Episode 17: The Challenge of Changing the World Through Beer with Phil Winters
Synopsis
Phil Winters began his career trying to change the world. After leaving his work with community and political campaigns and a career in the solar industry he bought a farm with his wife and began to grow hops. Now he brews some of the best beer in Ontario at the family farm in Caledon through a brewery called Goodlot. Their tagline is farm-raised beer.
In this episode, host Greg Martin discusses how Phil moved from job to job through his career trying to make an impact on the environment and climate change. It eventually brought him to the decision to settle down outside of the city and a new career in the beer world. The two discuss the beer industry, local food movement and some of Phil’s favourite Ontario beer styles.
As Phil and his family try to make a positive dent in the beer world, they’re also promoting organic and local agriculture. On top of this, they’re doing it while challenging the big beer companies and carving a niche and home for themselves in the community. It’s a fun story.
Key Takeaways
Began his career loving the outdoors trying to make an impact while working on community initiatives and political campaigns
Got involved in the solar industry and worked towards developing the industry until it was ready for big investors to take over (as he calls the “Investment Bankers”)
Moved out of the city at the bird of his first child and bought a heritage farm
Researched what to grow and decided on organic hops given the movement in craft beer in the U.S.
More recently entered the beer world more directly with Goodlot Brewery
Beer has a lot to do with water, hops and the area - discuss various styles and some of Phil’s favourites
Many challenges with taking on the big beer companies who have money to outlast and outspend the little guys many times over
Take pride in the community aspect of their beer company, hope to be able to pass on the farm to future generations
Phil’s Background
Phil Winters is Co-Founders of Goodlot Farm and Farmstead Brewing Company (with his wife Gail)
Prior to farming, spent most of his career working to advance the solar industry at companies like Eaton, E*Gen Power, NorthGrid Solar and Eguana Technologies
10 years working in Colorado including environmental campaigns, politics and mayoral campaigns