Justin Kendall

Justin Kendall

Editor, Brewbound

Justin Kendall provides daily coverage of the beer industry on Brewbound.com, conducts live-streamed interviews during Brewbound’s events and co-produces the Brewbound podcast. Kendall is a nearly 20-year career journalist who led alt-weekly newspapers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa.

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Posts by Justin Kendall

FTC Bans Employee Non-Compete Clauses

FTC Bans Employee Non-Compete Clauses

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule banning non-compete clauses nationwide. In a 3-2 ruling, the FTC said the move would “promote competition” and protect ”the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation.”

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

Uncle Nearest Distillery founder and CEO Fawn Weaver disregarded the advice of the spirits industry’s old heads on the way to building a billion-dollar brand, she shared during her fireside chat with Crowns and Hops Brewing co-founder and CEO Beny Ashburn on the opening day of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas.

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

Ahead of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), which officially kicks off today (Monday, April 22), Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bob Pease shared his thoughts on the largest gathering of craft brewers, the turbulent times the trade group’s members are facing, the organization’s own changes and conversations he and Dr. J Jackson-Beckham have taken part in regards to the 2023 event.

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

The highlight of every Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) for me is Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson’s “State of the Industry” presentation. Watson gives a data-filled pulse check on the health of the industry, insights on where the business is heading and some much needed real talk on the future now that growth isn’t a given.

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Before you head to Las Vegas for the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference, we’ve put together a primer of Brewers Association (BA) stories (and one video) from the past six months to help you prepare. Consider this the CliffsNotes version.

Allagash, Lawson’s Share Social Impact Reports

Allagash, Lawson’s Share Social Impact Reports

A pair of New England craft breweries have shared the results of their philanthropic efforts. Portland, Maine’s Allagash Brewing and Waitsfield, Vermont’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids each shared their respective impact reports this month.

Seattle Hospitality Group to Acquire Fremont Brewing

Seattle Hospitality Group to Acquire Fremont Brewing

Pike Brewing owner the Seattle Hospitality Group (SHG) has reached a “definitive agreement” to acquire a “controlling interest” in Fremont Brewing, the company announced today.

Backpocket and SingleSpeed Form Brewery Collective in Iowa

Backpocket and SingleSpeed Form Brewery Collective in Iowa

A pair of Iowa breweries have started a collective, while maintaining independent ownership. Backpocket Brewing in Coralville and SingleSpeed Brewing in Waterloo have linked up under the Parallel Brewery Collective umbrella. As of mid-February, the breweries are working under a shared-service agreement, with a shared sales team now offering both breweries’ portfolios, and are working together on supply chain procurement.