40 under 40: Nicole Smith, South Lake Brewing Company
Tahoe Chamber | July 17, 2018 | 40 Under 40
Share This
It’s been a whirlwind year for South Lake Brewing Company, from opening their doors just a year 
ago, winning a Best in Tahoe award, and having a beer win second place at a major competition.
Co-owner Nicole Smith—who does everything but brew the beer—says she spends more time at the brewery than at home. Nicole’s ambition (along with her husband and fellow co-owner, Chris) has helped SLBC quickly become a local mainstay. When she’s not running the brewery, Nicole also participates in Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, the South Tahoe Restaurant Association, and Pink Boots Society in Sacramento.
Congratulations to Nicole Smith, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
My husband, Chris Smith, and I dreamed up South Lake Brewing Company almost six years ago and last spring we finally opened the doors! As co-owner of SLBC, I’m responsible for almost everything besides brewing our beer. I manage the tasting room, customer experience, and our bartending staff. I am responsible for our marketing, online presence (with help from Kristin Riegel our social media manager), merchandise inventory, financials, and investor group relationships. I dabble in and am partially responsible for our human resources, branding, and community presence.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Opening South Lake Brewing Company and celebrating our one-year anniversary as a small business in our community. We recently received the Best of Tahoe award for Best New Business and won second place in the California State Fair Commercial Brewing Competition for our Trailbuilder Pale Ale.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?
As a Christian, my personal life motto is to love God and love others. This definitely trickles down to my professional life and interactions with others in our community. It’s tough to operate a small business in South Lake Tahoe and I try to always speak nicely of others and attempt to put myself in their shoes to understand their perspective.
What was your first job?
Besides babysitting, my first job was at Baskin Robbins in Tahoe before it was Aloha Ice Cream! I served ice cream and made ice cream cakes for at least two summers. The summer after my freshman year at Cal Poly, I worked at Ernie’s as a busser, hostess, and eventually server! It was one of my favorite jobs to this day and sparked my love of customer service in the food and beverage industry.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Because it’s Lake Tahoe – duh!! In all seriousness, my family chose to move here in 2002 and still lives here after 16 years. It was one of those life-changing decisions for me. I met my future husband at South Tahoe High School and then we moved to San Luis Obispo and then Orange County for a brief time afterward. Chris and I knew we would always eventually move home because Tahoe is a way better place to live and work than most other places in the U.S. It was just a matter of timing and things falling into place with the brewery and by 2015 we made it happen and moved back!
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I’m an active member of Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, the Chamber’s Restaurant Association, and Pink Boots Society in Sacramento. I represent our brewery as a member of the Brewer’s Association, California Craft Brewers Association, the Sacramento Brewers Guild, and most recently the Truckee Reno Tahoe Brewers Guild (which I’m starting with several other local brewery owners).
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy staying active by walking my dog, Barley, and going to spin bike class at Sierra Athletic Club! I love snowboarding in the winter and beaching it in the summer. Recently, my husband is teaching me how to mountain bike!
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Well besides SLBC—because I’m there more than I am at home—The Coachman Hotel, Sidellis, and the new beer garden The Hangar. All three places are amazing to just chill at and have a beer!
Get in touch with Nicole today:
South Lake Brewing Company
Email Nicole
530-318-6844