From 250K to 900K Liters: How Sean Symons of White Lakes Brewing Built a Successful WA Brewery, Pivoted During COVID, Commissioned a Packaging Line Remotely & Prioritized Sustainability to Future-Proof the Business. (Episode 7 - Sean Symons)

In this episode of The Brewers Institute, host Michael Capaldo interviews Sean Symons, founder of White Lakes Brewing, about his incredible journey from brewing on the beaches of Vietnam to running a successful brewery in Western Australia. Sean shares how he scaled the business from 250K to 900K liters, navigated the challenges of COVID by remotely commissioning a packaging line, and built a sustainable brewing operation. With deep industry experience and a hands-on approach, Sean opens up about the importance of owning your local market, the realities of margins in wholesale, and why keg beer through your own venues is still king. This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons, laughs, and some seriously good beer talk. A must-listen for aspiring brewers and seasoned operators alike.

A glimpse into the questions Michael posed to Sean Symons:

1. How do you navigate quality in a craft brewery?
   
   Sean Symons shared that maintaining quality is all about strong hygiene practices, consistent routines, and learning from failures. At White Lakes Brewing, they rely on flash pasteurization to ensure consistency and reduce risk, preferring to deliver a solid “9 out of 10” beer every time rather than chase perfection and miss the mark.
   
   

2. What sort of risks do you see for craft brewers in the next five to ten years?
   
   Sean Symons shared that the biggest risks lie in the tight margins of the wholesale beer market and rising excise taxes. He warned that without owning venues or having strong local draft sales, many breweries will struggle. For Sean, the most sustainable path is focusing on direct-to-consumer draft beer through owned venues.
   
   

3. How many liters are you doing now, and how many were you doing around then?
   
   Sean Symons shared that White Lakes Brewing started with around 250,000 liters annually and has grown to about 900,000 liters in recent years. While their system could push to 1.2 million, Sean believes that the current range offers the best balance between efficiency and quality.
   
   

4. Did you enter this business with an exit strategy in mind, or were you just focused on success?
   
   Sean Symons shared that he never had an exit strategy—he simply loved brewing. His passion started in large-scale operations and led him to hands-on projects like launching a beachside brewery in Vietnam. For Sean, success has always been about making great beer and enjoying the journey.
   
   

5. Is sustainability something that’s important to your company?
   
   Sean Symons shared that sustainability is a core value at White Lakes Brewing. They treat their own wastewater, minimize environmental impact, and carefully manage land use. Inspired by WA leaders like Rocky Ridge, Sean believes responsible brewing isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the future.
   
   

6. What’s the difference between being employed in a full-time job and managing your work-life balance as an entrepreneur?
   
   Sean Symons shared that entrepreneurship offers more personal reward, but also greater responsibility. He finds fulfillment in mentoring staff, creating a welcoming venue, and seeing people enjoy the beer he’s helped craft. The brewing industry, he said, brings people together—and that’s what keeps him going.
   
   

7. If you had your time over, would you do it all again?
   
   Sean Symons shared that without a doubt, he would do it all again. Reflecting on his journey—from brewing in Vietnam to managing large-scale operations and eventually founding White Lakes Brewing—he emphasized that each experience was rich, rewarding, and unforgettable. For Sean, the brewing industry has always been about passion, people, and creating memorable moments, and he wouldn't change a thing.

 

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Quotable quotes from our special The Brewers Institute guest:

I'd rather hit a nine out of ten every time than chase perfection and miss the mark – Sean Symons

 

Small breweries thrive when they own their taps and focus on their local patch – Sean Symons

 

Brewing is equal parts science, passion, and creating a place for community – Sean Symons

 

Success in beer isn't in the carton—it's in the pint poured over your own bar – Sean Symons

 

Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s the responsibility of every serious brewer – Sean Symons

 

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