Stage 11 Video Case and Questions

Baron of Beer
Following the recent trend in Western Canada for the establishment of successful microbreweries, Gary Depape tries to make his dream into a reality by establishing Agassiz Brewing in Winnipeg. The story unfolds over a tough year in which DePape faces cost overruns, equipment failures, sales that are slow to develop and a host of other problems. After his first year sales are lower and expenses are higher then forecast in his business plan projections and his investors are ready to put Gary's feet to the fire at the company's annual meeting. How does he make out?

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1		Was it a good or a bad idea for Gary DePape to start Agassiz in a market like Winnipeg where there already was a couple of other microbreweries? Why?
2		What risks did Gary face with his investors by going over budget so early in the development of the brewery?
3		Were ideas like holding operational tours a good idea for DePape to try to drum up local interest in the brewery? What else might he have done?
4		What other options might Gary have come up with to try to appease the anxious investors?