TROY POTTER AND THE BIER STEIN

Troy Potter, the owner of The Bier Stein, shuffles past the line of coolers at his bottle shop and pub. LED lights illuminate 1,000 unique craft beers so no UV rays affect the freshness of the alcohol. He hustles to the kitchen to offer the chefs some quick directions, then sits at a conference table. The centerpiece is a foot-tall, wooden trophy that reads, 

“2020

OREGON BEER AWARDS

BEST BEER BAR or TAP ROOM

The Bier Stein.”

According to the Brewers Association, America’s craft brewing industry produced 490,000 jobs in 2021.  Potter understands the significance of the industry, so he offers top-tier benefits to all his employees. “This is 61 peoples’ livelihoods,” he said about his employees. He also sets aside an annual budget of $30,000 to $40,000 for nonprofit organizations. Potter said, “People support us because we support them.” A loyal customer actually met his wife, proposed to her and held their reception at the pub. Potter’s impact on his employees and customers gives him a “warm fuzzy feeling” that makes owning the business worth it. His passion for building community carries over to the quality of his products. “You won’t find any of that cheap macro stuff here,” Potter said as he shook his head. “Montucky is the only one we carry just as a joke.” He chuckled as he held up the $2 beer can embellished with a unicorn and rainbow.

Potter’s entrepreneurial journey began at 25 years old. He was the youngest business owner in North Portland. He owned a small pizza parlor called Pyramid Pizza. “I just got a taste of being my own boss, and I was really good at it,” Potter said about his experience. Later, he decided to sell his business to shift to a career in craft beer. He was one of Ninkasi Brewing’s first employees and worked there for 10 years as National Sales Manager. He loved working in the industry but chased the feeling of owning a business again. In turn, he bought The Bier Stein five and a half years ago.

Potter is looking to expand to five locations in the next five years to impact more communities. He is considering a new location on the I-5 corridor. When he is ready to retire, Potter wants to sell The Bier Stein to his employees.