Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Law.
Hi Derek, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Slackers started as an idea in my 20s as a bar with live music. It was a place with a work-hard/play-hard atmosphere. A place where passionate folks with a high drive could earn some time to relax and slack a bit.
In my 30s I began home-brewing and the idea of Slackers evolved to be a craft brewery and live music venue.
Then in my 40s when Slackers was finally going from a dream to something real, I had a wonderful wife and family so it evolved one more time into what it is now. A place where everyone feels welcome and included, art is shared through music, visual art, coffee, food, and beer, and it is more of a gathering center rather than just a bar.
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?
Ha! I would love to meet anyone that answers yes to this question.
Since getting the LLC and beginning the business in earnest, there has been a constant stream of obstacles.
Before we even got started building, we spent over half a year going back and forth with the city just to finalize our site plan and to get the permit to start construction. We couldn’t seem to get a straight answer on what was actually needed to move forward. After my architect finally escalated the issues with some higher-ups, we finally got traction and were allowed to get started.
Every month, a new or increased cost was discovered. Initially, we weren’t going to have our own kitchen, but after discussing this with the city, we realized we had to have a kitchen to not spend months (or longer) petitioning to get the space re-zoned.
I was always told to plan for 40% more than initially considered. Great advice except I would increase that number at least double. Hopefully, we were an extreme case but from talking to other brewery owners, I think we were right in the middle.
Another struggle once we opened was getting people in the door. I overestimated the amount of folks on social media and didn’t realize how hard it would be to get our name out. We have an insanely amazing staff, great beer, great food and coffee, and a great space and it shows with feedback we get in person and online. But every day we get people coming in that just happened to be driving by and had never realized there was a brewery in their neighborhood only minutes away.
All that said, I am so glad we did it, and though every day presents a new challenge, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Slackers Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery dedicated to craft, creation, and inclusivity – a brewery for everyone. A place where craft beer is approachable, adventurous, and all people can gather. We pride ourselves in bringing in folks from all paths of life and giving them a space to relax, interact, laugh, and remember why we work so hard.
At Slackers, we cherish craft in all of its forms and we are so proud to showcase live local musicians and local artists, as well as our own craft beer, coffee, and food.
We are most proud of providing a space that everyone feels welcome and one that focuses on quality and craftsmanship in everything we do.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The best thing I have learned in my life is that I cannot be the best at everything. This means I need to surround myself with people smarter than I am in all the ways I need to make my business and myself successful. I have been so lucky with Slackers to have such a great staff that proves this to be true every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slackersbrewing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slackersbrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slackersbrewingco
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/slackersbrew
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/slackers-brewing-austin-2
