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April 14, 2020April 14, 2020

Interview-Sobel’s Obscure Brewery

Interview-Sobel’s Obscure Brewery. They are located in Jeannette, PA at 108 South Fourth St. Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is owned and operated by father/daughter team, David & Jackie Sobel.

Let us step away from all the Covid-19 talk for a few minutes. Sure, it’s there, and sure we discuss it minimally here.

However, let’s talk BEER instead! Firstly, it’s NO SECRET that we love our beer here at double 7’s! Secondly, we admit that we have always fantasized about developing a solid relationship with a local brewery. We believe that we have established that relationship.

It helps tremendously that we truly LOVE their beer too! In other words, believing in the product or service plays a large part in marketing. If your marketing team doesn’t believe in your business…RUN! They are probably in it for the $$$$.

For that, we are excited to bring the Interview-Sobel’s Obscure Brewery to our small business blog series.

Sobel's Obscure Brewery beer cans of 4 different varieties. — Just a few varieties of Sobel’s beers.

Question 1:

77 Design Co: Tell us a little about Sobel’s. How’d you get started?

David Sobel: So, this all started probably eleven to twelve years ago. Initially my son and I started home brewing and writing a book about beer. As a result, we researched about four hundred different types of beers. I made a first batch with him and…it was terrible! This first batch exploded on us.

So, we tried again. Consequently on our next batch we went to Duncan Hardware here in Jeannette and picked up a kit. They helped us get started and offered advice. Furthermore, another important influence for us was Terry from Beer Arena in Greensburg. I figured we’d better follow the directions closely this time. This batch came out great!

He and I started taking courses and grain brewing. Friends and family members began telling us we should get into the beer making industry.

However, we decided to go into the business slowly. We didn’t want to rush things. I looked into mass production, but due to the massive $4.2 million dollar estimate we decided to start small. We needed to get the beer out into the marketplace first. Eventually we got distributors on board, knocked on doors, did promotions, and giveaways. Everybody seemed to really like it. So, that’s pretty much how we started. My son bowed out because of the time involved, but my daughter and I continued.

Portrait of David Sobel in brown jacket and Jackie Sobel in red jacket. — David & Jackie Sobel.

Question 2:

77: How do your beer products differentiate from other local breweries?

Jackie Sobel: Notably we aren’t big IPA makers. Our popular styles are wheat. Honey Blossom Hefeweizen is our big seller. We also have a berry series line.

DS: I’d like to add, we also have German Pilsner. Not many breweries around make that.

JS: Yea. Another thing that differentiates us is our business model. We are opposite because of our distribution wholesaling. We have contracts with thirty-six counties in PA. We’re also in the process of building a taproom. Most start with a taproom and then expand.

Interview-Sobel's Obscure Brewery. Jackie Sobel laying on a case of beer in a black sweater and jeans. — Jackie hamming it up for the camera.

Question 3:

77: Covid-19, it’s on everyones minds. How has it impacted your business?

JS: It’s impacted it greatly! Wow! Yea, due to the wholesale side of things with bars and restaurants being closed. We’ve lost a majority of business. We also had to lay off our sales reps. Didn’t want to, but had no choice. However, we are developing strategies to increase sales where we can, to get through this.

Interview-Sobel's Obscure Brewery. Image of cases of Peachy Pilsner stacked upon one another with a black border. — Cases of beer!

Question 4:

77: What is your business doing to combat the Covid-19 shutdown?

JS: Well, <laughing> thanks to the expertise and help of 77 Design Co (their words, not ours) we have pivoted our social media marketing strategies. Our goal now is to be more consistent and on the top of minds for our consumers. We’ve done so by taking a more comedic approach to postings. We’re making more little videos to better engage too. We’ve been given the OK to just be ourselves. To just have fun. We’re trying to make it more fun because, well…beer is fun!

Check out the humorous video in the link: https://www.fueledbyhops.com/2020/03/24/sobels-obscure-brewery-releases-a-covid-19-commercial-and-its-hilarious/?fbclid=IwAR1lkjVZ7yILzbzgACt-26095In7FQ7yOj8jtSuMdYpPIWI9ZWLGjJp-jzU

Interview-Sobel's Obscure Brewery. Jackie Sobel in a red tossle cap and red coat. David Sobel in a tan jacket with a beer wearing a mask to protect for Coronavirus. — Having fun and selling beer!

Question 5:

77: How can the community support the brewery during this shutdown?

DS: Actually we’ve been getting tremendous support from the local community! We thank them all. Especially everyone who bought an Adult Easter Basket with beers for Easter. That was a promotion we ran the last two weeks. We’ve opened the warehouse for retail sales. Customers can come purchase (at a social distance) six packs, growlers, or cases.

Interview-Sobel's Obscure Brewery. An image of Highborn Hefeweizen beer.

Question 6:

77: We are all about positivity. How has any of this positively impacted either (or both) of you professionally or personally?

DS: On the positive side, it opens up our ideas to market our product differently. Likewise, we’ve seen a huge positive by the strong community support we’ve received during all of this!

JS: This has given us time to analyze where we are. I have time to sit back and plan the next year and beyond. Normally we are so busy we were often just reactionary. It’s nice to be able to sit down and formulate a forecast. Also, we’re working more on beer and label development.

DS: Personally, my wife has been more supportive and has been a huge help behind the scenes. We’ve all pulled together during this crisis.

JS: Yes! We support one another and lift each other up!

Final Thoughts:

77: Anything you’d like to add?

JS: When the world opens again, we’ll be opening up our pop up tap garden at the warehouse. We’ll have food trucks, live music, and of course…beer!

DS: We are also continuing construction on the main brew pub.

JS: We appreciate the community support. We also want everyone to stay healthy.

A beer glass being poured into from a Sobel's bottle. — Grab a tasty case of beer from Sobel’s Obscure Brewery.

A Word From 77 Design Co:

77 Design Co would like to thank David and Jackie for their blog Interview-Sobel’s Obscure Brewery. The Interview-Sobel’s Obscure Brewery, gives us a little look into what they are dealing with as a brewery during these unprecedented times.

We can say, this father/daughter duo truly loves beer and does their best to provide customers with a top quality product. They have fun, enjoy what they do, and make great beers. If you haven’t tried their beers yet, go grab a case. You can’t go wrong with any of the varieties. They are all delicious!

http://www.sobbrews.com

Conclusion

77 Design Co. is committed to helping small business succeed. We want to keep their doors open, and keep roofs over their family’s heads. Keeping your business alive during this mess is crucial.

Finally, contact us if you own a business, or know of a business owner that needs marketing help. We are volunteering work at heavily discounted rates (or in some instances free) to keep business stable in our county and local area. Any way we can help, we will.

Additionally, here’s our services: https://77designco.com/services-2/

Analyze. Create. Achieve.

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020

Interview-Barry Landsperger of Comprehensive Assurance

Interview-Barry Landsperger of Comprehensive Assurance. Comprehensive Assurance is a Monroeville based health insurance agency. Here is their contact info: http://www.comprehensiveassurance.net or 412-825-6000.

Due to the Covid-19 virus, health is at the top of everyone’s minds these days. Barry gives us a peek into what is happening in the health insurance industry during the current crisis. Below is our interview-Barry Landsperger of Comprehensive Assurance.

Barry Landsperger and his wife on their wedding day in a black tuxedo and white wedding dress. — Barry Landsperger on his wedding day.

Question 1:

77 Design Co: How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the health insurance industry?

Barry Landsperger: So, from a health insurance standpoint, most carriers including UPMC and Highmark have agreed to pick up all cost sharing for testing and in patient treatment for Covid-19. Therefore, customers of theirs that aren’t getting tested because they believe they can’t afford it, can rest assured that they can get tests done.

Question 2:

77: We are pretty sure you are getting swamped with calls/emails right now. What is the most common question you’re getting?

BL: Yes, swamped! Probably most calls are from those that are laid off. Individuals that are laid off worry about losing their health insurance. Consequently, there ARE options available for them. These options vary upon the individual.

Comprehensive Assurance logo.

Question 3:

77: What do you suggest for those without health insurance right now?

BL: I suggest they contact an independent health insurance professional. Call someone like myself, or one of our competitors. That is to say, our services are free and we can explain all of their options. To clarify, some plans are inexpensive and usually quite affordable. Some have better coverage available that they may not have had previously.

Question 4:

77: Are rates for health insurance changing during this pandemic?

BL: No. Rates are already locked in. I’ll pass along a little known fact. Rates are actually regulated by the state.

Question 5:

77: Can you tell us something good from all this, either professionally or personally?

BL: Personally, I get to be home more with the family! That’s good right there.

On the other hand, professionally, our current system is flawed. It doesn’t help every American. We’ll need to look over all of this to better the system afterwards. Some good may come of it. As a result, that should help in the long run so everyone has access to affordable coverage.

Admittedly, <laughs> I am also an insurance nerd! So, this has given me time to look over things to better serve our clients. I’ve also been reading things about how we can better the system as a whole.

77: Anything you’d like to add?

BL: Yep. I’d like to say that I hope everyone stays safe and healthy! I will also say, that we are all very lucky to live in western PA. UPMC and AHN are world class organizations right here in our area!

Barry Landsperger in a blue shirt posing with his family on a sunny day on their patio. — Barry and his family.

Conclusion:

Thanks for the interview and insight into the health insurance industry, Barry! A lengthy discussion occurred after the interview about a great many things happening in the world. We will not discuss those details here. However, we do want to say thanks for your (always) honest and genuine opinions on these matters. Two things you can always count on when talking with Barry.

77 Design Co. is committed to helping small business succeed. We want to keep their doors open, and keep roofs over their family’s heads. Keeping your business alive during this mess is crucial.

Additionally, here’s our services: https://77designco.com/services-2/

Analyze. Create. Achieve.

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020

Interview-Kate Dawson of Ferri Dawson Insurance Group

Interview-Kate Dawson of Ferri Dawson Insurance Group. Ferri Dawson Insurance Group is based in Murrysville, PA. http://www.fdinsurancegroup.com

We are continuing our blog series of interviews with local business owners in the Westmoreland County and surrounding areas. The COVID-19 situation has impacted every business in the area, and nationwide. While we are attempting to get as many perspectives as possible, it’s also interesting to see how businesses are impacted differently. This week, we’ll hear from Kate Dawson, owner of Ferri Dawson Insurance Group.

Kate Dawson portrait photograph with dark background. — Kate Dawson-Ferri Dawson Insurance Group

Question 1:

77 Design Co: How long have you been in business? How about the insurance profession?

Kate Dawson: November 2019 was our Ferri Dawson open date. I’ve been in the profession almost ten years. First, I started out with claims. Next, I spent several years with a captive insurance agency. After that, a few years with an independent agency before starting out on my own.

Question 2:

77: How has Covid-19 affected your business?

KD: Well, for instance, a large part of my business is helping new home buyers. A lot of closings have been delayed or are on hold. For example, home inspections are not being done. Without these inspections closings cannot be done either.

Meanwhile, I’ve been focusing a lot on reviewing policies and coverage for clients. Further, how the virus has affected us is that I can’t meet face to face. That’s been very different for me. I’m used to meeting people.

The insurance industry is “life-sustaining” so we can continue to work from the office or home. We just can’t have any foot traffic.

Question 3:

77: Can you offer anything during the crisis?

KD: Yes. So, Ferri Dawson can do comprehensive insurance reviews. Many times people have said to me, ” I wish I would have done this sooner. I just didn’t have the time.”

Question 4:

77: Do you have suggestions for customers or others that have insurance needs or questions?

KD: Certainly, one suggestion is to use this time to cross off your check lists. You may have had some things on the back burner, this is the perfect time to get those done. For instance, insurance needs change over time. It’s more important now than ever to make sure you and your family are properly protected. Likewise you can save money!

Last week I spent ten minutes on the phone with a client and they ended up saving over two thousand dollars per year! Their coverage stayed the same, but they saved a huge amount of money. Extremely important right now.

Question 5:

77: What’s your favorite thing to do during lockdown time?

KD: <laughs> This is NOT the standard answer. So, umm, I like to learn more about insurance! Everyone is turning to Netflix, but I’ve been immersing myself in this industry. I’m reading books, articles, and journals about…insurance, <laughs again> that’s not a normal answer!

It’s also been good to take this time and work on technology. Learning Zoom and other technologies has been a learning experience. It’s still acceptable and sort of like meeting in person. The only thing though, is you can meet in your pajamas!

Kate Dawson portrait at the computer with a yellow shirt. — At the computer

Last Question:

77: Anything you’d like to add?

KD: Above all, yes, my suggestion to the general public is to use this time wisely. Use it for something that’s going to benefit you in the long run. I hope others do that for their own good. Also, be safe and be healthy.

Conclusion

Thanks for taking time to answer questions with us, Kate! Her contact info is 724-575-7237 or kate@fdinsurancegroup.com

77 Design Co. is committed to helping small business succeed. We want to keep their doors open, and keep roofs over their family’s heads. Keeping your business alive during this mess is crucial.

Additionally, here’s our services: https://77designco.com/services-2/

Analyze. Create. Achieve.

April 1, 2020April 1, 2020

Interview-Chad Amond Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

An interview with Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Chad Amond.

Chad Amond President/CEO Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

We wanted to start this interview blog series off with Chad Amond of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. Chad is on the frontlines of business in our county. He is not only heavily involved in our county’s economy, but also cares deeply about its local business owners and our residents. Below is the interview-Chad Amond Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce:

Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.

Question 1:

77 Design Co: As Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, you’re at the heart of the Westmoreland County economy. Off the top of your head, what effects are you seeing from the Covid-19 situation?

Chad Amond: We are all struggling. We have “non life-sustaining” businesses that are struggling more. On the other hand, some “life-sustaining” are doing well. But companies like yours that mostly work remotely seem to be doing OK. IT companies are doing well also. I always say, no business is non life-sustaining. An example of this is a single parent employee of a non life-sustaining company that is not earning an income right now. Therefore, they may be struggling to pay bills and feed their child or children. So, no business could ever be non life-sustaining.

Question 2:

77: Which industry (or individual businesses) are hurting the worst in our county? What can we do to help as a community?

CA: So many are struggling. No, I don’t want to state any one specific industry or individual business as worse than another. For instance, it’s almost every business.

I’d say what we can do is buy more gift cards, or order takeout from local restaurants. As a community, we can go online and, if given the opportunity, buy online from a local business. The large national or international corporations will get their business. They are important, too. However, supporting local business is more important now than ever. Go to Facebook or Instagram, or wherever and review these local businesses and make sure to tell your friends and family about them.

Question 3:

77: How are other counties doing? Have you had any contact with other Chambers of Commerce?

CA: I’ve been working hour by hour, or minute by minute in some cases with Jim Smith President/CEO of The Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland (EGC) and Jason Rigone Executive Director of the Industrial Development Corporation (WCIDC) about the situation. All three organizations are working together along with elected state officials too. It’s rough all over.

Question 4:

77: Any organizations that we can mention that our community can donate to to help the situation?

CA: All not for profits seem to be struggling. I’ll mention Adelphoi, food banks, and United Way, but there are more. You can call 211 and United Way is answering health related and food questions anyone may have.

I want to mention The FirstEnergy Foundation is donating $500,000 to 42 local food banks and hunger centers. It will accelerate approximately $1.5 million in matching contributions to 116 United Way agencies throughout the company’s service territory. This helps support vital health and human services organizations who need it the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 5:

77: Anything good you are seeing from all this? We love optimism.

CA: This is the most stressful, confusing, and weird thing that’s ever happened in most of our lives. It’s like when our grandparents or great-grandparents went through World War II or the Great Depression. They got through it though. That is to say, whenever it ends things will be much less stressful than even before it occurred. We will have endured.

When it does end, people will be flocking to the movies, restaurants, malls, stores, etc. like never before. That’s the positive. We have that to look forward to.

77: In conclusion, anything you’d like to add?

CA: We absolutely have to thank our hospitals. We need to thank our nurses, doctors, entire staffs, and first responders. Certainly, our grocers, gas station attendants/owners, and food services also need to be appreciated. Consequently, they are the ones getting us through this.

Westmoreland County residents should try to buy local 99% of the time, too. During this, and even afterwards, our local businesses will need our help.

Most importantly, I wish our county, nation, and well, the whole world to just be healthy and safe sooner rather than later.

A quick side note from 77:

In conclusion, we’ve explained in past social media posts and blogs about how our business was formed. If it wasn’t for the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, we wouldn’t be here. Networking years ago at the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is what started our business. For that we will always be grateful. We are still proud members of the organization.

From a personal standpoint, Chad has been a great colleague and mentor to 77 Design Co. We are also honored to call him a good friend (and a fellow Red Sox fan along with co-owner Bobby Drakulic) too. Chad would like to mention that he also likes the Pirates. He had a chance to throw out the first pitch at a game last year as well. If we had to describe Chad in one word, it would be “GENUINE.”

Lifelong Red Sox and Cheers fan, Chad Amond.

77 Design Co. is committed to helping small business succeed. We want to keep their doors open, and keep roofs over their family’s heads. Keeping your business alive during this mess is crucial.

Additionally, here’s our services: https://77designco.com/services-2/

Analyze. Create. Achieve.