Meet Randy Duren | Owner of Hair of the Dog and Hops on Birch

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randy Duren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been a host and an entertainer at heart. Owning a space where I can engage with guests daily felt like a natural fit. Our business provides me with the opportunity to be creative and challenges me to create experiences that people love. The constant pressure, although stressful at times, motivates me and brings me joy. Nothing makes my day like someone saying, “this place is great” or “we love it here”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to think that, although I’ve never owned a business, every job I’ve had has made some contribution to the skill set that I employ as a business owner. I’ve been a retail manager, a karaoke host, a marketing director, and an educator. In fact, I still teach. I’m a full time instructor at ASU and a part time instructor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. I teach communication, storytelling, and theatre arts. I have a couple different masters degrees that have helped me become a passionate educator, theatre director, and small business owner. Juggling all of my jobs can be overwhelming at times, but each of my gigs allows me to express a different side of myself and I can’t imagine letting any of them go.

Hair of the Dog and Hops on Birch are a culmination of everything I have done and they are a reflection of who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My world revolves around breweries so I tend to take folks to places with locally crafted ales (it’s a bonus if the establishment has great beer and great food). I also love spending time outdoors (hiking, biking, paddle, camping, disc golf, etc.) Also, if we have the time we might see more of the state. In the valley, we might hike at Usery Park, paddle Tempe Town Lake, play a round of disc at Peseo Vista, and then grab dinner at AZ Wilderness. My favorite brewery in AZ is Wren House so that’s also a must.

If I’m focused solely on refueling with nature…we’re headed to the Mogollon Rim. I like spots up there so much that I’m not even going to tell you which ones are my favorite. I prefer less people now.

My home away from home is in Flagstaff. We go up there at least once a month, sometimes more. I’d take my guests to our vacation property, to our taproom in downtown, to Dark Sky for some amazing beers, and to Bearizona to watch the otters play. There are also 4 disc golf courses in town. We’re definitely getting in a round.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person who deserves the most recognition in my story is my wife, Marleen. She has no desire to own a bar and I’ve never owned my own business prior to this, but she believed in my vision and she believed in me. On the days when I’m ready to give up, she is the first person to reassure me that what we have created is great and worth hanging on to.

Website: Www.hairofthedoggilbert.com

Instagram: Hairofthedog.az

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