![harpoon brewery harpoon brewery](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QiEFDo-Yn4o/Uhi6VqYK40I/AAAAAAAAB9g/f-9x4L_ZSrk/s1600/IMG_1839.jpg)
Moments like this wouldn’t be possible without the same candor throughout the Harpoon organization. “And that is not an isolated incident.” A personal stake-literally “That person has gone on to be married, had Harpoon at their wedding, and a lifer with us,” he shared. In the case of Dan’s customer, the outcome couldn’t have been better. It’s this sort of sincerity that has made the company so successful over the years. Before the issue had time to be elevated, Harpoon’s head of quality control took time to hand-deliver a 12-pack to the customer’s doorstep. A customer complaint had reached Harpoon’s quality team about the beer they’d received. Harpoon’s sustainability stems not just from great employees, but also great customers. As Dan explained, “It became about sustainability, and as I’d like to describe it, building out that core.” Making loyal customers Just as important, Harpoon was developing its culture-and finding lifelong champions of the organization and its values. It also launched Octoberfest, a fall event held at its New England breweries. The company crafted many of its staple lines, including Harpoon Ale, Harpoon Winter Warmer, and Harpoon IPA. Over the next 10 to 15 years, Harpoon focused on establishing its identity. So from the earliest days, people were key.” I had two partners and wouldn’t have wanted to do it without them. Following a trip to Europe, the three decided to become brewers and bring some of Europe’s local beers to the U.S.įor Dan, finding success as a beer maker and entrepreneur took time. It began in 1986, with Dan and two friends: Rich Doyle and George Ligeti. The path to this point wasn’t exactly a short one. “We have an amazing group of people here who generally like each other, and like working hard together, and the power of that’s amazing.” But Harpoon’s culture is built on a foundation of inclusiveness, compassion, and trust. It doesn’t mean you’re any less competitive, but it’s just way more enjoyable.”Īt other companies, that sense of competition can lead to toxicity and disengagement. He continued, “I’ve been thinking about this a bunch recently, how pleasant it is to be around nice people. “People are what got us here,” said Dan, “and I’ve been a believer for my whole life that honey is more effective than vinegar.” It’s reflected in the company’s mission, its values, and even its stellar Glassdoor ratings. Talent optimizers know that when leaders show appreciation for their employees and what they bring to the organization, results tend to follow.įor Harpoon, that relationship between people and business is second-nature. I began the interview by highlighting a common thread that binds PI and Harpoon-people. Here’s everything we discussed: Putting people first
![harpoon brewery harpoon brewery](http://leftatthefork.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSC08989-1500x1125.jpg)
I had the chance to sit down with Dan and celebrate Harpoon’s history, values, beer, and people.
![harpoon brewery harpoon brewery](https://www.straightfromthetap.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_2801.jpg)
In all, Dan and his team have spent more than 35 years bringing people together. Plus, in 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.
![harpoon brewery harpoon brewery](https://bostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/mx6CStBQ3NHVqYF6fb0owyeK05A=/506x0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-bostonglobe.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FHAZFSC7RAI6JJYOSB7TK3RGRA.jpg)
He led the establishment of a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont expanded Harpoon’s line of craft beer and added five more brands to the MBBC portfolio. Founded in 1986, the Boston-based company has grown to become a category leader in craft beer, and one of the largest breweries in the country.ĭan has been integral to Harpoon’s sustained growth. Dan Kenary is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mass Bay Brewing Co (MBBC), the parent company of the Harpoon Brewery.