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10 km runners take off at Troubled Monk's annual charity run. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)
7-year beer run

Brewery owner talks community passion, message for young entrepreneurs

Jun 11, 2022 | 12:49 PM

Charlie Bredo and his team have been at it for seven years, brewing a laundry list of beers at Troubled Monk in Red Deer’s Capstone area.

On Saturday, the brewery celebrated its seventh birthday with its annual 5km/10km charity run.

Bredo estimates that the number of cans sold in that time would easily top a million, and that’ll only grow with a new birthday special Copper Italian Pilsner.

“It’s important to love what you do every day, but you have to remember that it’s a business,” he said as runners took off from the start line.

“If you turn your hobby into a business, it’s not your hobby anymore. Find something you love, treat it as a business, put everything you have into it, and it’ll go somewhere.”

Charlie Bredo, owner, Troubled Monk Brewery in Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Money raised from the run goes to various non-profits and charities throughout the year, as chosen by Troubled Monk employees each month.

Bredo says that is also an important aspect of operating any business.

“It’s really important that companies are good corporate citizens,” he said. “That means they get involved, give back, and help each other out; and that’s what makes a good community.”

As for the future of Troubled Monk, adds Bredo: “If you asked me seven years ago what it would be today, I wouldn’t have known we’d be where we are. But when you have an amazing community and unbelievable staff, it’s exciting to see the potential, and we’re just going to have fun.”

About 160 people took part in the run.