Distillery Apprenticeship
Fundraising campaign by
Sean Stark
-
US$2,300.00raised of $4,660.00 goal goal
No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities
PLEASE HELP!
Remember: You can give any amount to help me do this apprenticeship over $1
About three months ago my wife and I faced a major life-change with me losing my job. (I was the primary income in the household.)
Since that time I've been re-evaluating my life and assessing my career of 18 years. With the job market the way it is, even though I'm at the top of my field more or less, I find myself over-qualified to start at the bottom and grid locked at the middle management level.
Since that is true, I've decided to look at other options. Things that I probably would not have pursued if life wouldn't have thrown a curve ball.
That said, recently I was offered the privilege of a three month apprenticeship at a distillery in Holland, MI with a successful Micro Brewery and Distillery there called New Holland Brewing. Upon successful completion and agreement of both parties there is a possibility that I would be lead distiller at a new nano distillery.
Things I will learn during the apprenticeship:
- HOW TO DISTILL COMMERCIALLY
- HOW TO PACKAGE
- HOW TO PROOF AND POLISH
- HOW TO FILL OUT TAX FORMS
- HOW TO ORDER APPROPRIATE RAWS
- HOW TO BARREL SPIRIT
- HOW TO COORDINATE WITH A BREWERY FOR WASH
- Etc.
Unfortunately, several months of being unemployed with no income what-so-ever has our reserve funds completely depleted, along with that, other financial issues related to housing, etc. have put us in a tough position.
I'd like to accept the offer, but to do so, and provide for my family from hundreds of miles away, I need additional one-time support from family, friends, and anyone willing to help.
If you help me pursue this opportunity, I want to keep you in the loop by telling the story along the way with blog posts, video, and photos. In addition, for those who give higher amounts there are additional incentives.
Please help me say "yes!" to this opportunity by giving in any amount!
Rewards
I really need your help to pursue this dream career. Your $10 gift will help keep my family afloat in the process. This includes the need for some immediate funds to get up to Michigan and a few weeks of Ramen noodles!
Your generous $25 gift will help me achieve something I didnt think I'd ever do. Your gift will help me and my family during this process of change so I%92%92d like to keep you all updated with photos, videos, and stories as we go along.
Your generous $50 gift will help me achieve something I didnt think I'd ever do. Your gift will help me and my family during this process of change so I%92%92d like to keep you all updated with photos, videos, and stories as we go along.
Your generous $100 gift will help me achieve something I didnt think I'd ever do. Your gift will help me and my family during this process of change so I%92%92d like to keep you all updated with photos, videos, and stories as we go along and I want to personally send you a thank you card.
As a major contributor your generous $1000 gift will help me achieve something I didnt think I had any chance of really being able to do. Your gift will help me and my family during this process of change so I%92%92d like to keep you all updated with photos, videos, and stories as we go along and I want to let the world know you helped. In addition, if I am able to move into the Lead Distiller position at the nano distillery, I have a special gift for you!
Organizer
- Sean Stark
- St Cloud, US
Donors
- Bill and Leah Coersmeyer
- Donated on Mar 14, 2013
- mcsigns3
- Donated on Mar 06, 2013
I hope it works out!
- Hugo
- Donated on Mar 02, 2013
I WILL be expecting Whiskey out of this...LOL!!! Keep fighting the Good Fight, Brother!
Week 5
Update posted by Sean Stark at 06:42 pmToday was my first day working second shift in the distillery. Last week, for the majority of it I ran the still myself, spent some time in the brewhaus learning more about mashing, lautering/sparging, etc. I did a LOT of cleaning of the various bright tanks, fermentation tanks, whirlpools, etc.. . . . .
Distillery Week #3+
Update posted by Sean Stark at 08:31 pmWell this past week Brad, the lead distiller at the New Holland Campus, was on vacation. Soooo, that meant I ran the still 4 out of 5 days myself, doing stripping runs on Bourbon. I also did a ton of cleaning and gave a good shot at doing inventory. That. . . . .
Change
Update posted by Sean Stark at 09:29 pmIf you're curious as to why the amount has gone down, it's because some people have chosen to give gifts "offline" rather than online through this account. As that has happened I've updated the total. I'm not looking to get rich, just get us back on track and help my
Where I put images
Update posted by Sean Stark at 07:42 pmI've been documenting all of this process and posting the images here: http://instagram.com/silatjunkie
Week Two-ish
Update posted by Sean Stark at 06:39 amToday marks the end of my second full week of work. It's been very busy and I've learned a lot. I know there is so much more to learn and want to get there.
Few Days
Update posted by Sean Stark at 06:55 amThe first few days of work have come and gone. It's been a good few days. Lot's of learning. LOT'S of hard work—the kind at the end of the day that has your body done. Distilling is good work. Check this site for photo updates: http://instagram.com/silatjunkie
Arrived
Update posted by Sean Stark at 06:41 pmIn spite of the dread of cold and the snow and ice on the roads I made it up to Holland. Tmrw marks my first day in the apprenticeship.
UPDATE! Sunday 2/3/13
Update posted by Sean Stark at 03:30 pmI'm freaking out! Lot's to do but going constantly the past few days. So many more things that I wanted to get done but it's not happening. Still some time tmrw morning but... time's running out. I've been able to update the amount that I need because some people have. . . . .
Departure
Update posted by Sean Stark at 07:04 pmFor those who are curious, my departure date will be Monday the.....4th. Arriving probably late on the 5th and my start date is the 6th. Completely freaked out. NOT looking forward to the cold. NOT looking forward to leaving the family.... or friends.... or florida... at all.... (All F's) TTYL
The Future
Update posted by Sean Stark at 09:30 amI know that this distillery will be branded as a New Holland Brewing venture. I'm hoping to be involved in some of those decisions but either way, I have hopes that someday this will be my distillery: In the meantime, support New Holland Brewing. They aren't in Florida yet but
Donors & Comments
- Bill and Leah Coersmeyer
- Donated on Mar 14, 2013
- mcsigns3
- Donated on Mar 06, 2013
I hope it works out!
- Hugo
- Donated on Mar 02, 2013
I WILL be expecting Whiskey out of this...LOL!!! Keep fighting the Good Fight, Brother!
- keoni
- Donated on Feb 25, 2013
love you bro!!!
- Windy
- Donated on Feb 22, 2013
Best of luck on your new endeavor Guru!!
- Aaron
- Donated on Feb 22, 2013
- Lisa Allen
- Donated on Feb 21, 2013
- Sean Stark
- Posted On Feb 20, 2013
Thanks everyone! Your support is really a blessing.
- Billc.
- Donated on Feb 20, 2013
- Bear
- Donated on Feb 17, 2013
Hope all is going well and this works out for you, even though we wish we could have you back in sunny Florida! Bear
