Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hand.
Hi Scott, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Have always been fond of art, music, and architecture. Earned a Masters in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati with a specialty in acoustics and moved to Chicago in 2004. Worked at a small firm specializing in performing arts facilities designing theaters, studios, and other public spaces. Moved back home to Cincinnati in 2011 to be closer to family. Started laying the groundwork for what would become Urban Artifact shortly after that – researching real estate, building a business plan. My goal was to use my design expertise to develop a facility that while focused on the beer production, also felt like a professional event and arts space. I’ve continued to practice architecture, and paint on the side, focusing on projects that helped refine my expertise, while developing the Urban Artifact brand. Was able to design and build the taproom, music studio, radio station, and restore the fantatic old church building that the business operates from.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I recognize the privilege that I’ve exercised – the ability to get a business loan, to sell lenders on the idea, to talk family and friends into investing in a spark of an idea. That set of options isn’t available to everyone, and I wish it was. But I also feel that I put in a lot of hard work. Many hours planning and researching. Being able to combine my existing expertise in construction, design, and programming with the expertise of my business partners is a skill.
Keeping my family happy and balancing time between endeavors and the time I want to spend with them has always been a struggle. Having a wildly supportive partner has been the key to everything we’ve accomplished.
Originally, we were looking at a different site for the Urban Artifact facility. After over a year of negotiations, the owner finally refused to sell the property, and our lender told us to walk away. One week later, the historic St Patrick’s church facility in Northside went on the market, and we pounced on that.
Then 3 days before the closing was scheduled, one of our original business partners vanished – with the money they were supposed to be putting into the business. So we had a quick scramble, one thousand phone calls, and lots of meetings to find out how to pull in new partners, continue to push ahead, and close the initial deal that made the business happen. Thankfully, both of these struggles led to immediately better outcomes. We landed in a much better physical place, and with incredible new partners that helped build the business with me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have several different things that I do. The biggest is Urban Artifact. Started in 2014, but launched the brand in 2015, Urban Artifact is a craft brewery that specializes in fruit beer. We’ve pioneered the style of a “fruit tart”, which is a style of beer brewed with real fruit and focused on the flavors of the fruit more than a more traditional beer style. There are different levels, ranging from a Fruit Tart Seltzer (light) to our best known Midwest Fruit Tart (middle level) to some of our more experimental fruited beers that use insane amounts of real fruit.
We use more real fruit than any other brewery in the world. The goal of the style and our brand is to develop drinks that are extremely well balanced, through a tart beer base, fully fermented fruit, and unique flavors. It’s a niche that we’ve developed through a lot of experimentation and love.
My role is as Chief Brand Officer, helping direct the aesthetic and packaging. I paint or draw all of the label artwork.
The brewery also spun off a radio station, live music venue, recording studio, and record label named Radio Artifact. We focus on live music, usually from local artists, but our reach is growing. We have a 24/7 station that plays local music on WVXU 91.7 fm HD2 and streaming online.
I also continue to practice architecture on the side under the moniker Trilobite Design, focusing on projects that exercise my performing arts and acoustic expertise or get to push my love of extremely sustainable design.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness in a wide variety of places. Spending time with my family, camping in nature, hiking in the woods is my true passive happy place. Creatively, knowing I’ve accomplished something in a way that’s honestly my own.
Architecturally, working through a complicated set of constraints and developing the option that meets all the goal, often with a unique little twist to make something work.
Contact Info:
- Email: scott@artifactbeer.com
- Website: artifactbeer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hand.designed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanartifactbrewing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Artifact_Scott
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RadioArtifact
- Other: http://www.radioartifact.com/
Image Credits
Urban Artifact
