From Brewery Owner to City Hall: Why Business Skills Matter in Local Government

Running a small business and serving in government might seem like two totally different jobs, but one candidate believes the skills overlap more than people think. Though many argue that governments should operate like companies, others point out that public service has unique challenges. With fifteen years in the public sector and a decade running a brewery, this candidate is now running for Reno’s City Council, bringing a mix of hands-on experience and problem-solving expertise to the table. The brewery started in 2013 with just $30, 000 and a big dream. Friends pooled their money and spent months dealing with permits, inspections, and endless paperwork—just to get the doors open. Even after opening, challenges kept coming. Regulations, rising costs, and competition made survival tough. Yet, the business thrived by focusing on the community. They teamed up with local groups like the Girl Scouts and a science museum, proving that small businesses can play a big role in shaping a city’s culture.Success lasted almost ten years before the pandemic forced a major shift. Overnight, the brewery had to close its doors and rethink everything. Instead of giving up, they launched an online store, adjusted operations, and even started home beer deliveries. When government restrictions kept them shut down, they didn’t stay quiet. They fought back—not just for themselves, but for hundreds of small businesses in Reno and Sparks. By organizing a coalition, they set up shared safety rules and pushed officials to reopen sooner. Their efforts eventually earned statewide recognition, showing how small businesses can influence policy when they work together. Now, the brewery has a new owner, but the lessons from its rise and fall still drive the candidate’s political goals. Having managed public funds and led community projects, they argue that local government needs people who understand both budgets and people. Reno’s financial struggles aren’t going away, and with rising costs and shrinking services, the city needs leaders who can make tough calls without losing sight of residents. At heart, the candidate isn’t pushing for government to act like a corporation. They believe the real value comes from blending business savvy with a commitment to public good. Reno isn’t just where they live—it’s home. And after years of fighting to keep a small business alive, they’re ready to help fight for the city’s future.