BE A GOOD HUMAN

As you may know for over 4+ years I created, hosted and produced an award-winning podcast called ‘The 16oz. Canvas - The Art of Craft Beer’. I interviewed the artists and designers who bring your favorite beers and breweries to life through labels, branding, and creativity. The idea was formed around the idea of purchase behavior and could a label get you to buy the product, in this case, craft beer.

In total, there were over 180 episodes with artists from 12 different countries responsible for thousands of designs at hundreds of different breweries, cideries as well as even some wineries and distilleries. Like with any good project we had gotten to the point of wanting to put out some new merch. Seeing the amazing work of these individuals was inspiring to say the least.

One of my favorite artists I connected with was the Maine-based Artist, Ryan Adams. His geometric graffiti-style art and murals were unlike anything I had seen before and it moved me. The idea of working together with him on something for the project had me beyond excited. The original idea was for ‘The Art of Craft Beer’ in his style and for me to make glasses. Beer podcast, glassware. It seemed like an obvious pairing.

Then Covid hit and changed everything. No one expected it to last as long, but I began to see businesses close and those working in that industry struggle to get by, and I knew I had to do something. I was blessed to have a job and be able to work safely from my home (shout out to the crew at DISQO), but others weren’t as lucky. We pivoted and identified a few locations in Maine (I love Maine!) that were tied to us indirectly through the podcast’s journey and decided to split all of the profits between those businesses. It was our opportunity to give back and help however possible.

I have used the term ‘Be a Good Human’ for many years. I felt it was a nicer way of saying ‘Don’t be an A$$hole’ and it helped to keep me centered and aware of those around me. With the pivot, I decided to have that as our slogan and it really resonated with people. I then started to feel more comfortable using it in my professional career as well and have seen the mantra echoed by friends across the industry which has been beyond flattering to me. The foundation of the idea is that work AJ is the same as IRL AJ. It makes for a better life-work balance and allows me to be my truest self for better or for worse.

And then shortly before we were to release the fundraiser plan, George Floyd was tragically murdered. It was a painful reminder of the inequality and injustice that still plague us in this country. I knew that we couldn’t let this opportunity pass us by so we increased the run of glasses and added a fourth recipient of the proceeds, The Legal Defense Fund. We are very aware of our privilege and will use our platforms whenever possible to amplify, support, and battle for what we feel is right.

Good Human Partners was born around the idea of being true to what you believe in and working with people, businesses, and organizations that align with your value set. It isn’t coming from a place of arrogance or judgment. Life is more enjoyable when we work and support those who share our perspective on things and I have been blessed to have met some amazing people in the Market Research Industry as well as the non-profit world like Beer Kulture and Change in the Air Foundation, where I proudly sit on the respective Board of Directors.

I look forward to seeing what is possible for Good Human Partners and how this mantra and vision evolve over time. If you’re here, you care and are curious and I appreciate you.

Here are a few of the photos from the community with the ‘Be a Good Human’ glassware