In this episode of North of Normal, Amanda McKeen sits down with Jeff Cozzens, co-founder and CEO of Schilling Beer Co., for a thoughtful conversation about place, purpose, and the journey behind one of the North Country’s most recognized breweries.
Cozzens reflects on his upbringing in northern Michigan, the lifelong friendship that became a business partnership, and the formative travels through Europe that shaped his vision for lager beer and community gathering spaces. From the scrappy early days of hauling grain sacks and bartending to leading a growing team today, he shares stories about entrepreneurship, family, humility, and the quiet ideals that guide Schilling’s work. At its heart, the conversation explores how a simple glass of beer can bring people together and why building something meaningful in the North Country continues to matter so deeply.
