Shawn Black is the founder of Sheepdog Brew Co, a Winnipeg-based brand that grew from a church-basement side hustle into a growing business right here in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

A former military member and police officer, Shawn left behind a stable career to chase a vision most people told him wouldn’t work. Even his original business partner chose to stay in the police force and handed the keys over to Shawn to take the business forward on his own.

What started with homemade batches brewed before night shifts eventually grew into retail partnerships, a loyal following and a brewing facility with a storefront.