History
Founded in 2014, Sightglass Craft Consulting (formerly Braird Development) is a boutique brewery consulting and development firm that focuses on bringing viable craft brewing concepts to market. Using a real estate focused approach, Sightglass works with investors and clients to maximize returns generated through taproom sales by emphasizing a unique onsite experience.
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, an area that is quickly gaining recognition as a hub for the craft brewing industry, Sightglass is a key member of the craft beer movement in the Carolinas. Sightglass belongs to the North Carolina and Texas Brewer’s Guild, is a National Member of the Brewer’s Association, and was recently appointed an affiliate member of the American Craft Spirits Association.
Team
Founder & President
Slates Snider
Slates Snider leads Sightglass with years of experience in economic development, historic real estate development, and the craft brewing industry.
Slates has successfully launched four unique brewing concepts with another three projects currently in planning stages. Slates specializes in capital raising and business planning, brewery construction and real estate development, and ongoing brewing production and operational management. He brings a blend of business-minded financial analysis and entrepreneurial creativity to all of his brewing projects.
Slates is a graduate of North Carolina State and Tulane University, and holds a Master Brewers Degree from the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Education
SIEBEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
World Beer Academy
Master Brewers Degree, 2013
TULANE UNIVERSITY
MBA, 2012
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
BA, 2007
Activities & Affiliations
North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, Member
Texas Craft Brewers Guild, Member
Brewers Association, Member
Master Brewers Association of America, Carolinas Chapter, Founding Member