Saying Goodbye to Steve Fechheimer
A Look Back at His Impact on New Belgium
When Steve Fechheimer first joined New Belgium Brewery, the Fort Collins-based craft brewery was already well-known for its delicious beers. But even amid stiff competition from other craft breweries, Fechheimer was able to lead New Belgium to record growth during his tenure as CEO.
Under Fechheimer’s leadership, New Belgium expanded into new markets, introduced innovative new beers, and became a leader in the craft beer industry. Now, as Fechheimer prepares to depart from the company, many of his colleagues and fans are looking back on his tenure with admiration and gratitude.
Looking back on Fechheimer’s tenure, it is clear that he was a transformative figure for the company. Over the years, he oversaw a number of significant changes that helped to shape New Belgium into the beloved institution it is today.
Expanding Into New Markets
One of the first things that Fechheimer did after taking the helm at New Belgium was to expand the company’s reach into new markets. Prior to his arrival, the brewery was primarily known in the Western United States. But Fechheimer recognized that there was a growing demand for craft beer across the country, and he was determined to help New Belgium capitalize on this trend.
Fechheimer began by opening a second brewery in Asheville, North Carolina, which helped New Belgium to reach customers in the Southeast and along the East Coast. This move was a game-changer for the company, allowing it to significantly increase its sales and distribution nationwide.
Innovating With New Beers
Another key part of Fechheimer’s legacy at New Belgium is his commitment to innovation. Throughout his tenure, he worked tirelessly to develop new and exciting beers that would appeal to craft beer lovers everywhere.
Under Fechheimer’s leadership, New Belgium introduced several successful new beers, including Voodoo Ranger IPA, La Folie Sour Brown Ale, and Dayblazer Easygoing Ale. These beers helped to establish New Belgium as a leader in the craft beer industry, and they continue to be beloved by beer drinkers around the world.
Building a Culture of Sustainability
Finally, Fechheimer is known for his work on sustainability issues. From reducing waste to investing in clean energy, he worked hard to make New Belgium as eco-friendly as possible.
Under his leadership, New Belgium became the first certified carbon-neutral brewery in the United States, and Fechheimer himself was recognized as a sustainability champion by the National Restaurant Association.
Ultimately, Steve Fechheimer’s departure from New Belgium is bittersweet. While it is always sad to say goodbye to someone who has been a transformative figure for an organization, there is no doubt that the company is in a better place today because of his efforts.
As New Belgium looks to the future, it is clear that Fechheimer’s legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. His commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in brewing has helped to shape the craft beer industry as a whole, and his impact on New Belgium will be remembered for a long time to come.
