Meet Randy Rohde

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

Randy, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

The reason I am the person I am today is because of my dad. He was the most generous, compassionate, loving, and patient man I’ve ever known. He didn’t know the meaning of “no.” Growing up, if I asked him to play catch, basketball, tennis, football, or go to the park, he never turned me down. He would stop whatever he was doing to give me his full attention. Every time we played, he kept going until I was tired, not when he was tired.
Even at 80, he’d be up at 6 AM with my two little girls, pulling them in a wagon to the park, swimming with them, spinning them around on the grass, playing dolls, and joining their imaginary games until they were the ones to collapse.
As far back as I can remember, I never heard my dad raise his voice. He could be stern when needed, but he never lost his cool. That’s the kind of man he was. He wasn’t human; my little girls called him “Super Papa,” and that’s exactly what he was. He poured himself out for everyone around him, giving and giving, never running dry.
My dad inspires me to be a better man. I may never reach the heights of his generosity, but I keep trying.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I originally got into brewing beer with my friends because I loved beer, and it was a lot of fun. After opening the taproom our team members and community took center stage. Taking care of our team and giving back to the community have become part of who we are. I believe that offering better wages, health benefits, and opportunities for growth isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s about building a foundation where our employees can thrive. Their enthusiasm and dedication drive everything we do, and seeing their passion has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.
The greatest joy I selfishly receive as the owner is witnessing how happy our team members are at work. I never had that in my previous jobs. Creating a space where people feel appreciated, empowered, and genuinely enjoy coming to work is a dream come true.
Thanks to the shared positivity and hard work, we’ve achieved something incredible. Demand for our beer has outpaced our production, and we’re expanding our operations to meet it. Our growth is a testament to the trust and support of our team and our community, which we are endlessly grateful for.
Beyond our brewery doors, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about the real Las Vegas. The small, tight-knit community that exists beyond the Strip. By collaborating with local businesses, hosting events, and showcasing the creativity of our neighbors, we celebrate the heart of our city.
This journey reminds us every day that investing in people, whether it’s our team or our community, creates something much bigger than any one of us. And as we continue to grow, we’ll stay true to these values, knowing they’re the key to our success and happiness.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First, I would say you need to persevere. When I left my stable job to start Able Baker, many doubted me, laughed at me, and when I sought investors, I was met with countless rejections. Each “no” was difficult, but it became fuel for my determination. Be ready for all the “no’s”. Rejection and doubt are part of the process. Use it as an opportunity to refine your ideas and grow tougher. Build a support system of people who believe in you, and most importantly, believe in yourself even when no one else does.
Second, be a problem solver. Owning a small business is essentially solving problems on repeat. From unexpected financial challenges to operational hiccups, being a problem solver has been critical for our survival and growth. Within 5 months of opening and putting every dime into the brewery, the pandemic hit, and we were shut down. I thought all was lost. I had A LOT of maxed out credit cards, no paycheck in 3 years, and had just signed a personal guarantee on a 10-year lease for the business. I had to jump through numerous rings of fire when it came to all the regulations of slowly reopening which lasted almost 2 years.
Last, but not least, invest in people. One of the most rewarding parts of being a business owner has been investing in my team. In the customer service industry especially, your team is your business. By giving them support, opportunities, and appreciation, I’ve watched their happiness and success translate directly into the success of the business. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing your team thrive. Treat your team like your most important asset, because they are. Invest in their development, listen to their feedback, and celebrate their wins. Prioritize creating a positive work environment. Your team will feel it, your customers will feel it, and so will you.
Opening your own business will test your perseverance, challenge your problem solving skills, and require a deep commitment to the people around you. If you stay resilient, embrace problem solving, and invest wholeheartedly in your team, the rewards both personal and professional will far outweigh the struggles.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s important to have a basic understanding of a variety of skills. Learning about different areas broadens your perspective and fosters empathy for others’ work. That said, it’s not realistic or productive to expect to be great at everything. Instead, I think it’s better to play to your strengths and surround yourself with a trusted team that complements your abilities. Together, you can achieve more than any one person could alone.
In my experience, this approach has been transformative. My team and I make it a priority to build trust and lean into our individual strengths. We recognize that what I might struggle with, someone else excels at, and what they might find challenging, another team member can handle with ease.
To keep this synergy strong, we talk daily to stay aligned and meet every Friday to go over what we’re working on. These meetings are invaluable, they give us space to share our wins, ask for help, and celebrate our collective progress. This collaborative process has taught me that while you can learn a lot by improving your weaknesses, leaning on others’ strengths and focusing on your own is how you achieve the best results.

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