Ripple Effect: A year of growth, grit and community

Ripple Effect: A year of growth, grit and community

Chris Guttormson and Leanne Ritz, co-owners of Ripple Effect Brewing, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of opening their brewery in Rogers.

They worked with Elevate Hennepin advisors before launching their new business to get guidance on strategic planning and legal documents, among other topics. Reflecting on their first year, Chris and Leanne shared insights about the steep learning curve new business owners face and the rewards of seeing their goal of creating a new hub for community building come to fruition.

Regulars who met at the brewery now return every Sunday to hang out. A game night group formed organically. Retirement parties, birthdays, and spontaneous celebrations have filled the space with life and laughter.

"I'm actually really very honored when they choose our place to celebrate," Leanne shared.

Music has played a central role in shaping the atmosphere. From teen rock bands to sing-along nights, the venue has become a stage for shared experiences.

Launching a business is never linear. Chris described it as "forever staring off into the void … trusting your next step is on solid ground." From navigating insurance decisions to managing the unknowns of daily operations, the first year was filled with lots of growth opportunities.

"That opening phase was overwhelming. The amount of work that we put in during that time was astronomical," Leanne said.

As for their second year in business, they aim to host more private events, deepen community ties, and continue creating a space where people feel connected.

"It's a journey, and it will continue to be a journey of learning and growing and pivoting and shifting," Chris said. "The first year has just been kind of crazy in up and down ways, but in the end, rewarding."