For many, the owners of Council Brewing felt like family. So, it’s not surprising that the interest’s patrons remain interested in their lives beyond the life of their passion project. A year removed from shuttering, we find co-founder Liz Chism putting her half-decade of experience as Council’s brewmaster to use as a consultant via newly launched Chism Solutions. Her services are varied and best suited for brewery’s readying themselves to grow. She is currently working with Carmel Mountain Ranch’s Second Chance Beer Co. as well as some companies outside of the beer industry. But she made time for a catch-up session with us so we could share news about the next chapter for her and husband, Curtis.
What consulting services do you provide?
I created Chism Solutions to help small businesses document and refine their processes, systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs), create training manuals and operations manuals, and create clear workflows. I work with owners and managers to find and create effective and efficient systems, and get those systems written down and implemented.
What during your time at Council prepared you for your next chapter?
My time at Council really helped me see, firsthand, the benefits of systemization and clear operating procedures in a brick-and-mortar business. Curtis and I systematized almost all aspects of our business, which really helped our operations run more smoothly and sped up training of new team members. I’ve been systematizing life since I was very young. As the second oldest of eight children with a dad who owned his own business, I had to systematize and organize everything and everyone.
What types of breweries do you feel can benefit from your consulting services?
My ideal business to work with would be one that has been in business for at least a year and understands the importance of systemization, documentation and SOPs (standard operating procedures). They would also be a business that is growing and ready to hire more employees, but needs their business systematized to effectively train the new employees and maintain quality and consistency. I’m also open to working with start-ups to help them get started on the right foot. If you would like more information or would like to see if I can help you, you can email me.
What is it like remaining entrenched in the local brewing industry?
We’ve been somewhat disconnected from the brewing industry as a whole over the past year, other than monitoring it and staying in touch with our industry friends. We felt that we needed some space to work on the next stage of our life. We’ve spent the last year working with our business coach to really hone in on what we want in life, what our values are and how we want to get the most out of life. Despite the personal trauma of closing down the business, we’ve actually had a really amazing year of personal and family growth. I’m due with a baby boy in June!
What else do you and Curtis have in the works?
Curtis has been staying busy with getting both his contractor’s license and real estate license. He is currently managing a house remodel and second-story addition in South Park and is partnering with Whissel Realty Group to help people buy and sell their homes. And we have some collaborations planned with some local breweries, so stay tuned!