More About Episode 21 - The Brewing Pub Owner

Michelle Clark, co-owner of the Brisbane Brewing Company, has successfully balanced her role as a business owner with her responsibilities as a mother. Michelle and her husband, Grant, met in a pub and decided to turn their passion for brewing beer into a business. They started with one pub in the city and eventually expanded to own two brew pubs in Brisbane.

Michelle's role in the business primarily involves coordinating functions and ensuring that each event is unique and memorable for the customers. She takes pride in being a "memory maker" and believes that celebrating milestones and creating lasting memories is what life is all about.

Despite her busy schedule, Michelle has managed to find a balance between work and family life. She acknowledges the importance of flexibility in her role, which allows her to prioritise her children's needs and be present for important moments in their lives. Michelle's ability to juggle her responsibilities as a business owner and a mother is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Ellen, Michelle's daughter, has grown up around the pub and has already started working there to gain experience and earn money. While she is only 14 years old, Ellen is already considering her future career options. She is interested in pursuing a career in either occupational therapy or architecture.

Ellen's interest in occupational therapy stems from her desire to help people recover from accidents and regain their independence. She finds fulfillment in the idea of making a difference in someone's life and helping them overcome challenges.

On the other hand, Ellen is also drawn to architecture, inspired by the renovations she has witnessed in the pub and the process of building their own house. She appreciates the opportunity to create something tangible and believes that being a solution architect would allow her to combine her love for design and problem-solving.

Michelle acknowledges that hospitality is not for everyone, but she believes that there are opportunities for growth and career advancement within the industry. Many people start in hospitality as part-time jobs while studying, but some choose to make it their career.

Working in hospitality requires long hours and can be physically demanding, but it also offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and create memorable experiences for customers. Michelle and Ellen both emphasise the importance of finding a job that aligns with one's interests and strengths.

Ellen's advice to young people starting their careers in hospitality is to consider their experiences in school and identify what they enjoyed the most. Whether it's the practical work, teamwork, or problem-solving, finding a job that aligns with one's interests and strengths can lead to a fulfilling career.

Michelle and Ellen provide a glimpse into the world of running a brewery and brew pubs. And while Michelle has flexibility now, when they first owned the pub it was sometimes 23 hour days just to get things done.

They lived over the pub for years, because that meant saving money to put into the business. They are hard working and passionate about giving people great experiences at their pubs.

Michelle's role as a co-owner involves coordinating functions and creating memorable experiences for customers, while Ellen is gaining valuable experience working in the pub. Both Michelle and Ellen demonstrate the importance of finding a balance between work and family life and pursuing careers that align with one's interests and strengths. The hospitality industry offers opportunities for growth and career advancement, and with dedication and hard work, it is possible to create a successful business while still prioritising family.