shane dovey

Good Beer Folk: Shane Dovey

How long have you been a part of the Steam Whistle / GBF family?

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February 15, 2018

How long have you been a part of the Steam Whistle / Good Beer Folks family?

Shane: 8 years.

What is your position at Steam Whistle?

Shane: Retail Coordinator.

How long have you been in your role of Retail Coordinator?

Shane: 2 years. 

Can you describe your role of Retail Coordinator?

Shane: Here at Steam Whistle I am responsible for our retail store and work directly under our On-Site Experience Manager. In a nutshell I am responsible for our good beer folks working in our REP (retail, events, and promotions) department to ensure that they execute the department’s goal. The main goal we instil in our GBF’s mind is to bring the best possible guest experience to every guest that touches our brand. It’s a very rewarding job. We want to build great memories for all our guests with a guarantee they will have a memorable time. I also help organize events such as the home opener weekend, craft beer festivals, Canada day events etc. Never a dull moment at The Roundhouse!

How has your role evolved since you first started?

Shane: I think when you start any new career role you are testing out the waters, although with experience you’re able to really make it your own! Obviously over time comes more responsibility and this year we’ve had a ton of new activations coming to the Roundhouse. I am really excited to play a huge role in them. Stay tuned…

Were you always interested in the brewing industry (or) why did you apply at Steam Whistle?

Shane: I actually stumbled upon my job at Steam Whistle kind of by fluke. It’s a funny story actually, I had some friends looking for a summer job in 2010 and they were heading over to Steam Whistle for a group style interview. I was too late to apply. My friend Luke said “just show up Shane, see what happens” so I did not think anything would come of it! I was just genuinely excited to go and check out the brewery. The Steam Whistle staff in charge of the hiring really got a kick out of my story and it made a lasting impression, so they invited me back for the second interview and ended up hiring me. Here I am eight years later. I instantly saw how unique this place was, and was drawn to the atmosphere.

If you had to choose, what would be your favourite aspect about coming in to work at the brewery?

Shane: Tough Q because there are so many things to list. In eight years, I haven’t woken up and dreaded going into work once. To me that is extremely rare and special. The first things that come to my mind are my co-workers, it’s such a fun and warm environment. My job involves making new fans of Steam Whistle and putting smiles on people’s faces. Can you get more rewarding than that?

How would you describe ‘Pure Pilsner’?

Shane: Pure Pilsner to me means following traditional brewing methods. At Steam Whistle we follow the Bavarian Purity Act which dates back to 1516. Beer nowadays is polluted with high fructose corn syrup and they carbonate it artificially. Steam Whistle only uses four all-natural ingredients and that is where “pure” is derived from.

What makes Steam Whistle stand out as a brand?

Shane: I think Steam Whistle is a very unique Canadian brand. I love the focus of bringing it back to simpler times of Canadian business success and craft man ship while focusing on mastering one amazing beer. I think once people learn about our company’s original roots, they fall in love with it!

What’s a Steam Whistle initiative that means a lot to you?

Shane: Steam Whistle does a lot of support for local communities. Recently the donation of half our draft profits for the month of February to the Downie Wenjack Fund is something that I am particularly proud of.

Is it true when people say the Steam Whistle culture is contagious?

Shane: It really is. I think when you have a collection of people who all understand the common goal and work in a fun environment it is a recipe for success.

What is one word you could use to describe your work experience at Steam Whistle?

Shane: Legendary.

Where is your favourite place to enjoy a Steam Whistle?

Shane: On the dock at beer o’clock. Jeez, I’m going to regret saying that.