Craft beers now take up 12 percent of the overall beer market, doubling its standing in 2011. Craft beers are projected to own 20 percent of the market by 2020 and a big portion of that will go to the sixth-largest craft brewer in the country, Deschutes Brewery.
Gary Smith opened the Deschutes Brewery & Public House in 1988, in the small town of Bend, Oregon. Since then, Deschutes has erupted into a craft beer icon shipping its delicious suds to 28 states and the District of Columbia. From their classic pub ale Big Rig, to Black Butte Porter, Deschutes has nearly two dozen brews to match any palate.
We love partnering with companies like Deschutes for their commitment to their community and efforts in sustainability. For example, every barrel Deschutes sells, they generously donate a dollar to local and national charities. In 2012, Deschutes received the 2012 Sustainability Award from the Central Oregon Environmental Center. It was also named a “Green Power Partner” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for putting one billion gallons of water back into the Deschutes River and offsetting and purchasing 100 percent of renewable power sources.
We talked with Nicole Milnes, one of the valued team members at Deschutes, to learn more about her day-to-day life working at the brewery.
What’s your favorite thing about Deschutes Brewery?
Well, it would be silly if I didn’t say the free beer. But, my favorite thing about Deschutes Brewery is that working here feels like family – you know the cool family you like to be around.
What do you look forward to when you wake up every day?
I have an amazing husband and son, so knowing they are right there for me every day is definitely something to look forward to. Oh, and Dutch Bros. coffee, too.
How has Gravity Payments differed from other processors you’ve used in the past?
The customer service is by far the best we have received. Tanya and her team go above and beyond to help, even when it isn’t necessarily their issue to deal with. Gravity has quality people who are willing and able to help and offer access to important data to ease the process of completing day-to-day business functions.
How has Gravity Payments earned your trust? What do you value most about the partnership between Deschutes and Gravity?
Gravity has helped us with some major transitions from gift card processing to changing out multiple point-of-sale systems at our pubs. They have always gone above and beyond to make sure things went smoothly.
OK, last question. What is your favorite Deschutes beer?
