Name: PJ Mercier
Name of brewery: Navigation Brewing Co.
What do you do at the brewery? Co-Owner, Assistant Brewer, Cellarman, Social Media, Janitor
Where’s the brewery located? 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851
#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?
It all started as a joke, my father-in-law/business partner Bob was an avid and award winning home brewer, long before it was cool to home brew. We would joke about opening a brewery and me selling his awesome beers while we sat on the beach in Maine every summer. Shortly after he retired, he approached me with the question. Want to open that brewery? 8 years later, here we are, brewing beer for a living.
#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?
That’s a tough question. We brew so many beers, and everyone seems to have their favorites. If I’d had to guess it would be a few… Compass Rose, Black Pepper Porter, IPA or Kolsch.
#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?
Hands down getting to know and learn about the people; our staff, our customers. We love talking beer, life, family, and passions.
#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why?
So many good brewers, brewing great beers it’s tough to say anyone one of them impresses me more than another.
#5) What’s a little known fact about you or your brewery?
Something unique? Every night, going on 10 years now, I drive my autistic son Easton around for about 30-45 minutes to help him unwind while listens to his favorite songs.
#6) What advice would you give to someone who wants to either work in the beer industry or open their own brewery?
If you are starting a brewery, be prepared to work 24/7. It’s not about the money but rather the love of brewing beers that puts a smile on a customer’s face. Also grow thick skin. You can’t please everyone.