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:
How John’s corporate career laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial leap
Why Rochester was the perfect place for its first craft brewery
The importance of protecting quality and tradition in a fast-changing industry
How community and mentorship shape long-term success
What keeps Rohrbach Brewing innovative and relevant decades later
Key Takeaways:
Following your passion can lead to extraordinary impact
Rohrbach Brewing Company helped define Rochester’s craft beer scene
Leadership is about lifting others and building community
Quality and authenticity never go out of style
Innovation, like limited releases, keeps tradition fresh and exciting
