Meet Sue Rigler

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

Hi Sue, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am an ASU alum with a degree in Microbiology and opened Hundred Mile Brewing Co. (HMBC) in 2022. My journey evolved from an “ah-ha” moment in 2014 when I spotted a microscope on a lab bench in a craft brewery. My passion for science, community and quality beer collided at that moment. Embracing my Iowa roots, I consider beer a catalyst for bringing people together…it is community. “There is a story in every pint”, is what I like to say. I went back to school in my early 50’s and completed the Brewing Certification Program at UC San Diego with a goal to someday open up my own brewery in Arizona. I am very proud to be amongst the 2% of woman owned breweries in the United States!

With my partner and co-founder Todd, we transformed an old warehouse into the vibrant space that HMBC now occupies near the North Marina on Tempe Town Lake. HMBC has built community around our brand. HMBC is now a hub in Tempe, fostering connections among locals, tourists, parties of one or large event groups of 200+, business happy hours, families and fur babies on our patio are all welcome!

We just won “Small Business of the Year” award for 2024, by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence! That was so amazing to receive and I take that as the highest honor and a high level of responsibility to be the best representative of a business owner in the City of Tempe. HMBC gives back to the community by hosting local charitable events supporting organizations that align with our values. HMBC has supported The Pat Tillman Foundation, Allisa Serignese ASU Alumni Scholarship Foundation, Sun Devil Family Charities and H.O.P.E Foundation in the City of Tempe.

HMBC engages with the local healthy lifestyle community through its weekly “Lap Around the Lake”, where every Sunday morning runners (and walkers and dogs) log miles towards earning a “100 Mile Finisher T-shirt” or a “200 Mile Finisher Sweatshirt.” Then enjoy Sunday Brunch! Being adjacent to Tempe Town Lakes opens its doors for the active lifestyles enjoying the lake activities and bike path.

HMBC’s taproom is a “vibe” in itself with its openness, airy daylight to contribute to an uplifting and welcoming taproom experience and encourages a strong brand connection. Customers can play boardgames, patio games or converse with a patron next to them. Many friendships have developed as a direct result from HMBC’s welcoming taproom. The biggest complement is to see strong friendships form between patrons and familiar faces return to the taproom on a regular basis.

We are very grateful for Tempe’s support not only from the Chamber, but Mayor Corey Woods, The City Council, ASU and Tempe Tourism. We wouldn’t want to call home to any other City than Tempe!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what sets HMBC apart from others is my owner operator mentality. I am physically present at the brewery daily. Yes, I put in extremely long days, but I am driven by an Iowa work ethic and extreme passion for what I am buidling. This is my passion, my life and my livelihood. I love to see people smiling and enjoying themselves from something I have created. That brings them back and is the key to my success. “If you build it they will come-type mentality” from the Field of Dreams in Iowa…however there is much more than just building it and expecting people to show up. Ask my managers and staff…I am relentless on creating a positive customer experience and focusing on being a community connector.

I had an epiphany the other day when I was sitting in a Tempe Tourism Board meeting, and the President and CEO, Michael Martin, mentioned that when Tempe Tourism recruits companies to bring their business to the City of Tempe for conferences, they recommend visits to local Tempe establishments. He went on to explain that we, business owners, are not only representing our own companies, but we are representing the Mayor, City Council and the entire City of Tempe as hosts. So whatever experience we deliver, is a reflection upon the entire city. That made a huge impact on me..it’s not just about representing my brand and mission and vision but the City’s!

This has not (and is not) easy. It’s a 24/7 type of mentality that I know I need to get better at work/life balance. I’m working on that by hiring a great management team and being able to delegate…the big word…DELEGATE. I’m getting too old for these long days! LOL

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tempe is full of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. I would take guests to explore a Lap around Tempe Town Lake, hike or bike at Papago Park or “A” Mountain (the iconic mountain adjacent to the campus of Arizona State University. A great stop is to enjoy the vibrant plant life at the Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases the unique flora of the region. Mill Avenue District provides a lively nightlife scene with an array of restaurants and shops. A walk around the Arizona State University campus reveals stunning architecture, lush gardens, and public art installations, offering a glimpse into the area’s academic and cultural vibe. For golf enthusiasts, the Grass Clippings Golf Course offers a beautiful and challenging experience…they also have night golf! A must-visit spot for craft beer lovers is Hundred Mile Brewing Co, known for its innovative brews and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind and sample local beers. It is woman owned by an ASU alum!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to my partner, Todd Kessel. He listened to me in detail for 9 years talk about my dream to open up a brewery. Todd is not only my business partner, but life partner and a General Contractor who made my dream come true by building out my brewery, event space and restaurant. I would also like to give a shout out to ASU Alumni Association, Tempe Tourism and our Mayor, who constantly support me and my business by not only personally enjoying the space with their family and friends, but constantly helping to drive awareness to HMBC. I am very grateful for all of their support!

Website: https://hundredmilebrewing.com/

Instagram: @hundredmilebrewco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suerigler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HundredMileBrewCo 

Image Credits
Stephanie Fry, Fuchs Pro Photos