Oskar Blues | 11 Katechis had a connection to the area through a friend that ran a local music festival, and the more the idea was pondered, the more it was clear that the area reminded him an awful lot of home – thanks to its scenic mountain bike trails, great fishing and smalltown Americana feel. KEEPING IT REAL Still, the move east in no way signals a desire for a world domination. “The idea of franchising is not really appealing,” Melis says. “What gets us off, coming to work and fired up every day is being engaged and being hands on. We don’t really outsource anything. Everything is done in house. We’re into being hands-on and being part of the process and growing something from nothing, so the idea of franchising is not at all appealing to what we do and what drives us. It’s not in our core.” ANOTHER CORE ITEM: GIVING BACK. Oskar Blues was instrumental in the formation of a craft beer-related curriculum at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C., from which 12 graduates have subsequently been hired either at the Brevard facility or at other area brewing interests.
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