Elevate Hennepin supports a ripple effect in Rogers

That dream has become a reality. Ripple Effect Brewing opens its doors September 4 – the first brewery in Rogers and a passion project for Guttormson and his business partner Leanne Ritz.

“Our hope is that Ripple Effect Brewing becomes a place that offers something a little bit different than what’s already available in Rogers — something unique,” Guttormson said. “A space — for as small as it is — that is comfortable, welcoming and inclusive. A place people can connect, relax and engage with their community.”

The brewing entrepreneurs connected with Elevate Hennepin advisors after learning about the platform while browsing the City of Rogers’ website in early 2023. 

“Chris and I are both people who love to problem solve. I think that makes us good candidates for starting our own business,” Ritz said. “But we also recognize that we haven’t done this before. We had to ask a lot of good questions and have good expertise to help fill the gaps.”

That’s where Elevate Hennepin’s professional advisor network became very helpful. They worked with Elevate Hennepin business advisor Victor Jones, who specializes in strategic planning for restaurants, among other topics. Jones also helped connect them to other advisors who assisted with financing and guidance on legal documents. 

“They brought a lot to the table,” Jones said of the business partners. “Chris and Leanne were very thoughtful. They went through the business planning and the financial planning. It was ‘ready, aim, fire’ with them. They were great. What I love about Elevate Hennepin is that it welcomes everybody. It’s amazing how many times people tell me they think the program is too good to be true. I hear that a lot from clients.”

Chris and Leanne celebrate a ceremonial ribbon cutting for their business on Aug. 29 along with Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson and City of Rogers officials.

The brewing duo met while working together at North Memorial. Ritz was the director of surgical services at the hospital and Guttormson was the manager of sterile processing for surgery before he decided to leave that job and follow his passion for craft beer.

He worked as a head brewer for AEGIR Brewing in Elk River before the business partners decided to embark on the adventure of launching Ripple Effect Brewing together. 

“It’s a learning curve no matter how much you prep and plan,” Guttormson said. “It’s important to get comfortable with that — embrace the unexpected, learn, and move on.”  

Their initial deal to purchase the old fast-food property on County Road 144 fell through so they spent some time searching other spaces. Staff from the City of Rogers were helpful and notified them when the fast-food building became available again.  

Brett Angell, community development director for the City of Rogers, is so excited about the new business he plans to work there as a side gig.

“I’m extremely excited about Ripple Effect joining the community. I’ve worked in community and economic development for over 13 years, and ever since day one, I’ve wanted to work with a new start-up brewery to open within the community,” he said.

They said the outpouring from the community about their new venture has already been overwhelming. People have honked in support while driving past the business as they have worked on final touches inside and sent messages via social media sharing their excitement for the brewery. 

They want their future customers to help drive the direction of the business and what entertainment they provide. 

“We really want something that has a community feel and a community base to it,” Ritz said of their business. “We fell in love with the name ripple effect because we want to have an effect on the community.”