Meet Maggie Emerson of Collierville’s Maroon Brew Co.
Meet Maggie Emerson, who pivoted from the software industry to craft brewing. Today, she's the owner and brewer behind the family-friendly Maroon Brew Co. in Collierville. Image: Maggie Emerson
Maggie Emerson built a successful 14-year career at a software company before heading in a surprising direction. Today, she’s the proud owner and brewer at Maroon Brew Co., a Collierville craft brewpub that takes pride in great-tasting beers, a family-friendly atmosphere, and community values. Along the way, she’s earned accolades such as Women Who Lead and 40 Under 40 from the Memphis Business Journal. Get to know this week’s FACE of Memphis!
What’s the meaning behind the name Maroon Brew?
Everything about Maroon Brew Co. is inspired by Collierville. Maroon is the school color and even the color of our recycling bins. Rather than incorporating Collierville in the name, Maroon gave our town a nod, without limiting us should we decide to expand to another area.
Tell us about the journey to starting your very own brewery.
I spent a couple of years learning the ropes at another brewery before I listened to my husband’s prodding to open my own space in Collierville. We have been to breweries across the world and know what a community asset they are. We both knew that Collierville was ripe for a community space like Maroon, so I put pen to paper and created the business plan. From writing the plan to financing to construction to opening day was about a year and a half.
Craft beer is still a male-dominated industry. What has your experience been like as a woman brewer and owner?
It’s fun every time I’m introduced as the owner and brewer, because 99% of the time I can watch the person’s brain go haywire for a moment. But it’s been overwhelmingly positive, even if I don’t fit the flannel and bearded stereotype.
What would you say is your personal approach to brewing?
Beer is fun. Period. Full stop. And at our scale, it continues to be fun. I can be creative with new recipes and ideas and see them come to life. From being there on brew day, to watching someone’s face light up when they taste a great beer, is such a fulfilling cycle.
My philosophy is “…but does it taste good?” I don’t like to get drawn into the minutiae of styles. I think you can miss the point. If it tastes good, who cares? Enjoy the glass and get you another!
Is there a signature brew that best represents Maroon Brew Co.?
Each of our beers showcases different parts of our town with its own name. Our number one seller is our Gazebo Golden, named for the gazebo at the center of the Collierville Town Square.
What kind of vibe are you creating in your taproom? How do you hope people feel when they walk in?
It’s welcoming. I hope guests think, “Wow, this is awesome,” and want to come back again and again. And bring their friends and family! My goal is for Maroon Brew Co. to be the number one spot for anyone entertaining friends and family from out of town. I want to be front-of-mind for being “quintessentially Collierville.”
What’s one lesson from parenting that surprisingly helps you in the brewing business — or vice versa?
Being a parent means being flexible to a high degree while also melding what you want in life with your kids. Both of those things come into play as a business owner. I’m melding my life experience with a taproom experience, and the result is a place that resonates with our community.
My daughter makes lemonade that we keg and have on draft. A portion of her sales is set aside each month for her to donate to a nonprofit of her choice. Being a good community member means giving back, whether as a family or a business, and everything we do at Maroon revolves around that.
What’s your favorite beer-and-snack pairing after a long day?
For a snack, pepperoni chips or a pretzel and a pint of whatever we have new on tap. For a meal, a Maroon Brew Co. Smash Burger and a pint of whatever we have new on tap!
What advice would you give someone interested in entering the world of craft beer — or entrepreneurship in general?
Research. Research everything to death. Put your plan on paper. Use that to guide all of your decisions. Listen to other business owners and those who’ve done this before you. Be persistent. Goals don’t get achieved while waiting for life to happen to you. Go out and make it happen.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Good food, outdoor recreation, black leggings, and, if I had to pick a fourth, good shoes — my Hokas and Chacos.
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.