What does it take to build a craft brewery from the ground up, survive a changing industry, and create something that becomes part of a community?

On Episode 90 of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris Strother sits down with Aaron Robinson, co-founder of 13 Stripes Brewery in Greenville, South Carolina, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, craft beer, American history, family, and the realities of running a small business.

What began as an idea among seven friends took nearly six years to become a functioning brewery. Aaron shares the challenges of finding investors, building the original location at Taylors Mill, and navigating the unpredictable realities of business ownership — including a grand opening that attracted more than 5,000 people.

With nearly a decade of brewery operations behind them, Aaron and his partners are preparing for a major new chapter as 13 Stripes relocates to Hampton Station in Greenville. We discuss the decisions behind that move, the changing craft beer industry, evolving customer preferences, and what it takes to remain relevant without abandoning the identity that made the business successful.

We also explore the Revolutionary War history behind the 13 Stripes brand, the art of brewing and enjoying beer, raising four children while building a company, and why Aaron believes the best beer isn't necessarily the one with the highest rating — it's the one associated with the best memories.

Along the way, the conversation turns to hospitality, personal freedom, cigars, and the importance of creating genuine human connections in an increasingly distracted world.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates a good conversation about life and business, this episode offers a look at the people, perseverance, and philosophy behind one of Upstate South Carolina's distinctive breweries.

Learn more about 13 Stripes Brewery:
https://13stripesbrewery.com/

Follow 13 Stripes on Instagram:
@13stripesbrewery

Watch and listen to Sunday Afternoon Smokes:
https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

Follow Sunday Afternoon Smokes on Instagram:
@sundayafternoonsmokes

Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/15X6fXily0eh9pFsURDyxw?si=b93388c35d7d4fe8

Music license code: 9BDRQGCI3NZ3HQOO