Earlier this year, my colleague Jeff Engel[2] created a series[3] exploring Wisconsin tech companies at which employees enjoy drinking a couple beers together to wrap up the week. A few months back, Engel moved to Boston to work from Xconomy headquarters, and I joined the company as the new Wisconsin editor.
I want to keep the series going, and for this, my first installment, I visited the offices of Propeller Health[4] in downtown Madison, WI.
Propeller makes data-collecting devices that attach to inhalers used by patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s serious business, but that doesn’t mean employees can’t take a break once in a while. Human resources coordinator Sarah McMullen dished on fun time at the 50-person startup:
What’s on tap at Propeller?
A variety of craft beers. Right now in our fridge there’s everything from local beers like Karben4[5] Fantasy Factory and Capital Brewery[6] Wisconsin Amber to Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale[7], which is a collaboration between New Belgium Brewing and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.
Kegs, bottles, or cans?
Mostly bottles, since many craft beers don’t come in cans. We do have a tap and kegerator, but they’re for cold-brew coffee.
Office happy hour?
On Friday evenings, there’s usually a handful of people who stick around to socialize with colleagues. There are snacks to nibble on, and sometimes we’ll do more around food, like a recent chili cook-off.
Other times or places employees socialize together?
We have an annual company retreat at Camp Wandawega, a summer camp located about 60 miles southeast of Madison. There are bonfires and lots of team building, which sometimes involves enjoying a beer or cocktail.
Best and worst thing about beer in the office?
Best: “Beer o’clock” is at 4 pm on Fridays.
Worst: Beer o’clock isn’t until 4 pm on Fridays.
References
- ^ Xconomy Wisconsin (www.xconomy.com)
- ^ Jeff Engel (www.xconomy.com)
- ^ series (www.xconomy.com)
- ^ Propeller Health (propellerhealth.com)
- ^ Karben4 (www.karben4.com)
- ^ Capital Brewery (capitalbrewery.com)
- ^ Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale (www.newbelgium.com)
