From Kodak to Craft Beer Legend: The John Urlaub Story

What happens when passion meets purpose? You get a legacy that changes a city. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with John Urlaub, founder of Rohrbach Brewing Company and the visionary behind Rochester’s very first craft brewery.

John takes us on a journey from his corporate career at Kodak to building a brewery that would become a cornerstone of the local craft beer community. Alongside his wife Patty, he didn’t just create a business—he built a culture rooted in quality, mentorship, and connection.

We dive into how travel, tradition, and curiosity sparked his love for brewing, and how Rohrbach Brewing has stayed authentic since opening its doors in 1991. This episode is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and what’s possible when you follow where your passion leads.

Whether you love craft beer, entrepreneurship, or stories of bold leaps of faith, this conversation will leave you inspired.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

1. How John’s corporate career laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial leap
2. Why Rochester was the perfect place for its first craft brewery
3. The importance of protecting quality and tradition in a fast-changing industry
4. How community and mentorship shape long-term success
5. What keeps Rohrbach Brewing innovative and relevant decades later

Key Takeaways:

1. Following your passion can lead to extraordinary impact
2. Rohrbach Brewing Company helped define Rochester’s craft beer scene
3. Leadership is about lifting others and building community
4. Quality and authenticity never go out of style
5. Innovation, like limited releases, keeps tradition fresh and exciting

Companies Mentioned:

1. Rohrbach Brewing Company
2. Kodak
3. Anchor Steam
4. Manhattan Brewery
5. Wegmans
6. Genesee Brewing Company
7. Athletic Brewing Company
8. Go Brewing
9. BOSSY

Raise a glass to legacy, leadership, and local impact.

This episode is a tribute to the pioneers who take risks, build community, and leave things better than they found them.

Mentioned in this episode:

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