Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody And Michi Gagnon.
Hi Cody and Michi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My (Cody) career in brewing started in college when I was making beer for friends. This sparked my passion for brewing craft beer and ultimately led me to pursuing my career today opening up my own. After graduating college, I enrolled in brewery courses at UCSD to grow my knowledge and experience in the field. Throughout the past decade I’ve had the opportunity to work for many different breweries, offering me new skills and development in various roles. Opening up my own brewery one day was always my ultimate dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road entirely but that is all apart of the journey. You learn a lot about yourself along the way when you open a business. I was fortunate to have worked for many great breweries & leaders prior which gave me the knowledge + experience needed to prepare me for everything I endured opening my own business. Starting a business also impacts all areas of your life and you learn quickly the importance of balance, family support and trusting the process. Having a strong support system of family and friends is instrumental in making our business as successful as it has been thus far.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a family owned and operated micro craft brewery. We specialize in tropical inspired ales and lagers. We aspire to create the ultimate relaxation spot. When we think of tropical we think of the water, and at Michi we use RO water and create a specific water profile for each beer. We also offer a variety of craft beverages including GF and non-alcoholic. All draft beverages are brewed exclusively in-house and sold direct to consumer.
My wife’s family is from Hawaii which is where most of our inspiration for the brewery’s design comes from, including some artwork featured from Hawaii. We love being able to share the warm “Aloha” spirit with all who visit and have multiple event rooms including our “Ohana” room where families can gather and relax.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Within the craft beer industry, we will probably see an unfortunate amount of breweries continue to close. This industry is beloved by the people who are in it and continue to pour their hearts into crafting beer, however, it can be very challenging to navigate a successful brand and business in this competitive industry. Having a strong brand/identity within the industry is necessary to continue growth and longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michibrewco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michi_brewco/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michi-brew-san-marcos-4?osq=Breweries
Image Credits
Jackson Fleming (Michi Brew Co Photographer)
