From Insurance to Beer: How Megan McKay Built a Successful Business

Welcome to episode 199 of Gathering The Kings Podcast with your host Chaz Wolfe. In this episode, we have a special guest, Megan McKay, the founder and owner of Peace Tree Brewing Company. Megan is the founder and owner of Peace Tree Brewing Company, a craft beer manufacturing and distribution company with two taprooms and some real estate properties. Before starting her own business, Megan worked in a fourth-generation insurance business with her husband and father. Megan founded her business in 2009, before the craft beer industry exploded. Today, Peace Tree Brewing Company is the only 100% women-owned brewery that distributes across the Midwest. Tune in now to learn Megan’s story! During this episode, you will learn about;[01:38] Intro to Megan and her business[05:13] Megan’s Why[08:47] Megan’s history[16:13] A good decision Megan made in her business[18:44] A bad decision Megan made in her business[23:50] Megan’s decision making process[29:57] Megan’s #1 KPI[32:08] Megan’s opinion on networking and masterminding[33:42] How Megan goes all in with family and business[35:19] If she could speak to her younger self, what would Megan say?[35:52] How to connect with Megan[36:43] Info on Gathering The Kings MastermindNotable Quotes"When you impose that structure and process around it, you can actually free yourself up to be more creative and have more fun." - Megan McKay"The more personal piece for me is how I can make a place where we can employ people, give them development opportunities, and hopefully, either they stay with us and grow, or they leave us better than when they came." - Megan McKay"Looking back at the decision, I'd probably be financially better off and playing more golf and all those good things if I stayed in the insurance business. But I was really interested in building something, and for better or worse, I dug in." - Megan McKay"Just when you get good at this level of something, you move on to the next piece and it’s time to level up." - Megan McKay"It's okay to ask for help and a get partner. If you're not always pushing, changing, and leveling up, you probably should do something different." - Megan McKayBooks and Resources Recommended:Traction by Gino Wickman:https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837/Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996/Let’s Connect!Megan Mckay:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peace-tree-brewing-companyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacetreebrewingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacetreebrewing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeaceTreeTapChaz Wolfe (Host): Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chazwolfe?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareWebsite: www.gatheringthekings.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chazwolfe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheringthekings/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-wolfe-86767054/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chazwolfe_kingsIf you liked this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, drop us a REVIEW, and share with your friends. We appreciate you, and your support enables us to keep bringing you the goods on the show!