Robert Nowaczyk has a distinguished career in civil service, serving local communities as an EMT, Paramedic, SWAT team member, and now firefighter. He is currently stationed in Los Angeles as a Firefighter Paramedic and member of the Air Operations helicopter fleet. He has worked in a special task force that has been deployed to earthquake ravaged Haiti, Japan, Nepal and New Zealand. Rob started the company on his off duty days by selling one keg at a time out of his car and now Fireman’s Brew products are available in many states across the US and several foreign countries.
What is your company background, how did you start the business? Who are the owners (first and last names)?
“Conceived by two Los Angeles-based firefighters after extinguishing a brushfire in the local mountains, Fireman’s Brew grew out of their vision to create a premium line of handcrafted ales and lagers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the fire lines. Fireman’s Brew’s collection of micro-brewed beers is created using only the finest of all-natural ingredients to deliver bold, full-flavoured, traditional tastes and easy drinking refreshment. In addition, Fireman’s Brew is committed to giving back to the firefighter community that inspired it by donating a portion of company proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation — the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to honouring fallen firefighters and providing assistance to their surviving families.”
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Fireman’s Brew: Blonde (Pilsner-style Lager; 5.2 percent ABV): Our original golden lager is the lightest of our beers. Smooth, light malt flavors combine with just enough hops for balance to deliver a crisp and refreshing beer with a clean finish and no bitter aftertaste.”
“Fireman’s Brew: Brunette (German-style Doublebock; 8 percent ABV): A traditionally styled German Doublebock with rich structure and bold flavors, yet with a smooth easy-drinking taste and finish. Handcrafted with imported hops and chocolate malts to create a strong, yet refined, microbrew of uncompromised quality.”
“Fireman’s Brew: Redhead (Amber Ale; 5.5 percent ABV): A flavor packed red amber ale with smooth, rich caramel flavors. The combination of Yakima Valley hops and 3 different crystal malts complement a solid, toasty malt base to create a unique and flavorful ale.”
“Fireman’s Brew: IPA (India Pale Ale; 6.5% ABV) : A bold and refreshing West Coast-style India Pale Ale (IPA) made with a delicious and aromatic blend of Cascade, Columbus, Chinook and Galena hops.”
“Micro Brewed Soda: Root Beer, Cream Soda, Black Cherry Soda.”
“Fire Roasted Coffee: Three Alarm Blend, False Alarm Decaf.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“Fireman’s Brew just announced the rollout of its 12-pack sampler to California Smart & Final locations; the award-winning craft beer company’s sampler pack will now be sold in nearly 200 stores throughout the Golden State. The 12-Pack Sampler consists of four 12-ounce bottles of three of the brand’s signature beers: Blonde, Brunette, and Redhead.”
“Also of recent note: in September of 2016, and for the first time in nine years, Fireman’s Brew introduced a new beer: Fireman’s Brew IPA. Originally released just in time for the height of the fall beer season, this new product offering is the company’s take on a bold and refreshing West Coast-style India Pale Ale (IPA) made with a delicious and aromatic blend of Cascade, Columbus, Chinook and Galena hops.”
“This also marks the first time Fireman’s Brew offers product in a cool refreshing 16 oz. can, further promoting light-weight portability and access.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“Fireman’s Brew is currently in the midst of planning construction on a new brewery and tasting room in Los Angeles County. Once their current financing round is complete, they will start construction immediately and plan to open their doors to the public in 2018.”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability?
Rapidly expanding across the county since 2012, Fireman’s Brew is currently available in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, Virginia, Michigan, Hawaii, West Virginia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Utah, and Missouri domestically. Internationally, the product is available in Korea and Japan. We are also thrilled to mention that Fireman’s Brew is available at CA’s own Staples Center and Dodger Stadium. Beyond this, we are always looking to expand both domestically and internationally.
