Messenger Staff Reports
Back Forty Beer Company CEO Jason Wilson was recently named a Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Auburn University. Wilson was presented the award at the 2015 Hall of Fame Gala hosted by the university.
Wilson founded Back Forty Beer Company, located at 200 North 6th Street in Gadsden, in 2009 and has since led it to five consecutive years of triple-digit revenue growth. Back Forty Beer Company represents the oldest and largest packaging brewery in the state and has 19 employees.
“I feel there are no words that could adequately illustrate the energy and charisma he brings to the business community,” said Heather New, the president of the Gadsden-Etowah Chamber of Commerce in a letter recommending Wilson for the award. “It’s the excitement and advice that he has for others in their entrepreneurial moments of risks and rewards. It’s the standard that he sets in giving much more than he gets and the commitment to returning ‘home’ to build his business. I cannot imagine a candidate more qualified for this award.”
Wilson holds a degree in logistics and supply chain management from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. In 2014 his company earned Small Manufacturer of the Year honors from the Business Council of Alabama, the Main Street Alabama Award for Excellence in Business Development and the United Way Gold Award for Outstanding Community Service.
In building Back Forty Beer Company, Wilson has sought to drive revitalization in his home community of Gadsden and business development throughout the state. Wilson’s leadership as President of the Alabama Brewer’s Guild has helped pave the way for 28 unique breweries to grow.
Partnerships with organizations like Alabama Gulf Seafood speak to his interest in building local, strategic relationships with multiple industry partners. Back Forty Beer Company’s products have been recognized by such outlets as Conde Nast Traveler magazine (Best Local Breweries in the United States), Garden & Gun (10 New Southern Beers) and Food & Wine (Best Beer in Alabama).
Back Forty Beer Company is one of Alabama’s leading breweries and is gaining ground as a new model for the brewing business. For more information about Back Forty Beer Company and Wilson’s accomplishments, visit www.backfortybeer.com.
