The Fertile Ground Team unpacks the ethos and core values of the company and describes how these concepts drive the decision-making and planning for the brewery. Cultivating a community is a focal point at the brewery, from engaging people in the tri-county area around Jackson, Mississippi and inviting travelers who stop at the brewery on their way elsewhere.

With construction underway, the Fertile Ground Beer Co. team discuss the planning and details of the taproom and brewing area that comprise the brewery building. Alli Smith, interior designer for the brewery, shares her vision for creating a space for patrons to enjoy beer in a contemporary atmosphere.

While enjoying a round of pints, Matty, William, Conner and Matthew discuss beer trends and their favorite styles. The team also reveals the “what” and the “why” for the beers Fertile Ground Beer Co. will offer. From year-round crispy favorites like lagers and pilsners, to seasonals and sours, the founding team share their “beer thesis” that will define the trajectory of the brewery.

In this episode Fertile Ground Beer Co. introduces its head brewer, William Paden, who relocated from El Paso, Texas to bring his German-influenced brewing style to Jackson, Mississippi. Paden, an experienced brewer and Army veteran, shares how his love for quality beer led him to start brewing his own beer. The founding team discusses their vision for the beer at Fertile Ground Beer Co. and how that aligned immediately with Paden’s passion.

In this episode the Fertile Ground Beer Co. founding team unpacks the importance of a great location for a brewery. Matthew, Conner, and Matty discuss the Belhaven Town Center development project and why the developers chose a brewery for the anchor tenant in this adaptive reuse project. In addition to co-locating with some of the best restaurants in Mississippi, accessibility and walkability are just a few of the many positive attributes that Belhaven offers Fertile Ground Beer Co.

From achieving spousal buy in to hiring a head brewer, Matthew, Conner, and Matty discuss the importance of building the right team for Fertile Ground Beer Co. In addition, the founders provide insight on the different roles and responsibilities of all the team members involved in building a brewery.

In this episode, the Fertile Ground Beer Co. founding team details their vision for “brewery 2.0” while recognizing this thesis would not be possible without the Mississippi and regional craft beer trailblazers that have gone before them. Matthew, Conner, and Matty also unpack the definition of “craft beer,” dispelling certain misperceptions and misconceptions while also offering very personal interpretations of this wonderful product they love.

Meet the founders of Fertile Ground Beer Co., a craft brewery located in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. Matthew, Conner, and Matty discuss the origin story of Fertile Ground and, in Simon Sinek fashion, explain the “why” behind this tap room focused craft brewery. This first season of the Cultivating a Craft podcast provides a real-time account of the planning and launch of this brewery.