Meet Brad Messier

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brad Messier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brad below.

Brad, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

There have been naysayers from day one, with myself being one of the loudest and most persistent critics. On the day of our initial kitchen inspection, an official remarked, “Well, you probably won’t make a million dollars on this one. Good luck!” Good luck indeed.

One key to persistence in the face of criticism is practical patience—a perspective that extends beyond day-to-day routines, allowing for an understanding of the natural bell curves of ideas, products, and demand.

Being a vinegar maker requires a particular stubborn patience, the ability to wait out the seasons, and give a natural process the time needed to undergo its transformation. Some of our vinegar flavors take a two- or three-year journey from their conception to a finished product, with any number of twists and turns and opportunities for ruin or triumph.

Knowing which criticism to dismiss and what to learn from difficult interactions is a skill that takes practice. It often involves navigating more than a few mistakes, bad ideas, and dead ends. When a batch of pear wine soured unexpectedly, there was a moment of inspiration for me—a quick pivot from a perceived failure to an unexpected success when the resulting vinegar was delicious. That idea of looking at challenges as opportunities for unexpected successes has helped keep me going through some difficult times.

Giving yourself permission to define your standard of success is powerfully liberating. My idea of success has changed over time, and I expect it will continue to evolve. My goals have been focused on making a good, honest, and delicious product, with less focus on making a million. Vinegar making is a discipline with both highly technical aspects and subjective judgments—an art and a science. We are constantly navigating the delicate balance between mastering repetitive tasks while leaving space open to innovate and allow for creative growth.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At West Maquoit Vinegar Works in Brunswick, Maine, we craft unique vinegars from locally sourced ingredients. We produce 16 distinct flavors using Maine-grown fruits, berries, and vegetables, as well as locally brewed beer. Collaborations with local brewers and farmers drive our flavor selections and brand identity, making our products truly one-of-a-kind.

We focus on creating vinegars that embody a sense of place, connecting to the time they were made and the transformation they undergo. Our adventurous flavors, like Tomato Vinegar, Wild Blueberry Vinegar, and Mushroom Vinegar, are inspiring to cook with. This time of year, we love using Spruce Beer Vinegar when making soups and stews. Check out our recipe for a delicious Squash Soup. https://www.westmaquoitvinegarworks.com/squashsoup

These unique flavors push the limits of what can be achieved with locally grown ingredients, showcasing the creativity in brewing wine or beer and sourcing from our community. As a chef, I was always seeking new and unique flavors to elevate dishes, adding brightness and balance to rich culinary creations. Our vinegars offer the perfect opportunity to introduce Maine’s seasonal essence, just a few splashes at a time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three skills that have been impactful on my journey are the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, a strong sense of curiosity, and the self-discipline to take care of myself.

I have always loved problem-solving and finding creative solutions, often bouncing ideas around. Things rarely go as planned. When faced with challenges, my frugal nature prompts me to look for answers in what is at hand—what can I adapt to fit my needs? Not every problem can be solved this way, but I find greater satisfaction in fixing something rather than buying a replacement.

My curiosity to learn has always driven me, earning me the nickname “walking encyclopedia” as a child. I believe we should always be learning new things. Have a hobby—or better yet, have four! During the pandemic, I developed a new skill set by building guitar pedals and amps. Engaging in interesting activities outside my routine keeps me inspired. I can’t imagine a life without continual learning and the pursuit of answers.

While it’s often easier to keep grinding away at work, I’ve learned the importance of self-care—the “smell the flowers” moments that encourage a slower pace. Some days, it feels simpler to fill my schedule with tasks rather than have the determination to schedule in a massage or a moment of rest. One of my first yoga teachers would say, “Getting here is the hardest part.” Some days, just showing up is enough.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My wife and business partner, Elizabeth Guilbault, has been a constant source of help and encouragement from day one. Her background in accounting, banking, and HR was crucial in turning my dreamy notions into reality.

In those early days, filled with questions, forms, and regulations, she expertly navigated the complexities of setting up the business while balancing the demands of our hectic family life. All of this was accomplished while she advanced in her high-pressure career, demonstrating inspiring determination and persistence.

Elizabeth is also an accomplished and award-winning ceramic artist, using her medium as a powerful form of expression. Her artistic journey—characterized by perseverance, creativity, competitiveness, and an intense curiosity to learn—continues to inspire and motivate me.

Through all the challenges, the highs and lows, the epic spills, and wild successes, she has helped me find a way forward. Thank you, Beth!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westmaquoitvinegarworks.com/
• Instagram: @westmaquoit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westmaquoit/

Image Credits

Brad Messier, Jake Dombek