So, how do philosophy and political science inspire this master brewer? “My time at Regis was awesome,” he says. “A Jesuit education makes you think. My instructors challenged me to have an open mind, think critically and consider different perspectives.” And the curiosity to keep learning that he discovered as a student, certainly commensurate with the Jesuit tradition, is something that no doubt benefits his entrepreneurial journey. Avery encourages people to move out of their comfort zones and try something different – both with beer and with life – and, as the company promotes, to “follow your dreams.” by Marycate Lumpp
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Avery remembers the tough times the brewery experienced early on, the long days and the lack of cash flow. But he never thought about failure as a possibility. “If you have dogged pursuit of what you want to do, you will be successful,” he says. That commitment is noticeable in the quality of every Avery product and the way the still small company continues to operate.
Dean McPhail, RC ’84
Dean McPhail knew a few things when he chose to attend Regis. He knew that the Jesuit university would provide him with a great education. He knew he could pursue his love of skiing and the outdoors all over Colorado. And he knew that one day he would be his own boss. Like all students and new graduates, though, what he didn’t know was exactly how his career would unfold. But everything has worked out, and then some. An innate penchant for entrepreneurship ultimately took this Grosse Pointe, Mich., native and his business administration degree to Hawaii, where he lives with his wife today. While he was a new graduate working in management for a fine dining restaurant in South Florida, a friend’s father secured the rights to develop Blockbuster Video stores in Hawaii and Guam. “I’d never been to either place,” recalls McPhail. “It sounded exciting, so I partnered with them and off we went.” His initial focus was on store operations and within a year his partners sold their interest and he became CEO of the company. McPhail embraced the opportunity despite his limited experience. “When you are thrown in the driver’s seat, you either figure out how to succeed or you’re done.” Succeed he did. Under his direction the company built 18 stores, selling them to Viacom in 1996. His next business opportunity, acquiring the license rights to develop Starbucks Coffee in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, launched him into the food and beverage field. Today he is CEO of Restaurant Partners Hawaii, which owns and operates P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in Hawaii, and CEO of Café Hawaii Partners, owner and operator of Jamba Juice Hawaii. Together with his two business partners he operates 112 locations. Before selling the Starbucks Coffee operation, the three partners saw their companies produce more than $100 million of revenue annually. McPhail cites people as the most enjoyable part of his work. “Our business is all about providing people with a positive experience,” he says. “And this includes not only the guests in our restaurants and stores, but also the people who work with us.” He enjoys helping employees who started working for one of the companies as students grow into running a division 15 or 20 years later.
5757 Arapahoe Ave., Suite A1 Boulder, Colorado Information on the tap room and tours of the brewery: www.averybrewing.com
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Fall 2011
No doubt he is a very busy person, but the activities nurtured during his time at Regis continue to serve as his source of balance today. The love of skiing that first brought him to Colorado, along with biking, helps him manage a full schedule, keeping him healthy, and allowing him time to relax, reflect, and work out problems. He also recognizes the contributions of his business partners of 22 years, people, he says, who have taught him the importance of giving back, building relationships and living with integrity. “My career has been created by meeting the right people, persistence and luck.” McPhail notes. “Having built successful businesses is great, but at the end of the day, how you live your life is what really counts.” by Marycate Lumpp