Episode 187: S2| Lynx Hawthorne’s Legacy in Craft Brewing
Introduction
What happens when passion, resilience, and craft beer intersect? Lynx Hawthorne, co-founder of Best Craft and Grimm Brothers, has turned his love for brewing into a multi-faceted business empire. With years of industry experience and an unstoppable entrepreneurial drive, Lynx’s journey is both inspirational and full of valuable lessons for anyone navigating the world of small business ownership.
Lynx’s Journey and Motivation
Lynx Hawthorne’s path into the craft beer industry began humbly with beer sales at a local brewery in Colorado. After three years of climbing the ranks and leading sales, he saw an opportunity to launch his own distribution company. Alongside a business partner, Lynx recognized a gap in the market when one of the top craft beer brands in Colorado was struggling. This motivated him to acquire Grimm Brothers and start Best Craft Distribution, a company now distributing several brands, including some of the most award-winning beers in the nation.
What fueled Lynx’s entrepreneurial spirit was his relentless desire to build something bigger. Moving from Texas to Colorado, with little support, Lynx had to figure out his path quickly. With a background in sales and an unexpected introduction to the beer industry through documentary filmmaking, he developed strong relationships with local brewers. His early experiences taught him the value of persistence and adaptability—two traits that have propelled him to success in his business ventures.
Strategies and Tips for Entrepreneurs
1. Diversify Your Offerings: Lynx knew early on that expanding beyond a single brand was essential. By acquiring Grimm Brothers and adding more brands like Brewery X from LA and others from Texas, Lynx ensured that Best Craft Distribution didn’t rely on one product to succeed. For entrepreneurs, diversification mitigates risk and opens the door for new growth opportunities.
2. Build Strong Partnerships: One of Lynx’s most strategic moves was partnering with investors who brought not just money but valuable resources. Whether you’re seeking funding or forming alliances, look for partners who offer more than capital—shared expertise can be just as important.
3. Prioritize Consistent Branding: Grimm Brothers stands out with its unique storytelling on each beer can, featuring fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White. This attention to branding has paid off, making their product memorable to consumers. Lynx advises entrepreneurs to invest in a brand story that resonates with their audience.
Current Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest hurdles Lynx currently faces is scaling production while maintaining profitability. With rising production costs, especially for German-style beers, the team is focused on reducing case costs to enter new markets profitably. During the podcast, Lynx mentioned that improving operational efficiency and contract brewing with multiple facilities are part of the solution. By focusing on these optimizations, Best Craft aims to expand beyond Colorado, having already attracted interest from distributors in multiple states.
About Lynx Hawthorne
Lynx Hawthorne is a co-founder of Best Craft and Grimm Brothers, bringing years of experience in beer sales, distribution, and business management. Originally from Texas, Lynx played college football at Baylor before transitioning into sales and ultimately entrepreneurship. His dedication to growing the craft beer industry has made Best Craft a key player in the Colorado market.
Connect with Lynx at lynxghawthorne@gmail.com.
Conclusion
Lynx Hawthorne’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, smart partnerships, and creative branding. Entrepreneurs looking for inspiration can take a page out of his book—diversifying offerings, building strong partnerships, and telling a compelling brand story can set any business up for success. Want to hear more from business leaders like Lynx? Subscribe to the Seven Figure Journey podcast to stay updated on the latest entrepreneurial insights.
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