We recently connected with Susan Webster and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Susan, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I think it’s something that just came as a result of my youth and my personality. I wake up each day looking forward to the positives. I know that in the end, it’s all going to be alright, so I can find ways to find the good in everything. And find solutions where there may be roadblocks. It’s a part of everything I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In May 2024, my husband Bryce and I took a leap of faith and opened Vulture Peak Brewing Company in Wickenburg, AZ, with the incredible support of our talented friend Jeremy Nunn, whose brewmaster skills among other talents have been key to our success. While we’re working hard to grow and thrive in the brewery world, we’re still balancing our day jobs. Our dream is to one day soon make this passion project our full-time focus!
As for me, I wear many hats at the brewery—Marketing, Hiring, Scheduling, Customer Service, Event Planning, and, of course, Official Beer Taster. Supporting Bryce in achieving his lifelong dream of owning a brewery has been one of the greatest joys of my life. His passion for creating an exceptional product and fostering a space filled with laughter, smiles, and good times is at the heart of everything we do.
This is truly a family business. While we do have part-time staff, our children are an essential part of the team, learning the ropes and contributing in their own ways—whether it’s washing dishes, making popcorn, or warmly greeting customers. Their involvement adds to the charm and heart of what we do. We started this brewery to bring something new and innovative to our community, and it has been built with love—by our family, for our community, and with the incredible support of our customers, who have become like an extension of our family.
If you’ve never tried craft beer, you’re in for a treat. What makes it so special is its freshness—brewed right here on-site with love, skill, and care. Our flavors are unique, some even extraordinary, and we’re always pushing ourselves to improve and innovate, sharing our passion with all who choose to visit us.
This winter, we’re excited to announce that we’ve extended our patio to include even more outdoor space, perfect for the busy season. We’ll also be expanding live music to the outdoors and welcoming food trucks more frequently, along with fun activities like cornhole and other outdoor games. Every Sunday, we’re thrilled to feature local musician Kadin Hernandez, a rare talent we’ve been so blessed to watch grow. He’s on an incredible path to stardom!
Mark your calendars for Gold Rush Days, happening February 13–16! We’ll be hosting special events all weekend long, including a Parade Watch Party on the 15th, followed by live music and Rio’s Taco Truck on-site throughout the weekend.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We can’t wait to share great beer, unforgettable moments, and more memories with you! Cheers to community and craft! Check out our social media for all of our events and dates upcoming!
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?
Starting a business is no easy feat—it’s hard work that requires unwavering passion for what you’re doing. It will challenge your strength and determination at every turn, but if you’re committed, it’s worth it.
Bryce and Jeremy have earned certifications in Brewery Management and Brewmaster skills, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to truly know your craft before diving into business ownership. Preparation and expertise are key to success.
We’re incredibly grateful for our faith, our family, and our friends who have supported us and stepped in whenever we needed help along the way. Their encouragement and dedication have been invaluable.
If you’re interested in working in the craft beer industry, the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild is an excellent place to start! They’ve been an incredible resource for us, providing valuable guidance on all things craft beer, especially the rules and regulations here in Arizona. Beyond that, they foster a supportive community that brings together breweries of all sizes, creating a network where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
I also highly recommend getting involved with your local Chamber of Commerce and working closely with local government. Understanding the rules and regulations for small businesses in your area is essential. Our Chamber of Commerce has been a tremendous asset, always finding ways to support and uplift small businesses like ours.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
No matter what your business or career path is, there will be days when you feel overwhelmed—it’s just part of the journey. For me, I’m incredibly grateful to have my husband, Bryce, as my partner through it all. This business is his dream, but having someone by your side to help you achieve that dream makes all the difference.
We’re also blessed to have our brewmaster and close friend, Jeremy Nunn, whose expertise and dedication have been invaluable to building this business. Between the three of us, we’ve learned how to tackle challenges together, whether it’s finding a solution ourselves or seeking out the right path or person to guide us.
One of the greatest advantages of being in a small community is the incredible support we receive from our neighbors. When challenges arise, we can rely on our community to lend a hand or share advice. In a small town, knowing who to turn to and having that network of support is truly priceless.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vulturepeakbrewing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Vulture-Peak-Brewing-Company-LLC-100083156111449/
- Other: https://untappd.com/v/vulture-peak-brewing-company/12661328
Image Credits
Family photo – Bradi Preble