when homebrewers go pro

Homebrew Clubs
1

Another brewer and I created our local club back in 2008.  He has long since stopped coming to meetings.

Our club is doing better than ever now, and I’ve been the elected president of the club since it’s inception.  However, I now own a small production brewery, and feel that it’s time to step down from a leadership position in the club.  I will still go to meetings, and help out whenever possible.

But, (and I hate to say this) somehow I feel this is MY club.  I know that’s wrong, and it’s time to let others take some leadership duties.  But, in the back of my head…

Anyway, anyone got some words of wisdom?

2

Not much help, but do what feels right.  Yeah, hippie dippie, I know…

3

Create a new job for yourself - past president.  The job of past president is to drink beer at meetings and make snide comments in the back.  Works for me. :wink:

I’ve gone a couple of different ways - disengage for a while and let them do it, or stick around and hang out, helping where you can.  I wouldn’t say either is any better or easier than the other, they are just better/easier in different ways.

4

Honorary Pro-brewing member. :slight_smile:

5

Do what’s best for the club.

6

Isn’t this your position in all of the clubs you attend?

7

You could create an “at-large” position, fill it, and announce the open seat for presidency… Kinda like a minister without portfolio?

8

Pretty much, yep.  Stick with your strengths, right?

9

Yeah, when I was Falcons president oh so many moons ago, I held the office for longer than anyone else and I could have kept going becuase I had it down pat. Knew all the moves and everything else. I ended up stepping down because a club has to have turnover in leadership or else it stagnates and potentially dies.

For instance with you - if you start losing focus and energy to devote to the club, this thing that you feel ownership and protection of,  it will wither on the vine. You need to make sure others can pick up the torch and run with it.

10

Thanks Drew -  Honestly, I think I’ve already lost that motivation.  Probably the biggest reason I feel it’s time to step away.

11

The past officers in our club are part of an executive committee that is consulted from time to time on club matters.

Officer turnover is a good way to bring more energy into a club and keep it from stagnating.

12

We tend to change the club leadership every 2-3 years to keep it fresh.  When the President feels it’s his time to step down, he waits at the meeting for the next victim, er…nominee to get up to use the restroom.  When that person gets back he is welcomed as the new President, and the former pres assumes the title of what number he was such as Vince X, #3, Frank11.  Past presidents sit in the back like the 2 guys in the balcony of the Muppets, drink beer, and comment how it was done in their day.

13

This sounds like a great way to do it, its all very hush hush secret society like;)

14

Our past three Presidents serve on the Board and cycle out as a new President comes in.  Keeps the “Institutional Knowledge” around in a leadership role, but assures that new ideas can keep coming in.

15

Well, we had elections on Sunday.  I’m no longer part of the leadership of the North Olympic Brewers Guild.  It feels great to let others take charge.  Now I can decide to go to meetings or not.  Although, my wife was elected President, so maybe I still don’t get to decide.  I’m sure she will do a better job than I.

16

Now you need to practice your Statler and Waldorf act.  “Back in my day…”