In this episode, Weston and Dawson sit down with Derek DeFranco, co-owner of Mirror Twin Brewing, to discuss his journey from homebrewing to co-founding one of Lexington’s top breweries. Derek shares the story behind the name "Mirror Twin," the challenges of scaling up a brewing business, and how the community and creativity drive Mirror Twin's ongoing success. The episode dives into Derek's entrepreneurial roots, his thoughts on customer service, and the future plans for the brewery.
Highlights
Introduction and Derek's Background
Derek recounts his early days growing up in Shiloh, Illinois, and his initial exposure to entrepreneurship through ventures like lawn mowing and starting a speaker company. After moving to Kentucky for law school, Derek discovered his passion for homebrewing.
The Homebrewing Journey
Derek explains how his passion for brewing began in his neighbor's driveway and quickly became an obsession. "By the time I had been brewing for a year, I had brewed more batches than some people in the homebrew club who had been doing it for 20 years."
Founding Mirror Twin Brewing
Derek talks about the origins of Mirror Twin Brewing and the process of finding the right location in Lexington’s Warehouse Block. He shares how the name "Mirror Twin" comes from being an identical twin, with his brother being left-handed while Derek is right-handed.
Creative Brewing and Community Impact
Derek discusses the importance of constantly offering new beer styles while maintaining consistency with flagship beers. He also highlights how the brewery’s community focus, including their partnership with Rolling Oven Pizza, has contributed to their success. "Pizza and beer is a pretty darn good combination."
Balancing Growth and Quality
Derek talks about the challenges of scaling up the brewery, from maintaining quality control to dealing with issues like equipment breakdowns. He emphasizes the importance of creating a great customer experience. "You can make a good product, but bad customer service can ruin it."
Future Plans for Mirror Twin
Derek shares his ambitions for Mirror Twin Brewing, including plans for a second taproom and expanding distribution. He also discusses the need to stay patient and not overextend. "Growth can sometimes be more of a danger than not growing."
