#InternationalWomensDay

As Haymaker’s Business Development Manager, I have had the opportunity to learn so much about the business, including how amazing our co-owner is. So for my first “real” interview I present: Haymaker Meadery’s co-owner, fierce mother, loving wife, and advocate for good that is often behind the scenes…Erin Crockett.

BRAN: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

ERIN: I think it’s a great concept to recognize women for all they do; it can be quite a revelation to learn of things women have accomplished. Without the spotlight I think they would go overlooked. 

BRAN: What is your background? 

ERIN: I have over ten years of experience in social services. I’ve worked with children for years through Headstart which provides foster care services. Additionally I’ve been working with the intellectually and developmentally disabled for years. In terms of the craft and beverage industry, Adam (our head Mazer) and I met at a great time right when the craft movement hit Philadelphia. We would take part in and work events to support craft beer. We were very involved in Homebrew clubs on Long island and PA. I think I was the first female in the clubs we were in, but I’m not 100% sure. I was typically the only lady at the meetings; luckily that has changed! I used to work with Girls Pint Out and always volunteered for beer events to help promote brands and share information about craft beer. I helped write the original business plan and assisted in creating the initial test batches in my parents’ kitchen. We still have fun trying to come up with names for our meads, but most are too ridiculous to share. We are always thinking of recipe concepts and trying new flavors to work with and share. 

BRAN: What does it mean to be a woman in the part of the world and society you live in? 

ERIN: Being a woman in our current society still has its challenges. I work a full-time job and am raising two kids. We are a hardworking, entrepreneurial family that still struggles with full-time child care because it’s just crazy expensive. It is a lot to juggle while also trying to be available to Adam and Haymaker as much as possible. People expect you to give everything to your work, but they also have high expectations for women to be perfect moms. It’s a lot of long nights to get it all done, but women are master multitaskers, so I make it possible. I don’t think society sees how much working moms have to tackle. 

BRAN: What is your favorite part of being a meadery owner? 

ERIN: I love to help people enjoy themselves through both my social work and meadery work. I want to help others be present and remind them to take time to savor and reflect. Sharing beverages and stories around a fire, a bottle, or a bent elbow and a bar can be some of the best times to engage and share in life.  Also, with Haymaker it’s about my love of Adam. Seriously, since I met him he has been so passionate about making beer, wine, mead, and cider. I’ve wanted to help him share his passion with others.

BRAN: How has your gender influenced/affected your experience in the alcohol industry? 

ERIN: I feel like women do get overlooked and underestimated when it comes to industry knowledge. Being under 5ft tall, there have been instances where I have been underestimated and literally overlooked. 

I will never forget the shock on this beer fest patron’s face when they watched me switch kegs at an event…it was astounding. (I haven’t done that in years though!)

BRAN: What woman inspires you, and why?

ERIN: My mom. She’s amazing. She has always had a great work ethic and a “it all gets done, don’t stress about it” approach. She has been a business owner and always just makes people feel appreciated and welcome. Also, Michelle Obama…AMMIRIGHT?!

BRAN: Are there any assumptions about women in the industry that you would like to change? If so, why? 

ERIN: One that sticks out is the assumption that women can’t tackle physical tasks or sell as much as aggressive men in the business. In reality, ladies shouldn’t have to assimilate to that “bully” sales culture because we are so much better than that.

BRAN: What is your favorite Haymaker mead, past, present, or future project? 

ERIN: I love Greta Bea and Edith because we created them for our girls. The liquid is inspired by their birth months and seasons, and they share their names. I really can’t wait for the tasting room to open this year so we can make more one-off and “just for fun” projects. 

BRAN: Is there anything else you would like to add?

ERIN: Nope! I hope this helps. I tried answering this with two kids running around with markers and butter knives. Thank you! 

BRAN: Thank You!

**Editors note: Erin answered all these questions separate from Adam, and Adam selected all of these pictures separate of Erin. The fact that they matched up so perfectly is just another reason why they are incredibly adorable together.