Business 10th Edition by Ferrell,Geoffrey Hirt,Linda Ferrell

Exercise 8

Ken Grossman's Management of Sierra Nevada's Growth
Ken Grossman, founder and CEO of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., is familiar with the management challenges that accompany growth. Founded in 1980 in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada is now building another brewery in Mills River, North Carolina. This is a challenge to Grossman's management style because he is very involved in the day-to-day operations of the brewery. Walking around, talking to the company's 650 employees every day, and ensuring the quality of the brews are just a few of his managerial responsibilities.
Grossman also had to make the managerial decision to expand operations. The decision to expand was not merely driven by economic impetus, but also by environmental concerns. The new brewery will reduce the emissions the company creates in distribution. In addition, Grossman has installed 10,000 solar panels on the brewery in Chico, the largest private installation in the country, which accounts for 80 percent of its energy usage.
It is not all business for Grossman, however. He encourages employees to think like owners and takes a group of employees out to lunch with him every other week. This allows him to know people in the company on a personal level and establishes a mutual loyalty. Employees also receive subsidized meals at the brewery restaurant and day care, as well as a free health clinic for employees and their families. 17
Describe some of the managerial skills that Ken Grossman possesses in successfully leading Sierra Nevada.