About
The History of Beers & Biz
Origins in a Time of Uncertainty
Beers & Biz began as the brainchild of Steve King during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In those early days, business leaders, solopreneurs, and advisers were facing unprecedented challenges. Steve saw an opportunity to bring people together, not virtually, but safely in person.
At CoHatch in Mason, Ohio, a small group gathered around a long table, carefully spaced apart to respect health guidelines. The format was simple: talk openly about the realities of doing business in the COVID era. Conversations ranged from managing uncertainty to supporting clients in crisis. Despite the somber backdrop of the pandemic, the meetings provided a sense of connection and collaboration when it was most needed.
The First Evolution
As restrictions eased and confidence grew, so did the group. What started as a handful of peers expanded into a larger network. Breakout discussions and broader networking sessions emerged, giving Beers & Biz its first taste of scale.
Although the name suggested beer, the format was flexible. Attendees often brought wine, whiskey, or whatever they preferred. The real focus wasn’t the drinks; it was the relationships and the shared exchange of knowledge.
Eventually, the vision for Beers & Biz was ready to grow beyond its modest roots. A proposal was made to Steve King: transform the informal gathering into a structured networking event that could provide lasting value for the community. Steve embraced the idea, and a new chapter began.
Building Structure and Purpose
The first step was to create a steering committee. Five people joined forces to design the framework still recognizable today. The philosophy was clear: make Beers & Biz both welcoming and purposeful.
Structured Start: Meetings would begin with small breakout groups focused on a specific topic. This made it easier for newcomers to participate, learn, and feel comfortable without walking into a daunting room full of strangers.
Community Impact: Every session would highlight a nonprofit or charity. Organizations were invited to share their mission, request volunteers, or accept donations. This added a sense of giving back, ensuring the event was about more than business; it was about community.
The agenda became predictable yet dynamic:
- 3:30 PM – Breakout learning sessions
- 4:40 PM – Spotlight on a nonprofit partner
- 5:00 PM – Open networking, drinks, and conversations
This structure solidified Beers & Biz as a unique blend of professional development, charitable giving, and relationship building..
Finding the Right Home
Growth came quickly, and with it, new challenges. Cohatch Mason could no longer contain the energy or the noise of the group. Beers & Biz cycled through several venues, each offering lessons in what worked and what didn’t.
March First: Welcoming but too noisy, with limited breakout space.
Xavier University’s Innovation Center: Spacious and professional, but alcohol restrictions created barriers.
Warped Wing Brewery in Mason: A lively spot with great hospitality, but once again, noise and space constraints held the group back.
Each move represented the group’s resilience and adaptability. The consistent challenge was balancing size, energy, and the need for breakout spaces that supported meaningful conversations.
Today at Gilligan’s
The current Cincinnati chapter of Beers & Biz is unfolding at Gilligan’s in Wyoming, Ohio. Here, the group has found a venue that understands and embraces its mission. Gilligan’s provides ample breakout rooms, a central networking area, and a willingness to let Beers & Biz thrive alongside the neighborhood patrons.
The partnership has allowed the community to flourish. Members continue to learn, network, and give back, all while enjoying a casual, open environment that stays true to the spirit of the group’s origins.
From Pandemic Roots to Lasting Community
What started as a small, distanced gathering during COVID has evolved into a thriving networking tradition. Beers & Biz is no longer just about surviving challenging times; it’s about thriving together as business leaders, supporting nonprofits, and strengthening connections across the Cincinnati region.
The story of Beers & Biz is one of adaptation, collaboration, and community, a reminder that even in the toughest times, good ideas (and good people) can grow into something lasting.
