Interview Questions

John Savard

Background and Biography’s:

Wilmington Homebrew Supply is owned and operated by John and Michelle Savard. They are Wilmington natives that have fallen in love with the craft beer and wine culture. They both went to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The unexpected education that came from living in Asheville was the knowledge gained by being surrounded by professional breweries and home brewers. Quickly they began to brew beer and wine for themselves. Living in Asheville, which has been awarded, “Beer City USA” inspired their passion for home brewing and teaching how to home brew to all of their family and friends.

            They once took a trip to Europe touring many different breweries in 7 different countries. One of their favorite experiences was touring the Cantilion Brewery in Belgium and meeting the head brewer. They also took a private tour in a German regional brewery named Farny.

            At this time, John decided he wanted to be a professional brewer. He started working at a packaging brewery in Asheville, but quickly figured out he wanted to brew more varieties than a professional was capable. While working at the brewery, he had an opportunity arise that led to a great opportunity for both John and Michelle.

            John was offered a job at the local homebrew supply store in Asheville, which is one of the best homebrew supply stores on the east coast. He was working and learning about the industry as fast as he could. He gained a great deal of knowledge about home brewing and what was important in order to succeed as a homebrew shop.

            John graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a degree in Business Administration and Michelle with a degree in Mass Communication, but most importantly a passion for brewing.

            They moved back to their home in Wilmington and opened up their dream: Wilmington Homebrew Supply. The home brewing community in the Wilmington area is one of a kind, and they offer all levels of brewers the very best supplies. Now John and Michelle are in the final few months of opening Wilmington Brewing Company.  

1. What is your favorite type of beer and why?

2. When did you know you wanted to open up a brewery?

3. How difficult was it for you to secure this location?

4. What do you find the most difficult about opening up a brewery in today’s society?

5. What are the biggest struggles you have had to overcome through the process?

6. How vital has community support been to you in opening this brewery?

7. Why do you believe so many people are willing to support you in opening this brewery?

8. How important is a college presence to you for your brewery?

9. What is your relationship with Mike Barlas?

9. How are you managing your current business as well as focusing on opening a brewery?

10. Why do you feel microbreweries are important in a city?

Michelle Savard

1. What is your favorite type of beer and why?

2. How did you and John meet?

3. How long have you owned the old brewery?

4. What made you want to open up a brewery when you already had a store?

5. What have been the most struggles in opening a business?

6. How important has a community effort been in your success so far with the brewery?

7. How have you managed keeping your current store open, while trying to open the new brewery?

8. What has surprised you about the difficulty in opening a business in Wilmington?

9. Why should people support microbreweries?

10. Was the college university an important factor in deciding on the location of the brewery?