Brewski Book Club Summer Selection

Susan Hurst's review (Library Journal, May 1, 2005), "Brewing Up A Business: Adventures In Entrepreneurship" by Sam Calaglione :

For those who like their business advice mixed with tales of the trials and tribulations of starting a new business, this book will go down as smoothly as a pint of Immort Ale, one of Dogfish Head's signature brews. While chapters cover much tried-and-true territory, including entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, leadership, and employee relations, Calagione manages to keep the advice he dispenses fresh by relating it to his own often humorous experiences in starting what is now one of the fastest-growing breweries in the country. Stories of hand-delivering beer from a U-haul in dicey neighborhoods and securing labels with rubber bands after running out of glue attest to both the author's determination and his anything-goes entrepreneurial spirit. Solid writing and a no-nonsense style coupled with a welcome avoidance of business jargon make this an enjoyable and practical read for anyone either interested in the brewery business or thinking of creating his or her own start-up.

Brewski Bro Rob agrees.

It is an eye-opening book on entrepreneurship that deals with focusing on your strengths, being an effective leader, efficient communication, learning how to brand your corporate image, listening to your customers and employees and staying true to your personal ethics in the business world. Sam Cataglione shares how the little-brewery-that-could found its market niche, while overcoming many trials and tribulations. He manages to integrate many stories from his personal and business life and shows how he was able to vault Dogfish Head from America's smallest commercial brewery to a profitable, critical success without selling his soul. Sam writes in a conversational, personable style that is earnest, honest and even self-effacing at times (i.e. see Chapter on "How Sucking Is Good.") An enjoyable read that is useful to anyone who wants to start a business or improve skills for their current job.