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Let’s face it, as 2020 comes to a close, we could all use a drink. Like so many small business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic put a dent in Brianne Schuler’s primary source of income as the owner and co-founder of Energize Nonprofit Consulting. One could hardly blame her for seeking out a cold beer for a bit of comfort. However, Schuler took it one step further. No, it wasn’t two beers (everything in moderation, folks!), but rather by landing a position as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild. “I’ll consider joining the guild a serendipitous event in my life and the highlight of a challenging 2020! My consulting work (previously my primary job) was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; all of my contracts were ended early due to COVID,” Schuler said. “When I saw this position listed, I was very intrigued by the idea of marrying two of my passions – small nonprofit organizations and craft beer – into a job. I feel blessed that I was chosen to represent the industry through my role as Executive Director.” Schuler took the role with the Guild, a trade association for craft beer in the state which brings together the collective strength of 54 breweries and cideries members, in June 2020. Her role is to help the Guild foster a Nebraska-centric community that is informed, enthusiastic, and actively creating unity among its members on market and public policy issues to create the most business-friendly climate for craft brewers. “I can say that hands down, the best part of my job is getting to meet with each of our members – the brewery owners, staff, and patrons – that make this industry so special. My goal was to meet with each of our 54 brewery members before the end of the year (I’m not quite there, but I’m at 35 and counting!) to listen to their stories, enjoy their brews, and find out how the Guild can support them,” Schuler said. “Behind every brewery are amazing stories as to how and why they opened the doors and I love to surround myself with passionate, creative individuals like our members. And obviously, BEER! I’ve loved trying the amazing beers and ciders our state has to offer.” 2020 has certainly placed unexpected challenges on to the craft brewing industry. According to the Brewers Association’s most recent member survey, nearly 1/3 of small breweries reported they were uncertain if they would still be open at this time next year. Schuler encouraged consumers to shop local. “Choosing to support local breweries is paramount. Our members have made it easy to safely shop local and are offering crowlers and growlers to go, curbside delivery, and increased can and bottle options for patrons,” she said. “Purchase gift cards, merchandise, and craft brews as holiday gifts – every little bit helps. In addition, there are free ways to support breweries – engage with them on social media, share their posts, write a review, tell a friend!” The general public can also support the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild by purchasing an Enthusiast Membership to the Nebraska Beer Alliance – they’ll receive discounts at Nebraska breweries and cideries and some Guild swag. Businesses are also welcomed to join as Industry Supporter or Retail Members.” Local breweries have some holiday-themed concoctions in addition to their well-established creations to help folks welcome in 2021 with a hearty cheer. Schuler mentioned several offerings produced by the 54 breweries and cideries members of the Guild. “Our members put out a lot of great holiday beers. A couple I can think of off the top of my head that are eagerly awaited each season are Kinkaider’s Snow Beast Winter Ale and Infusion’s Gingerbread Vanilla Bean Blonde, but each of our breweries offer unique takes on the season,” she said. “ Winter means stouts, stouts, and more stouts!!! (my favorite, can you tell?) I also love hard cider, and you’ll find lots of great holiday ciders in Nebraska as well. Nebraskans can find all our brewery members via our website (Nebraska.beer) and find great local craft brews in their local area.” Schuler has earned two degrees at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a bachelor’s degree in Theatre, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management that she completed in December 2019. “I have nothing but praise for the program. I feel that the classes I took directly correlated with the work I was doing (and continue to do) in the sector. The professors shared real world experience as well as academic knowledge, my classmates each brought their personal experiences in the public and nonprofit sectors, and the assigned work was timely and well thought out,” she said. “The program absolutely enhanced my existing leadership and fundraising skills (echoing my career experiences) as well as equipped me with some skills I was not as adept at like financial management or research and analysis.” Schuler praised the faculty in the Public Administration program, singling out her advisor, Dr. Tara Bryan, in particular. “Each of the professors in my program added value – but I would be remiss if I didn’t give some extra “love” to my advisor – Dr. Tara Bryan,” Schuler said. “Her ability to offer both academic guidance as well as career support were very influential in my decision to start consulting work. I’m grateful for her lending an ear for many hours of frustration and fear as I made the decision to go out on my own. She is an amazing mentor, instructor, and leader.” Schuler knows that even more than a frosty mug of Nebraska-brewed ale, it’s friends and family that are helping us all pull through the unique challenges that 2020 have brought to us. “I’m lucky to have a supportive circle – my husband, my step kids, and my parents. My parents raised me with the belief I could achieve anything I wanted to if I was willing to work hard for it. I got my first job bagging groceries at Bakers at 14 because I wanted to be able to buy a car when I turned 16. I paid for college with a combination of student loans and worked a full-time job while attending both undergraduate and graduate school. I had the opportunity to be the first person in my family to receive a college degree,” she said. “My husband has the patience of a saint. I took a leap of faith in 2018 when I left my full-time job to launch Energize Nonprofit Consulting, and he is the primary reason I felt the confidence to do so. When less than six months later I suggested buying a second business (Driftwood Paddle Adventures), he took a deep breath and said, “let’s do it!” While we’ve had our challenges, it has been fun and rewarding exploring new opportunities together. He’s the rock in our relationship. My step kids, too, are fantastic and are always ready to help – my stepdaughter is in year two of working for Driftwood and I look forward to my stepson joining the team in 2021. I love having the chance to work with my family and think we are stronger together!”
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AuthorI am a professional communicator with experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, and technical writing. I strive to tell the great story regardless of the medium. Archives
April 2022
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