Fast 15: Cole Brothers

Springdale native Cole Brothers joined Springdale-based Core Brewing & Distilling Co. as an intern in early 2018.

He wasn’t necessarily seeking a job in the beer industry but wanted to work for good people and a local company looking to grow. The beer was a bonus, however.

“At the time, the company had a lot of pubs all over Northwest Arkansas,” he said. “I thought that it’d be cool to be part of something that’s so ingrained in Northwest Arkansas.”

Brothers met Jesse Core, founder and CEO of Core Brewing, on his way to a senior ski trip and landed the internship as a University of Arkansas student.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the UA in May 2018. This was a pivotal year for the company, as it began transitioning to Scarlet Letter Beverage.

Core said Brothers started as “an idea guy” who over the past six years has become a “natural leader who has been instrumental in Scarlett Letter Beverage Co. regaining its spot as the state’s No. 1 craft beverage manufacturer.” Last year the company produced about 20,000 barrels or more than 600,000 gallons.

Brothers started full time as an event coordinator, ensuring the brand’s community presence. He pivoted to its pub business before moving to marketing and sales. As director of operations, he’s involved in all aspects of the company: production, shipping, marketing and sales. He also collaborates with Core on corporate strategy. Brothers was named to his existing role in early 2023, when the company started working with Sam’s Club.

He said the company is helping to spearhead the first private-brand Member’s Mark products, including hard seltzers and teas. The craft beverages are made at the Springdale brewery and shipped to stores in more than 20 states. Along with Sam’s Club, other clients include Walmart and independent liquor stores.

“Our Scarlett Letter brand is still the heartbeat of the company,” Brothers said. “It means a lot to me because I personally helped grow the brand from its inception of one flavor, very limited release, to now the No. 1 craft seltzer in the state.”

Brothers oversees about 25 employees, from full-time to temporary staff.

He supports multiple organizations, including Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, March of Dimes, and St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish. He enjoys sports, the lake and playing golf.