From the Bottom, Up: June 25, 2018

These last few weeks have been really exciting for Triple Bottom, and we’ve been trying to figure out the best way to share some of our excitement with you. A lot of the momentum that’s building isn’t something we can polish up and put in an eye-catching social media image. It’s not always even directly related to beer, because Triple Bottom is so much bigger than beer.

Reviewing plans with the PA Liquor Control Board.

Right now, we’re spending a lot more time looking at floor plans, filling out financial data, and meeting with community organizations than we are actually brewing beer. We’re designing skill-building programs to support the personal and professional development of our team across a wide array of experience levels, and we’re brainstorming ways to collaborate with our community. We received our federal brewers license a few weeks ago, and are in the process of applying for our state license. We have floor plans drawn, and light fixtures picked out. Our logo is evolving as we start to think more about our identity as a company (stay tuned for updates here!). We’ve gotten to know our neighbors much better, and continue to meet many more — from the West Poplar RCO to the Asian Arts Initiative to the gentleman who works at the copy shop. We’ve become much more comfortable in the waiting rooms at the Department of Licensing and Inspections. And we’re imagining our starting lineup of beers and getting very excited thinking about the day we get to pour our first pints.

Social media sometimes gives me anxiety, because it makes me feel like I have to present a really flashy and cool snapshot of what’s new at Triple Bottom, and show that we’re building momentum all the time. And we are building momentum, but it’s not all in the sense of visible progress or big events or new brews. A lot of our progress has been in learning and listening. And that’s not cool and flashy, and not what most breweries talk about in their social media posts.

Solstice sun on the rear of our building.

So we’re going to try sharing more of what’s going on behind the scenes. We’ll still post about our beers, of course, because they are delicious, and help people connect with each other, and are the backbone to the vision we’re crafting. But for us, it’s bigger than beer, and so we’ll also be sharing a bit more of the day-to-day challenges and inspirations that we encounter and learn from. After all, we believe communities are stronger when they are more inclusive. You are a big part of our community — so we want to include you as much as we can. We’re not totally sure what this new approach to storytelling will look like but it feels more honest, gives us more of a chance to shine light on the people and organizations we work with, and allows you to see more clearly into our work in progress. Maybe once we open we’ll try to be cool again. For now, here we go.