Spinning in the same beer circles that I do, I met Growler On Board's creator Kevin Johnson at a beerfest last summer. Over the past several months, I have seen his products EVERYWHERE. The importance of beer safety was spreading like wild fire, and I needed to find out how this all came about.
TGB: How did you come up with the idea for Growler On Board?
GOB: The idea for Growler on Board was conceived on a drive home from Black Raven Brewing in Redmond, WA. I had filled up a couple growlers and secured them the only way I knew: to wrap them up in a towel and seat belt them in. The belt didn't hold them on one corner and they tipped over. Unfortunately, the caps weren't tightened completely and beer leaked out. First thing I did when I got home was get on the Internet to see if any growler carriers existed that would be good for use in the car. A few months passed since the spillage incident and my plan to remedy the problem was to get a car seat from my sister when her family came up from Colorado. Car seats were what they used to transport their growlers, and to be honest, it made too much sense. I thought that if there wasn't anything being made why don't I develop something? Through my job and friends, I knew that I had the resources and connections to get a product developed and produced.
GOB: Well, I thought that making it like a car seat would be too much. While I was visiting some friends on Lummi Island (near Bellingham, WA), I noticed their daughter's Bumbo seat. I knew instantly that was the way to make the product. Because it was made of foam, I knew it would give the cushioned protection needed, as well as keep the growlers insulated.
The next steps in the process fell into place rather quickly. With the help of an awesome group of friends and coworkers, I was able to get a design completed and find a production facility to make them. I scraped together money to get a tool cut and some first samples made.
TGB: What has been the response to your product?
GOB: The response has been better than I ever could have expected. I was nervous when I spent the money to cut a tool and have samples made. But, I always had the attitude that if it didn't catch on, I would have ten of the coolest and most unique growler carriers. I was definitely wrong in being nervous. Response has been great. Knowledge of our product continues to grow. We continue to open up new retailers and I think we have shipped one to just about every state. I need to get one of those RV sticker maps to track that. We know not everyone that fills growlers will want one, but that is what is pushing us to develop new products to transfer growlers and beer.
TGB: As you know Kevin, I am going to ask you what your favorite beer to drink is.
GOB: I am sure this is a tough question for some. We all have our "go to" style of beer. Mine is easy. Just ask everyone at Black Raven. I feel like Norm Peterson when I walk in, as it seems like there is a Trickster IPA being poured for me right when I pull into the parking lot.
When Kevin isn't saddled up to the bar at Black Raven Brewing, you can find him and his products in bottleshops, breweries, and beerfests around the Northwest. All it takes is one spill of your growler to realize how essential this product is. Beer Safety 101 people: protect your brew!
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