Sarah Swafford is making HERstory at 21st Amendment Brewery

Here at Markstein, we strongly believe that Women’s History Month is celebrated every month of the year. Because, without women, there would be no history to celebrate. Not only do we believe it is important to remember the work of women who have paved the way for us, but it is also important to celebrate the women who are making HERstory today! And while the beer and beverage industry might be male-dominated, women like Sarah Swafford aren’t letting that stop them from making a seat at the table and shaking up the industry. 

Sarah is the National Sales Manager at 21st Amendment Brewery (a brand we are proud to distribute here at Markstein). We were honored to speak with her recently about what it’s like to be a woman in this industry. She is passionate about helping women not only make their way into the beer industry, but to thrive and climb the ladder as well! Check out our conversation with Sarah to read how she has advanced her career and her recommendations for women looking to do the same: 

Q: What is one of your proudest achievements as a female leader in the beer and beverage industry? 

A: Launching our limited release “Moon Boots”. It was a collaborative recipe with all of the women at 21st Amendment. We worked with an amazing female artist, Robin Eisenberg, and funded a scholarship for the Pink Boots Society through our proceeds.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the beer and beverage industry? How has overcoming these challenges made you a better leader?

A: Quite often being the only woman in a room full of men during business meetings with our distributor partners and sometimes having them assume that one of my direct reports is the boss. Showing our distributor partners that a woman can lead a successful sales team hopefully has encouraged them to add more women to their own teams especially in leadership positions.

Q: What do you wish people knew about being a female leader in a male-dominated industry?

A:  Sometimes you might feel outnumbered by men, but don’t let that make you feel less than, you deserve to be there as much as anyone else, and you are paving the way for more women. Some days it might feel like a “boys club” but those days are fewer and far between as time goes on. People that feel women don’t belong in beer will always be there but don’t let their opinions get to you!

Q. If you had the opportunity to mentor a young woman interested in joining the beer and beverage industry, what would you tell her?

A: Apply for the job you might not feel 100% qualified for! Let your skillset shine in your resume and take on new opportunities to learn more about areas you might not have a background, you will only learn more that way. Let your boss/supervisor know your career goals, ask for the promotion, don’t be afraid to negotiate your compensation. 

Q. What are the things you do every day to be successful?

A. I check in with my team to see how I can be of help and support them. I train them in areas so they can learn more and grow in their careers. Having the best team helps me be most successful. 

Q. Why did you join the beer and beverage industry? Why have you stayed?

A. I love beer and worked my way up at a craft beer bar in Los Angeles. I have stayed because I love this industry and the craft beer community. 

Q. What would you tell your 21-year-old self about what to expect as a female leader in a male-dominated industry?

A. You are always going to come across people who will question your love and knowledge of beer. Don’t let this consume and upset you (even though it will at times!). Just continue to show them they are wrong and that “yes, women do drink beer!” Hopefully you will be the one to help change their perspective. Work hard but make time for yourself! Make friends with other women in the beer and beverage community!

Q. What are key things you do (or have done) to advance your career?

A. I created a position at work that did not exist, explained to my boss at the time that he needed this role to make his job easier and our company more successful, then proved that I was the one perfect for the job.  I have always pushed myself to learn more—pricing, production, logistics, marketing, brand development, contracts, etc. I then used this knowledge to create training modules to teach my team as well.  I always try to show up for my team and support them as needed. 

Q. What are some of the ways you see women shaking up the beer and beverage industry?

A. More women joining the brewing industry and opening their own breweries. More women in distribution. More women hiring more women!!!!!! More women bringing awareness to the sexism and harassment that women receive daily in this industry. Women supporting other women as they come forward and share their stories. 

Throughout this month, we’ll continue to share conversations we’ve had with female leaders in the beer and beverage industry. Do you have experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry? We’d love to hear them and how they have driven you to be successful!