Interview with Adam Romanow, Founder and President of Castle Island Brewing
Who are your biggest influences?
The craft beer industry pioneers, who had to overcome the challenge of convincing people to drink better beer. Slomo, the former doctor who left a lucrative but stressful career to find happiness skating every day on the San Diego boardwalk. And my dad, for watching the way he builds a strong sense of family at his company.
What drove you to start your firm?
I’d say it was a preference towards a more fulfilled and happier life over the typical grind of the rat race. I’ve never shyed away from hard work, but after watching a generation lose everything in the 2008 financial crisis, I became determined to take that energy and pour it into something I love; something I can look back on later in life and say, “yeah, that was worth it.”
As a business owner, what has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Knowing my limitations and when to relinquish control.
Like many other business owners, sometimes I’m passionate to a fault and don’t know when to delegate or step back. I wish I could tell you there was a 5-step program towards getting out of that, but for me it was a matter of taking small leaps of faith in trusting others to do a great job and, over time, letting the leaps get bigger.
What are some of the things you have learned about yourself that surprised you most?
I’ve learned I’m a lot better at problem solving than I used to be; troubleshooting challenges across all departments is now something I really enjoy. I’ve learned that I’m much happier pursuing independence and individualism than conformity and “fitting in”. And lastly I’ve learned I really like to read; that last one was a huge surprise.
How would you complete this sentence: “If I could spend 30 minutes with my favorite singer, it would be…
Does it have to be one? Can I pick Ad Rock, Mike D, and MCA from the Beastie Boys? Because I would love to know what inspired them to embrace their brand of funky, freewheeling creativity and totally reinvent the game.
If I could spend 30 minutes with a person of import, it would be….
Richard Branson. I’d love to know what’s inside the mind of a person who has started a record store, an airline, a telecom company, a space flight operation, and more. Plus, I’ve always admired that he doesn’t seem to fear failure.
My favorite part of the day is….
5 o’clock shift beers.
There’s nothing better than sitting down with your coworkers at the end of the day and sharing a few beers that you’ve designed, brewed, and packaged yourself.
About Castle Island Brewing:
Castle Island Brewing Co. opened in 2015, born out of the belief that the best parties are the ones with amazing beer and where everyone is invited. With a focus on hop-forward American ales and crisp, new-school lagers, this nationally-recognized brewery crafts offerings that are both unique and approachable. You can find their award-winning beer throughout Massachusetts in cans and on draft, and at their Norwood, MA headquarters.
Solutions for Business Owners
To a business owner, the line between personal and business banking is often blurred. Day-in and day-out they pour themselves into their work and with us, they have a banking partner willing to do the same.