Episode 10 - Creating a Community-Driven Business with Adam McQueen

Traversing Entrepreneurship

Adam McQueen is the Founder and Owner of Skål Beer Hall, a modern interpretation of the Viking mead hall based in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Before founding Skål Beer Hall, Adam was a customer engagement expert with over 12 years of experience working in brewery and agency settings. He served as the Director of Customer Engagement of Enjoy Beer, the Digital Marketing Director of Harpoon Brewery, and the Director of Media of Digital Influence Group. Adam graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Adam joins us today to describe what Skål Beer Hall is, its products, and how it creates a communal space for celebrating the Scandinavian heritage. He highlights the value of community engagement in growing a business. He discusses how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic and operated as a restaurant despite COVID-19 restrictions. Adam also recounts the most enjoyable moments he’s experienced as a business owner and underscores the importance of asking for help as an entrepreneur.

“Our strategy was to let people see behind the curtain and make them feel like they’re part of the process of opening the space.” - Adam McQueen

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Adam’s background in media and marketing and his path to starting Skål Beer Hall
• The people who inspired Adam to start his own business
• The importance of seeking help and playing toward other peoples’ strengths in business
• The most enjoyable moments of owning a business
• How Skål creates a space where the community can celebrate their Scandinavian heritage
• Community engagement and how it has impacted Skål Beer Hall’s business
• How support from the community has helped Skål Beer Hall survive the COVID-19 pandemic
• Running a restaurant amid COVID-19 and how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic
• Why many people left the hospitality industry during the pandemic
• Programs, promos, and communal events Skål Beer Hall implements to make customers return

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “It is paramount to the success of your business that you know what you don’t know, surround yourself with people who can help you, and don’t worry about the things you can’t control.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
• “You can never satisfy everyone when running a business. You need to stick to your core and focus on what you do well.” - Adam McQueen
• “Treat others how you want to be treated. When you’re young, you get away with it sometimes. But as you get older, it becomes your reputation.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Adam McQueen :

• Skål Beer Hall
• Skål Beer Hall on Facebook
• Skål Beer Hall on Instagram
• Skål Beer Hall on LinkedIn
• Adam McQueen on LinkedIn
• Email: [e-mail]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at [e-mail] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

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