Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Uban.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from Purdue University and worked as a Software Engineer for most of my life, a portion of that time with companies located in Chicago. I started home brewing in ’85 and in 2009 decided to open a brewery. The name and theme come from my other passion, rock climbing (the figure eight knot is used to tie the belay rope to your harness for safety). In 2009, there were only 39 breweries in Indiana. We first opened in 2010 in a 1400 sq. ft. space with a tiny tasting room. By the end of 2010, there were 50 breweries in Indiana. In 2012, we moved to a 12,000 sq. ft. space and added a full service restaurant located on the Valparaiso courthouse square. Our goal continues to be to strive every day to create and enjoy the best beer we can, follow our dreams and enjoy life…
Has it been a smooth road?
I expect that growth is always difficult, probably because it requires finding great staff. We have been fortunate over the years to have had a number of great people working for us. With the huge growth in the industry, distributing breweries have to compete for shelf space and tap handles, making outside sales harder and harder.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Figure Eight Brewing – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the founder and brewer. I am also an engineer, so I designed and built our facility. Problem solving as well as the ability to fix or delegate the solution to the endless problems that come along in the running of a business is key.
My beers have always been outside of the box of defined styles. I brew beer that I like to drink and also enjoy seeing how others enjoy that beer. I am always trying to improve my beer’s quality.
We are open Wednesday – Sunday for lunch and late dinner.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the excitement, liveliness and diversity of businesses/people. I dislike the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Address: Figure Eight Brewing
150 Washington Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383 - Website: http://FigureEightBrewing.com
- Phone: (219)477-2000
- Email: info@FigureEightBrewing.com
- Instagram: figure8brewing
- Facebook: @FigureEightBrewing
- Twitter: figure8brewing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/figure-eight-brewing-valparaiso
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
