Young Henrys story
In the contemporary business landscape, balancing purpose with profit is more than an operational goal—it's a commitment to a sustainable future. Featuring Oscar McMahon, co-founder of the innovative Young Henrys brewery, the episode delves into a love of beer with a heart of rock and roll, driven by community values and environmental consciousness.
Listen to the episode here:
Rock and Roll business
At its core, the journey of Young Henrys reflects a profound narrative of transformation and innovation. Oscar McMahon's formative years were not just about skateboarding and punk rock but about pivotal decisions that laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial success. "My high school choice made a world of difference," Oscar notes. "It was the first step in a journey of choosing unconventional paths that eventually led me to brewing."
From band life to brand life
The analogy between managing a band and running a business is striking and insightful. Oscar explains, "In a band, you're making brand decisions every day. It's all about harmony and hitting the right notes collectively." This approach translated seamlessly into his business ethos at Young Henrys, where collaboration and creativity are the bedrock of their operations. "It's like being in a band—you need everyone on board with a song, or in our case, a beer, before it hits the public," Oscar elaborates.
Creating a winning culture
Community involvement and cultural resonance are at the heart of Young Henrys. This approach has not only defined their brand but also cemented their success in a competitive market. Oscar shares a pivotal moment, "When we launched, we listed ten venues where we wanted our beer. Approaching them wasn’t just about sales; it was about finding partners who shared our ethos." This strategy paid dividends, reflecting their community-focused branding.
Sustainability in business
Young Henrys has been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into its business model. Their efforts range from operational efficiencies to groundbreaking projects like the microalgae initiative with the University of Technology Sydney, aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Oscar underscores the importance of this commitment: "Sustainability isn't just a tagline for us; it's woven into every aspect of our business, ensuring we're part of the solution, not the problem."
The role of company culture
The resilience of Young Henrys through challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the strength of its company culture. Oscar reflects, "The first lockdown taught us the irreplaceable value of company culture. It's the glue that held us together, and it's what will drive our future growth." This sentiment is a powerful reminder of the human element in entrepreneurship, where business health is directly linked to employee well-being.
Leadership and learning in entrepreneurship
Reflecting on his journey from musician to business leader, Oscar offers sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Fear is not a reason to avoid business. It's a compass that guides you towards areas ripe for innovation and growth." He continues, "Every challenge is a melody in the symphony of business, and how you respond to it determines your success."
Crafting a purpose-driven future
Oscar's journey underscores a critical narrative in today’s business environment: success is increasingly defined by the ability to harmonise profit with purpose. As Oscar McMahan and Young Henrys illustrate, the future of business lies in sustainable practices that resonate deeply with consumers and communities alike. "Entrepreneurship is much like an art form, where the canvas is your business and the paints are your values and actions," Oscar muses. "Ultimately, it’s about creating something that speaks not only to the market but to the greater good."
The chat covered invaluable lessons for anyone navigating the complex interplay of ethics and economics in modern business, emphasising that true success is a blend of innovation, integrity, and community engagement.
Check out some of the work Paper Moose has done with Young Henrys here
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