MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Since the pandemic, many small businesses have had to ask where’s the money, whether it's to deal with rising costs or a beleaguered workforce.
In a volatile economy, in which small businesses are the backbone, business owners have had to contort their entrepreneurial spirit now more than ever.
In the midst of a wave of businesses closing their doors in our area, a few others are using this time as an opportunity to double down on their brand.
"One day I said, hey man, do you want to do this on our own," Michael Smoak, Co-owner of Middle James Brewery told WCNC Charlotte while reminiscing how the brewery began.
Coming home a champion in a home-brew contest, Smoak conjured his love for hops and craft beer into what today is three bustling locations.
"We've always loved the downtown Waxhaw area and we got a call one day. And here we are," Smoak explained to WCNC Charlotte.
After persevering through the pandemic, Middle James Brewery has bet on itself with nearly 5 years in Pineville, a year in Rock Hill, and a Waxhaw location that is still a baby. He says while many small businesses have struggled – including restaurants and other establishments in a saturated craft beer market – they’ve figured out a formula that works for them.
"We try to have something new and exciting every day, whether it's trivia or magic bingo or even puzzle races," Smoak told WCNC's Colin Mayfield.
It’s the dance of a small business during a volatile economy where prices seem to not have ceilings – thankfully they’re treading water.
At a time when the Federal government is trying to tame inflation, many outfits are trying to figure out how to keep costs affordable, manage changing staff, and keep up with surging costs. It's an environment that many businesses have never experienced says Scott Curley, CEO of Finish Line Tax Solutions.
"It's very challenging right now, for the consumer and business owners and the employees," Curley said.
No matter the industry, whether it's beers or looking at people’s bills, the responsibility doesn’t change if a business wants to stay open. It’s a juggling act.
Curley said, "We’ve had to start thinking very creatively at the end of the day, the client still needs what they need."