Interview: 2
Between daydreams about running her own vintage motel or drive-in, Jennifer Nead plays a crucial role in connecting Goose Island Beer Co. to its core audience. She thrives in the fast-paced beer industry where no two days are the same, blending traditional retail strategies with new innovations to craft consumer experiences that become cherished memories.
What challenges or opportunities do you face in your current role?
In the consumer packaged goods space, there’s a pretty standard formula on how we have been promoting our brands in the trade. I feel the greatest challenges and opportunities lie in answering the questions How do we incorporate new ideas and technology in retail to enhance the consumer experience? How do we get retailers to buy in on these new innovative strategies? And how do we incorporate these practices into a distribution and sales network that has been accustomed to the traditional ways of working for decades?
How do you approach problem-solving when faced with these challenges or opportunities?
I am very intuition-based in most other aspects of my life. But when it comes to work, the beer industry, I rely on my experience. I’m fortunate that I’ve spent my career working my way up through the ranks and have had the opportunity to learn many roles and face numerous challenges along the way. I think it’s also important to value the experience of those around you and rely on them to help fill in the gaps to make the best possible decision.
Is there something unconventional or unexpected you want to achieve in your life?
In my next chapter, I’d really like to own a vintage motel or drive-in movie theater. I’d like to keep helping to create those memories, just with a different backdrop this time.
Any fears holding you back?
I think I have the same fear any other thirty-something millennial professional has: am I where I should be at this point in my life and career?
If you had the opportunity to mentor your younger self, what advice would you give regarding your ambitions?
I have a couple. First, don’t be afraid to fail. I think I was so worried about making mistakes early in my career, it kept me from learning important lessons which I eventually had to learn a little later and a little harder than I should have.
Second, don’t forget to take a step back every once in a while and acknowledge everything you’ve experienced and accomplished. At times, we’re working so far ahead and on so many projects, we don’t have time to really take it all in. Sometimes I forget to sit back and say “wow, look at what we did.”
Is there a book, movie, or song that changed the way you see the world?
It might sound a little cliche, but the song “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve has inadvertently become the soundtrack to every major moment of my life. A perfect commentary of the human experience.
What’s one experience you think everyone should try at least once?
I have to give a little shoutout to my hometown. If you’ve never been to the Indianapolis 500, it’s definitely a must-see. The greatest spectacle in racing. The largest single day sporting event in the world. It is a masterclass in event management. A hundred year old tradition that’s incredible and a little terrifying and something everyone should experience once in their life.
How can people reach you?
Email is best. People can reach me at jennifer.nead@gooseisland.com.
