Last updated on October 1st, 2015 at 08:07 am
Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Co., brewer of Samuel Adams beers and an icon in the American craft beer revolution, is writing a book called “Quench Your Own Thirst: Business Lessons Learned Over A Beer Or Two.” Based on more than 30 years of experience as a business owner and brewer, Koch offers insights into his journey from a one-person start-up to a thriving public company.
Koch’s anecdotes, musings and bits of wisdom go far beyond brewing. The book offers advice on sales, marketing, hiring and company culture.
“The idea of writing a book has been brewing for more than a decade,” said Koch. “When I meet people in bars, they are always curious about the early days of Samuel Adams and how I built the brewery to become what it is today. Then, about two years ago, I started writing in earnest, but it wasn’t until I connected with…the experienced team at Flatiron Books that I really understood what the book could be. I’m excited to share ‘Quench Your Own Thirst’ with folks looking to start a business, build a business or learn more about what makes The Boston Beer Co. a company I want to work for.”
Koch founded the company in 1984 using his great-great grandfather’s recipe. Samuel Adams Boston Lager helped pave the way for the craft brewing movement.
Today, The Boston Beer Co. brews more than 60 styles of beer; it is one of the largest American craft breweries.
Motivated by his own challenges starting a business, Koch launched the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program in 2008. With a focus on helping small business owners in food, beverage, hospitality and craft brewing, the program provides micro-loans as well as nationwide speed-coaching events that pair owners with Samuel Adams employees and local business professionals who provide real-world advice based on their areas of expertise.
Koch currently serves as chairman and was the company’s CEO until January 2001. Prior to starting The Boston Beer Co., he was a manufacturing consultant for The Boston Consulting Group and taught adventure skills for Outward Bound. He received an undergraduate degree as well as advanced degrees in business and law from Harvard University. His book will be published in April 2016
I did work at Boston Beer back in the 90’s and Jim Koch is the real deal. Always the smartest and nicest guy in the room. Knew everyone’s name and what they were working on. I can’t wait to read his book.