Women of BC Craft Beer – Chloe Smith – Townsite Brewing
Name: Chloe Smith
Brewery: Townsite Brewing
Position: G.M.
# of years in craft beer industry: 14
Why did you decide to join the craft beer industry?
I have a degree in Chemistry but no patience so a job in a research lab was out of the question. I was looking for something that would allow me to dabble in science while also being productive, brewing ended up being the perfect fit for me.
What is your favourite aspect of working in a craft brewery?
Someone recently referred to working in a brewery as ‘controlled chaos’ and that’s exactly what it is and that’s exactly what I love about it. Sure I stress about not having enough kegs to empty the bright tank and I hate that GD labeller but I thrive on the multi-tasking, problem-solving, hose-rolling nature of our industry.
What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
I wear so many hats in our business it’s hard to define a ‘typical’ day. Amongst all the production planning, bookkeeping and putting out of fires, I am training myself to squeeze beer from stainless.
If you could change one thing about the local industry what would it be?
Powell River needs a brewpub…if you know anyone…
Why do you think there aren’t more women like you in the industry?
I don’t think people knew it was an option to be honest. Until recently beer was this thing that appeared on shelves mysteriously. Craft beer has broken the door down though and we are seeing all kinds of interesting people moving into the industry.
What do you think is going to drive growth in local craft beer over the next 5 years?
We are seeing the word craft being used less and less and it is being substituted with the word local. Every town over 10,000 (and even some smaller ones) should have a brewer, a baker and a cheese maker ( Powell River needs both of those last two btw).
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m really enjoying my role in administration these days- I’ll probably play more of a role in our community, the BC Brewers Guild or Beer Canada maybe.
Who inspires you?
People that think outside of the box, I drive my business partners nuts with a ‘never do the same thing twice’ attitude but there’s nothing like a fresh new idea to get me all hopped up.
What is your favourite local beer that was not brewed at your brewery?
Cannery Wild Fire IPA, Hoyne Appleton ESB and Steel & Oak Red Pilsner are all beers I would drink right this instant.
Learn more about Townsite Brewing and Chloe’s work at townsitebrewing.com
Chloe will be participating in the Drink In The Story event at Victoria Beer Week. Held on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2016, Julia will step on stage two other influential women in BC Craft Beer. Julia Hanlan, Karen Kuzyk and Chloe Smith will talk about their experiences in BC Craft Beer from the unique perspective of a woman in a male dominated industry. To learn more about Victoria Beer Week and the Drink In The Story event visit victoriabeerweek.com.
Great article once again Dustin. Keep up the good work. Hopefully these articles can help inspire more women to join the ranks of craft beer.