EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It

Heads up: this is a live recording, and the audio has some echo due to a tech glitch. Still, John’s wisdom shines through—and we think it’s worth it. Hope you agree.

This episode marks the second chapter in a three-part journey through the life and legacy of John Sleeman, the iconic Canadian entrepreneur behind Sleeman Breweries. And in this moment, we move from the grind of building a business to something deeper—something almost mythic: a legacy rediscovered. 

John’s story picks up with a surprise visit from his Aunt Florian. After a decade of no contact, she shows up with a gift she had been holding onto for 51 years: a handwritten recipe book from John’s grandfather—the original Sleeman brewer—and a vintage Sleeman beer bottle from the late 1800s. 

“I’ve been waiting 51 years to give this to someone in the family who’s got an aptitude or an interest in the beer business... You’re the only one.” 

That book didn’t just contain recipes—it held stories, history, and a call to action. And that moment became John’s second paper napkin: 

“You’ve been given a gift. Better do something with it.” 

Until then, John had been in the beer business, yes—but as an importer and distributor, not a brewer. He didn’t know how to make beer. Yet suddenly, he had a responsibility—not just to his business, but to his ancestry. 

What followed is the stuff of entrepreneurial legend. Aunt Florian encouraged John to dig deeper into the family’s brewing legacy by visiting the archives at the University of Guelph. There, he uncovered astonishing records: cartel agreements between historic breweries to divide Ontario by territory; financial statements showing eight-figure balances—in 1913; and the names of all the power players at the time: John Molson, John Labatt, John Carling… and John Sleeman. 

This wasn’t just history. It was a reminder of the scale and significance of the Sleeman name in Canadian brewing. And it brought John to a crossroads. He was tempted—driven even—to bring it all back. But he also had doubts. 

“I remember lying in bed thinking, are you out of your mind? You’re going to take on Molson? Labatt? Heineken? Why do you think you're going to compete and be successful?” 

And yet, he didn’t walk away. That paper napkin moment carried too much weight. 

This episode is a powerful reminder that gifts—especially those tied to legacy—come with responsibility. You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. You just need to decide it’s worth doing. 

 

5 Key Takeaways from John Sleeman – Part 2 

1. Legacy Can Arrive Unexpectedly—Be Ready to Receive It John wasn’t seeking history. History showed up with a handwritten recipe book and a bottle from the 1800s. 🎯 Take Action: Look around—what are you holding onto that might be calling you forward? 

2. Greatness Often Lives in Your Roots John’s discovery in the archives revealed the scale of his family’s former brewing empire. 🎯 Take Action: Trace your origin story. It might just hold the blueprint for your next chapter. 

3. Big Dreams Bring Big Doubts—Push Anyway John’s self-talk questioned how he could compete with giants like Molson and Labatt. But he didn’t stop. 🎯 Take Action: Write down your doubts. Then act anyway. Confidence is often on the other side of motion. 

4. Opportunity Demands Action, Not Just Appreciation Receiving the gift wasn’t enough. The power came in what John did with it. 🎯 Take Action: What gift, resource, or insight have you been sitting on? Use it this week. 

5. You Don’t Have to Know Everything—You Just Have to Begin John didn’t know how to brew beer when he received that recipe book. But he started. 🎯 Take Action: Start where you are. Learn what you need. You grow by moving, not by waiting. 

 

This story is a modern parable of courage, legacy, and action. John Sleeman reminds us that we are all holding something powerful. The question is: Will we do something with it? 

If this message speaks to you, take your own napkin and write your takeaway. Post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom and inspire others to act on the gifts they’ve been given.