Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Van Dyke.
Hi Jackson, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started renovating buildings in Grand Rapids’s southeast side about 20 years ago. This led to a connection to the neighborhood in a way that was above and beyond the one I had just when I lived there. As a small family business throughout our existence we’ve had to pivot and change. In the year 2010 we decided we needed to pivot to a new business, and since we loved beer and were homebrewers, we decided to open a brewery. We renovated and fitted out our Eastown location over the course of 2 years and opened in 2012. As one of the first breweries to open in the “second wave” of craft in the area, our location took off. In a very short amount of time we realized we needed a bigger space for brewery production. After several years and a second location that came and went, we opened a production facility that allows us to brew on the scale we needed for both in house sales and distribution. We are now self distributing in Kent county, and distributed through Mervenne Beverage along the lakeshore.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. Covid, shifting consumer tastes and buying habits, the hard decision to close our Westside location. Breaking into a very competitive distribution market, being one of the few small independently owned a local breweries in West Michigan competing against both the Macro Breweries, and the huge craft brands that are now owned by large conglomerates and are no longer craft or locally owned. They have deep pockets, a huge reach, and a different outlook on what are fair business practices in the market.
We’ve been impressed with Harmony Brewing Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We have been a unique and vibrant brewery for 14, almost 15 years. Our beer is excellent, our logos and artwork are beloved, and we operate with a conscious and our heart on our sleeve. As an owner I personally conduct tastings and attend events. We use whole and real ingredients in all of our beer.
Our hazy ipa, Sunset Chaser is taking off in the market. It is made with 100% Michigan hops, and it is a smooth and delightful brew. The Party Store Pilsner is also making a push. Made with 100% Michigan grain and is a crisp and not bitter refreshing lager beer.
What are your plans for the future?
We are hoping to expand our footprint in areas where we currently distribute, Kent county and the lakeshore, as well as start distribution statewide in the near future.
Pricing:
- 11.99 MSRP for Sunset Chaser 6 pack
- 10.99 MSRP for Party Store Pilsner 6 pack
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harmonybeer.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=harmony%20brewing%20company
