Trust is an attribute that some might work their lifetime to be able to achieve and exemplify in their personal and professional lives. For Jim Koch, trust is one of the qualities that he relied on when founding The Boston Beer Co. in 1984. Recognizing the importance of the confidence that was shared with him from his father, Koch has utilized that same commitment when leading the Boston-based company.
“My leadership style is built on two things: trust and process,” the founder and chairman says. “My father entrusted me with the family recipe for what is now Samuel Adams Boston Lager, the foundation of The Boston Beer Co., and I followed the traditional brewing process to bring it to life the way it was intended. When I was able to build a team to support the growth of Samuel Adams, I drew upon my skills developed as an instructor at Outward Bound.