Bryan Brushmiller turned adversity into opportunity after losing his job during the 2008 recession. As craft beer movement dawned in cities and towns across America, he decided to transform his homebrewing hobby into a career and opened the first brewery on Maryland Coast’s in 2011.
Burley Oak Brewing Company, Berlin
Located at the edge of Downtown Berlin, Burley Oak demonstrates how craft beer production can power a community’s economic engine. Jumpstarting Berlin’s ‘beer tourism’ – and attracting tens of thousands of visitors since opening – Burley Oak also strengthened the town’s creative community. The brewery has thoughtfully expanded in the past decade adding an outdoor stage, specialty spaces, storage facility and Tex-Mex cantina. Today, this successful entrepreneur employs 28 people and produces 5,000 barrels annually.