were standing next some of the wine barrels we had filled and she asked, "What's in the barrels?" I responded with, "That is our 20th Anniversary beer and it will release in August." She again asked, "What style is it and do you have a name for it yet?" I said, "Yes ma'am. It is Barrel Aged Brut Sour and we are naming it Newman's 20th as an ode to our first brewer and founder." Immediately this woman begins to cry and as I stand there dumbfounded about what is happening she get's the words out through tears, "I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself. My name is Donna Davidson. I am Jim's sister."

This is why we do what we do...