Joslyn Cohen

Joslyn Cohen, 24, grew up in Talent, Oregon, where exposure to small farms, cider makers, and local breweries sparked her interest in fermentation science and entrepreneurship. She eventually developed a strong background in business operations and production management, skills that now make her the operational engine of High Timber Brewery & Distillery, the startup craft brewery and distillery you founded together. The two of you each invested $155,000, combining for $310,000 in founder equity, while securing an additional $540,000 SBA-backed loan, bringing total startup capital to $850,000. Operating out of a 9,000-square-foot facility equipped with a 15-barrel brewhouse, four 30-barrel fermenters, and a 500-gallon still, the company aims to produce 1,800 barrels of beer and about 1,200 cases of spirits in its first year, with projected total revenue of roughly $1.45 million if distribution and taproom sales perform as expected. Joslyn oversees supply chains, production scheduling, regulatory compliance, and quality control while constantly refining efficiency metrics to reduce production costs. Despite the strong vision, the startup phase has been filled with challenges for both of you. Licensing delays pushed the opening timeline back nearly four months, forcing the company to burn close to $48,000 per month in operating costs without revenue, tightening the working capital reserve. Rising input costs have also complicated the business model, with barley prices up about 14% and aluminum packaging up roughly 18%, forcing Joslyn to renegotiate supplier agreements to protect margins. At the same time, you are working aggressively to secure at least 35 distribution accounts within the first six months to meet revenue projections and maintain an 11% operating margin. The pressure of long 65–75 hour work weeks, balancing finances, production issues, and distributor relationships, tests both founders daily.