Beyond the Finish Line: Crafting Growth and Community with Athletic Brewing's Julie Angler
From ambassador to a full-time role, Julie Angler has seen it all at Athletic Brewing, witnessing its tremendous growth from a startup to a thriving business. She joins JT in this episode to talk about the intersection of fitness, personal growth, and the community fostered by Athletic's ambassador program.
Julie shares stories from the grueling Leadville 100 endurance race, the mindset behind overcoming challenges, post-race slumps, and how we can all foster a positive and inclusive cycling community.
Don't miss the incredible stories of personal growth and the exciting future plans for Athletic Brewing Company's ambassador program.
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JT 0:03
Alright leaves Gemini swans a long time coming. I'm getting I'm sitting down here with with my friend, Julie angler from athletic brewing, which was be a small part of our conversation, but it's how we were introduced and how we know each other. First off, Joey, thanks for taking the time. I know we got a busy day, but I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Julie 0:21
Yeah. Thanks so much, JT. I'm super excited to talk to you like you're right. It's been a long time. We've known each other for years and
JT 0:27
yes, yeah, wait. Alright, so backstory. I know, Julie. Like I said, from athletic Cliff Library Company. Now correct me if I'm wrong, you started off as an ambassador, and then eventually ended up working for the companies on our Yeah,
Julie 0:42
I became an ambassador, it was late 2019 just discovered the beer and was so excited to have I think at the start was the first one I had, and I was living in Wyoming, it was the middle of winter. And I was like, Oh, this is so good. And I was super excited to join the team. And when we did that, cross country bike tour was reopened in San Diego. So that was a really good time to kind of be part of a you know, something cool and be I met Mason and another employee, their name Nick, during that, so then when a position opened, I applied right away and super excited to join the team.
JT 1:20
So I know this isn't going to be an athlete grooming infomercial, I do enough plugs for it for those guys. They've been a huge supporter of consequence of habit and been a really big part of your my own personal journey of sobriety. But one question I always like asking you to the employees is, what was it like is 2019 athletic Brewing Company in 2023 athletic Brewing Company are two different animals, right? Like, I mean, I'm talking I don't even know how many folds you have to put on it to make an accurate scale to say you went from this to this, but the growth has been absolutely insane. What is it been like for you to be part of, of a company that is kind of going through that crazy transition.
Julie 2:08
It's just really exciting, like every single day to meet new people who you know, have never heard of the brand and introduce them. And in a lot of ways for you know, so many people, it's just really life changing. And to be a part of that is just, like, just so incredible. I never take it for granted. Like it's always awesome to introduce it to new people, or have someone just come up and be like, Oh my gosh, I've wanted this for so long. Like something that tastes good and be excited about the brews in a way that like, has never really existed before. It's just
JT 2:42
I joke around with people people got silver before all of this quality na stuff out there now I mean, hats off to him. Like it's I'm not saying it's easy now but it's it's easier than it was you know, sometimes I get some I get some I don't say flack or some some emails from from the sobriety community about about my love for him. But I always try to remind everybody this is a personal journey. If athletic grooming fits into your, your I don't know, system, whatever it isn't, then that's great. If not, then steer clear, whatever. But what would that said? When you found them what we were you already kind of on that path of of hey, I'm not drinking anymore? Yeah,
Julie 3:25
I just got really fed up with like, just feeling awful all the time. And, you know, I it wasn't the first NAB I found. Especially back in 20 2019 2018. When all that was going on, I think Heineken was the first one that I had. And I was just like, oh my gosh, this is this is really happening. There's like, a year out there. And it's just, you know, I remember my first party that I went to, and I brought, you know, I was so nervous. I brought my na beer, and everyone else was drinking. And then I was like, just gonna, like, pretend like it's real beer. Like not even gonna say anything. No one's gonna know. But that was actually I did bring it was athletic that I brought and someone else was like, she's drinking and a beer. And I was like, oh, gosh, here we go. But everyone was like, super interested in it. And it was it was just part of the, you know, I just was part of the crew. We were talking about that, you know, it wasn't about any beer or really anything. It was just, we were just having a conversation about beer about an IPA. And it was just like, you know, I just felt normal. was life changing? Because it was like, You're not the only person drinking seltzer water there now, you know, or whatever. Right? Yeah.
JT 4:42
Then you have to answer every question. Have you been drinking any like, I've really had this kind of conversation 1000 times. I just want to sip my friends and have a beer. So yeah, I agree. I love it. And then I've got one other question. Before we go any further. You're big cycling fan. I imagine you watch him road cycling too. I could be wrong. Set curse just just won the Tour of Spain Do you see this or not?
Julie 5:08
I've kind of read some headlines I don't I don't watch it as much as I feel like I should but I do know that there was a little bit of drama there and but it was also super monumental that all this happened but for the teacher for the team, huge for him and huge for you know, just American cycling in general because I know that that's not that's not huge here. So really, really cool.
JT 5:32
All right now we've officially lost 90% of our listeners with the cycling dark but but yes, it is a big moment for American cycling and anyone who I mean just the drama, like you said of potential infighting, actions, infighting. Who was going to lead that team to victory so I love the so hats off to set a doubt you'll hear this but just in case well done. Speeding cycling, one of the one of the reasons I've followed along not just because you're with athletic Brewing Company is you've been on some quite a cycling journey since I started following you probably back in 2019. Where are you know, it's, I want you to stop me and point out any errors as I'm speaking here, but you went from, you know, a recreational cyclist, somebody that's there was definitely into it, and the gravel bikes and mountain biking, and then that seems to have really taken off with leading up to the point that you finished. Was it last month, one of the hardest races that very few people even get into, right? This isn't just something you're like, Hey, I'm gonna go do this race. And that is the Leadville 100. Massive accomplishment. Congratulations to you. Seriously, that's it's always been a bucket list. So when I saw you did it, I was like, yes. Yeah. Okay. All right. So that's the reason I reached out to you about this. Explain that process. From the very first time you thought about doing to finish I'm joking just yet. What What, what, what made you think about like, I can do this, because this race is no joke. This is, like I said, usually have to qualify to get into it. And even then, it's it can be a lottery. What made you say, Hey, I think I can I think I can pull this off.
Julie 7:22
Gosh, you know, it's funny, because I heard about it. I've only been cycling for about five years. Like you said, I started in 2019. I got a road bike, because I was going to do a triathlon and then I heard myself running. And I was like, all I can do is ride my bike now. I did. And I just rode my bike everywhere. And then I kind of got another bike and then another bike. And now I have, you know a lot of bikes, which is fine. But yeah, I got into mountain biking. Two years ago, when I moved to Austin, I got my first mountain bike and I just like, had so much fun. Like I was like this is I just felt like a kid again, just riding the trails getting dirty. And like for the out with the friends and I'm like this is okay, this is this is fun. I love this. And so I'd known about the level 100. And, you know, this, this past year, I started really kind of just really enjoying mountain biking and trying some new things. And there's a couple, there's one qualifier here in Austin called the Austin Radler. And I had set a goal, I was like, I'm gonna try to qualify, it's a 60 mile. It's, it's in three loops. So you do 3d 20 mile loops of this course. And it's tough. It took me six and a half hours, I didn't quite qualify, but I was still like, super proud of, you know, my journey. And I was like, Well, you know, I'm gonna enter the lottery and see what happens. So, super excited, got in to the lottery. And I was like, Okay, now this is real. Now I have to like, do this thing. And so that was, you know, early in the year, late last year, early in the year. Does
JT 8:58
it say how far out from the actual race did you find out? Like, I'm going?
Julie 9:03
I believe it was like early January, late December, sort of, I don't remember the exact day. But yeah, and then I was like, gosh, how am I going to do this? I don't really, you know, I don't really know what I'm doing. And I found a really awesome coach. Her name is paint page on whether she won big sugar last year. And I was at that race. I remember, you know, remember her finishing and she, you know, we started training, and she had just a really great training plan for me, but it really elevated me in like this really consistent way. And it was just a whole different level that I'd never experienced before. You know, I always kind of had these training plans that I kind of did and kind of followed and you know, but for this one I was like, I know that I need to really work hard at this. You know, like I know that I need to be consistent I know that I need to nail my training like I I have to do all of this. And so literally like bogged down for like the last eight months, like almost every single day, just like, gotta train, you know, and then trying to fit my schedule in like, wake up work, train, you know, like, what can I do to make sure that I'm successful at this and, you know, it's the funny thing is is like, even with all of that work, it was like, you know, I did in 11 hours and 32 minutes and I'm like, Man, I just like just barely made it. And I can't even imagine like all the the work and the fitness of, of the people who do it so much faster.
JT 10:38
But well, I mean, this is, you know, there is this thing where you where you realize that some people are so just genetically gifted, that, you know, they're like I had, I had Greg LeMond on here, which a lot of people know, Greg is, and he talked about starting cycling. You know, I think he was like, 16, or knows, actually, he was like, 14, and within, like, a couple of months, he's winning races that people have been training for adult men. And you know, and I even asked him, like, that's kind of a strange experience. To go through that. And you have any wondering, why is everyone think this is so hard? Where it not to say that, you know, you're not not putting the work in? But there is that that thing, or even talking about? Kind of what's his name? It was one of the American writers that is on education first. And you know, he this just goes to shows the the nature versus nurture his nature side, he tried running a 5k barely ever ran and ran, like, I want to say, like 15 minutes or 60 minutes or something, like, well, I get, I guess this guy, this guy's got a natural talent when it comes to this thing. So I say that to say, don't take anything away from the amount of work that you've put in, right? Like, you can always look at somebody go how they did it. And this time? Was this the first time? You kind of already answered this, but that you just truly like went all in on something like this?
Julie 12:10
Yeah, it really was, you know, like it was it was a whole different level of commitment I've never really experienced before. And it was, you know, like, I think for a lot of people, like you can do the short term commitment, like, Oh, I could do this for a month or so. Sure. But it was just that like, long period. And, you know, I experienced a lot of setbacks to like I had issues with my knee, and I could barely ride for a while. And so I was like, Okay, now I have to do PT. And so I was like training and PT and like trying to fit that into my schedule. And then it was like, well, once PT was over, I'm like, Well, I have to keep this up. Because this is gonna help my knee and you know, and so and then I had to add in the gym, and I was literally just like piecing my days together, like, kind of like all week, I'm like, okay, Monday is this Tuesdays this Wednesday is this and like, and then it kept getting harder. Like, it doesn't get any easier. The training is harder, because you you gotta keep like building that fitness. And there was a, there was a there are a couple of weeks where it was like, you know, 17 hours of activity. Wow, over like, you know, 15 hours a riding few hours a gym, 40 hours plus of work, you know, like, I was just here, you'd wake up and then your day would be over, you know, and a couple of weeks would go by and people would be like, so how's your summer going? I'm just like, it's just gone.
JT 13:39
So So anyone that knows this race knows that it's it's in Colorado, obviously Leadville. We're talking about some serious elevation. You're in Texas. How did that work out for you? How did how did you? How did you train for the elevation being that you are in Austin?
Julie 13:58
Yeah, we're about 500 feet from sea level here. So not a lot of not a lot of mountains. And that was like another thing is like not a lot of climbs to do to kind of simulate that. So Leadville has a few really kind of notable climbs, and the biggest one is about 3500 feet. So, you know, that's two hours of just writing straight up just just writing Yeah, it's like, you can't simulate that. So you kind of have to guess and same with like the elevation it's like I've never been to 10,000 feet before I don't know how that's gonna go. But I guess one of the things that helped helped was that it's been over like 100 degrees basically since June so they say that heat training can help.
JT 14:46
So I guess I didn't know you know that. We got plenty of that in. We can get to because I don't want to I don't want to jump too far ahead. But up And you were very honest, even after the race and even alluded to it before we hit record here and on what that race has meant for you, and how it could really be a stepping stone on is something bigger. And you actually posted a picture that I think your viewer, you're emotional and you're crossing the finish line. And I loved it, right? Because people want to, you know, they want to post a picture of them with their arms up in the air, or they're going around a corner looking like they're going super fast. And and you look too emotional and tired, because you just got done with the Leadville. And I thought it was I thought you were just being brutally honest. And I think that's what we need more of. Can you put some words to that post?
Julie 15:43
Yeah, that was like the most real photo I think I've ever seen. Yeah, I like got those they were like your race photos are in and I like looked at and they're just all on me cry. I was just like, well, you know, I guess that that's it. Honestly, the funny thing about it is that like throughout the whole race, I was really like, really positive with myself, which has never really happened before. Like, I do a lot of long endurance stuff. And you know, there's some times where you're like, halfway through and you're like, What the heck am I doing? Like, why am I here? This sucks. Or, you know, you get into that kind of negative space. And like Levo was like the one where I was like, I have to believe in all of myself to do you this?
JT 16:30
Why do you think it was? Is it because of what you put into it? Like, what, what was different about this race? Yeah,
Julie 16:37
I mean, it was brutally hard. It was you. You can't breathe, just going up and up and you like, don't know when it's going to end. Sometimes you're just going down and down. And you don't know when it's going to end. At one point, we were just like, well hiking our bikes up, it was there's a climb called power line on the way back and it's just like, you know, 25 30% gradient, and you're just, you know, pushing your bike up with all these other people. And no one's talking, you know, like, everyone's just in their own little personal hell. And at that point, you've been riding your bike for like, 910 hours, and you're just like, I don't even know if I'm gonna finish this thing. Like, so you just like, you really, for me. I was like, if I start getting into those negative spaces, I know that that's just gonna, you know, do me in so yeah, I just had to keep keep positive. And then at the finish line, that's when it all just was like out. That was when it all could like just whatever happened happened, you know, but for those 11 hours and 32 minutes, I was like all in
JT 17:46
is power line. What was the lowest point of that? of the entire race where even though you're being positive? Is there one that really kind of stuck out? Like, you could really see that negativity wanting to creep itself in?
Julie 18:01
Yeah, I think the power line because I did like over a mile, it was like a mile of walking. And like, I could just feel like blisters kind of popping up on my heels. Because you're in these, like, you know, yes, cycling shoes with carbon soles, they don't flex. And, you know, you got this big old bike like height walking up that and hiking boots would be hard, but add in, you know, a bike that you have to wheel up there too. And it's like, oh, that's, that's tough. Yeah, I'm sure. So yeah, and then you kind of get up to the top and it's smooth for a while, but then you start getting into the rocks, and then you start slipping in and you know, there's other people that are in front of you. And if they hop off their bike, then you have to hop off your bike too. And at one point I did like, try to unclip and kind of fell over and I was just like, no, like, it was it was close. It was definitely close there.
JT 18:59
So what did that race mean to you? Like, what what is it? You know, again, you alluded to something like you feel like there was really something big about that, that maybe, maybe it's it's gonna be really kind of change and on the person you are. Can you expand on that? Like, what did you actually mean by that?
Julie 19:19
Yeah, I think at the beginning of level I really kind of had this like imposter syndrome, where I'm like, I don't even really know if I belong here. You know, like, I know that there's so many other people who are probably like way more qualified to do this and like want to do this like so badly. Like it's like their bucket list race, kind of like you said, you know, it's like and I'm here doing it and like, you know, try to I really belong here and you know, this I'd put so much into it. And I really just like hit a new level of of training, you know, like, it was hard. Getting the ball rolling, like I said, doing the PT getting to the gym and putting all those hours in. But like, after Leadville, I realized I had created this new routine. And now it seems a whole lot easier. Like now I'm going to the gym consistently and starting, like feel myself gets stronger. And I'm excited to ride my mountain bike now and, you know, excited for the upcoming races that I'm doing. And, you know, it was kind of like this period where I was like, it was it was almost like I don't, right after level, I was like, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. But then after I got some rest and some time to like, really think about it and let it all settle in. Like I realized that there was just something that I had worked on so hard that I just feel like I just leveled up, you know? And like,
JT 20:50
yeah, so some people will go through this almost almost a depression after you've led up to something so much. Yeah, I've heard from Olympic athletes I've heard it from from other endurance athletes, they've put so much time and effort into it, that when it's over, there's this this now what kind of feeling but it sounds like you also developed a system that, you know, they always say that the best thing to do is actually develop a great system, because the goals will kind of come and go. But as long as you have this system and trust in that. You're those other things will just built they'll come along. Did you go through any down moments after the race?
Julie 21:32
Oh, yeah. Like I was just so exhausted, mentally and physically. And I was actually supposed to do steamboat gravel, and I just like, couldn't get out of bed. Like, I'm so tired, I can't, I just can't, and I came home, you know, after that, and, and I definitely, there's about a week where I didn't want to touch my bike. And I didn't. I was like, I'm gonna get myself this time. And but I did start riding with like, my friends again and doing like more group rides, and really started to like, find that community again. And that just like, brought brought me back in, like, just that excitement and that love of bikes. And you know, doing this because all those other people are doing this, or maybe they're not doing it, you know, like they're not racing. And that's okay, like, you can just, you can just have fun to, like, it should be fun. So finding that again, and then doing a couple of like some mountain bike rides, and I did a race this past weekend and had so much fun. And I'm just like, I'm back in now, you know, and add a new level. And that's
JT 22:41
what you won. You won the race. And I won the race,
Julie 22:45
which is super cool. I like you know, you start to believe in your skills and believe in yourself more and specially after Leadville.
JT 22:58
Yeah, I guess, you know, what we put so much into looking at what other people are doing. And and you're right, it's very easy to have that feeling. I think everyone can has it something in their life, right? Where they they go? Do I deserve to be here? Am I really on the level to be in the position I'm in? And that can be work that can be something in sports. But the fact that you're actually doing it is the answer, right? There's, I don't know if he still does it. I was watching a documentary or maybe reading an article about Leadville. And there was a guy who was riding. It was a bike fight from the late 80s, early 90s. And he had an old bell like bucket helmet. And I think it were like a raincoat. Like I mean, he was a Do you know what I'm talking
Julie 23:46
about? No, but that's awesome.
JT 23:50
He didn't have any of the equipment, right? We'd like we, we think we have to have all these things. But at the end of the day, it's it's the it's the ability to be uncomfortable for an extended period of time. That's that's what makes a difference. Now this guy just kept. And he did it every year like he'd been he'd done this race for years. I wish I knew his name. And you know, he wasn't a big no one knew him other than he's the guy who runs an old bike and raincoat or something. But but no one knew he's not one of the big names in the world of mountain biking. So this is just a long winded way of saying I get what you're saying. But But you've proven I'm glad to hear that you've proved to yourself that you are exactly where you belong. And was that this racist last weekend? Was that the first one you've like truly one is I've seen you on the on the podium before but this is the first first place you know,
Julie 24:40
yeah, that was my first well kind of real race. I feel like since I upgraded to Cat two, so you know there's some new competition. And it was really fun went and did the pre ride for the course. And
JT 24:56
so I just want I just want to stop here there. So There are different cat levels for people. I don't know what we're talking about. Is there? Is there five now, this road,
Julie 25:08
there's five, I think gravel two, and then for mountain bike, there's three. Okay,
JT 25:13
so So think of it used to be beginner sport expert is what the way it used to be classified the same thing. So your beginner is, even when they say it's beginner, there's lots of people that still racing those races that are cherry picking the races because they want to win. These are very, very good cyclists. And then there's the sport level or cat two. Now this is just under people that are racing expert Pro, so to rim to win a cat to race, I got to tell you, you're gonna have to be mandatory stepping your your, your levels up to cat one you very soon, Julie. Yeah,
Julie 25:51
I was looking at the the results for all the pros. And I would have lost, which is, you know, totally fine. But I was still really proud of that. Just being a couple of minutes off of the other ladies in the in the pro category. So that's pretty exciting.
JT 26:08
Yeah, who are some of your role models? Whether it be in the world of cycling? What in just life in general that you kind of look up to?
Julie 26:17
Oh, man, that's a really good question. I really resonated with my coach. And that's like, one of the reasons I reached out to her out to her, because when she won big sugar, you know, she had this post about how, you know, sometimes the world of cycling isn't very inclusive. And it can be really hard to kind of find a group of people to, you know, to ride with, to train with, especially if they're at a different level. And I was like, Man, I really, really like resonate with that. Because it's kind of like you make it and then, you know, just keep going. And it's hard to find people who are willing to invest in in those that below you, you know, to help you kind of rise up to the top. And it's definitely like an experience that I've also found to like, there's tons of awesome ladies around, but it's just hard to find, you know, a group of people to to ride with kind of it in a way that doesn't seem like it makes sense. You know, you
JT 27:21
and I don't I don't want to stereotype anything, but you live in a unique area to where the world of fitness. Obviously, while a lot of people not everyone knows his but the Lance Armstrong lived in your town still has a place there. There's some really high level athletes and I've seen and I grew up road biking, it really can be an elitist sport. I mean, what was what was nice about mountain biking, especially in the beginning is you had, it wasn't quite the same, like you could still people just waved at each other, like when they rode by each other on the trails or not. And it's not that way anymore. I you know, there's a big, big transition from from the road to to the mountain and gravel bikes, because of things like cell phones, or just don't have access to good bike lanes. But I 100% agree with you that it's not it's not always the friendliest group of people. And I don't know why. I mean, at the end of the day, we're just on our fucking bikes. Like it's not your grown up riding your bicycle, you shouldn't be in a really good place right now. Yeah,
Julie 28:24
I always try to get like, give back to you know, my fellow fellow ladies, and just everyone around me just try to keep that positive vibe going. Because I think that's what we really need, honestly, in the sport. Because, you know, no, people aren't going to want to come join the sport, if it just is like, seems like so hard to get anywhere in it. So I always I always just try to be positive and keep that mindset and just remember that there's a lot of other people out there who feel like that. And I don't want to be the I don't want to just keep that mindset going. Like I want to help change it. I want more women to come race I want more competition. You know, I want I want cat to to be crazy hard, you know I do and if that means I lose, then that's fine. And I want to help grow grow things. So
JT 29:12
have you tried cyclocross yet? Yes.
Julie 29:15
Yeah. That was actually one of the first races I did. And that was it was just so bizarre.
JT 29:26
Yeah, it's a strange sport, huge in Europe. But hey, so, you know, you mentioned that this is kind of leveled you up and you've made some really I don't really know you, but you've made some big changes from the conversations we've had a couple years ago where you moved from from the Midwest, you come you come to Austin, because of athletic, my saying that correctly? Does
Julie 29:53
not necessarily because of but it was like an enabler because being able to work from home allowed me to I can't, you know, go wherever I wanted to. So
JT 30:02
what's what's, how different is the jewelry now than then say jewelry in 2018?
Julie 30:10
Oh, man, everything's different, I would say. I mean, that was when I first started, like really getting healthy and first started, like taking those steps to kind of do things that were out of my comfort zone, you know, I've always been this really kind of introverted, comfortable person. And that, you know, 2018 2019 That was when I stopped drinking, and, you know, which is hard for someone whose social life was that, you know, but I, the first, I remember, the first like, kind of really uncomfortable thing I did was I became certified to teach Les Mills sprint, which is a site like a cycling class, it's a hit cycling class, and like, that is not was not me, you know, like, I was the person in the back doing it. But being in the front, and like, teaching a class, you know, and that's like, an intense one, too. So you're like, really like yelling at people and not like yelling, yelling, but you're getting, you know, getting a good workout in. And I took that class, and I became certified, you know, and you have to like film yourself teaching and like, super uncomfortable stuff, I think for a lot of people. And that, like really changed my life. And I was like, I can, I can do this. And it was kind of the first time that I'd ever done something like that, where you like, learn things, and you get like, certified. And then the journey is after you. You know, like the who you become and what you're becoming is like, you you have to build that yourself. Yeah, so I've kind of had to figure out like, well, what kind of an instructor do I want to be? And like, it really opened the door to that kind of thinking, like this mindset, where it's like, I can be more than I am, or I can be what I want to be like I can I can you know, what is what is, what is the thing that I want deep down inside? What do I want to share with people? And so that kind of really started that, that journey of just like, Who do I want to become? And like, what are my wildest dreams? Let's do that.
JT 32:15
I love it. I love talking to people that have raised their ceiling, right? They've, they've been they've always thought up to a certain point their life that this is where I'm gonna get to all right, and I'm okay with that. But then through their changes through their changing the habits, the consequences, are they they realize, man, I am capable of so much more than I ever even thought I was. But that's not enough. Right for that to to come into fruition, there has to be the process of those things. What do you think that process for you was the catalyst to some of the the other bigger changes in your life? Oh, yeah,
Julie 32:51
for sure. I mean, I've heard a lot, it's still kind of is but you know, like, when I have a crazy idea, and I'm like thinking of doing it, like something like Leadville, like I'll just, you know, kind of think about it and be like, Fuck it, let's do this, and that's how you know, Julie's gonna do it, you know, like, I just kind of let all the like, fears and whatever, go out the window, and I'm just like, You know what, I'm gonna try it, I'm gonna go for it. And that kind of became a you know, for better or for worse, my motto, over the years,
JT 33:25
is for better if you've also you know, we talk a lot on here about becoming a what you surround yourself with. And one of the things even at work is, you pretty much run the ambassador program for athletic gravity company, that group is nothing but positive go getters that are that are, whether they've made positive changes in their life, whether it's just been the way they've been doing things from from the get go. But now I'm always inspired by by just seeing what those people out there are doing and living their life and, and then trying to lift each other up. Matter of fact, when when co H was when we were going to start an ambassador program. It was Mason that I call and I'm Mike Mason, I need help, like tell me because I don't know what the you know, the secret sauce is but whatever it is, you guys got it because that Ambassador Program has just been absolutely amazing. What has that been like for you to be such a big part of?
Julie 34:28
I think that's just you got a good question. Let me think about this for a second before I say something.
JT 34:39
Take your time because we had it so
Julie 34:45
like the group itself, became its own thing over time. And like all of the people in there are just so incredible. And like, one of the things I learned is that everybody has their own story. Yeah, and it's so honestly, like, I'm honored that people share that with, you know us on the application and with everyone else in the group. And it just, to me that's so meaningful. And so with the group, just meeting people like that, and then putting together, like all these people who are just so conscious of how, you know, how much athletic has changed their life, and how much you know, they see that in such a positive way. And so you bring all these positive kind of stories together. And so all the positivity is just kind of like, melding together in this in this community. And as they grow, you know, everyone grows, and it's really become this such a cool thing where everybody's cheering for each other. Everybody's like, super proud of, of everyone else's achievements in a way that I don't think any of us ever imagined it would be. And it's just, it's so awesome to share. You know, I do the spotlights every month to share people's lives with with not just the community but the world. Like, just knowing that each individual in the group has so much like to contribute and so much going on, and so many awesome things in their life that, you know, when other people see that, and they're inspired by it. Yeah, just it just keeps it going. It's It's so cool. Yeah,
JT 36:37
it's, it's what it's about. And you're right. So we share some of the some of the SEMA masters right, some of this SEMA masters we have are also with, with athletic. And so I can say that when we put out like, say, an open season from Ambassador Program, how candid people are in these applications. And they're proud of you, everyone's proud of everyone, but but people are proud of when they've gone through the struggles, and they're coming out the other side. But I can't say I was completely prepared to see if how dark some of the places that people came from. Right. And, you know, some people may not understand that the fact that it's in a while, it's like really coming, it's in a beer company, but but for a lot of people that it's much bigger than that, because it's just it's a part of, of the positive change they made. And in and the negative side of, of something they, you know, some people couldn't stop doing some people, it wasn't that much of an issue. Like a lot. I know a lot of people that drink athletic and never drank and they're never had an issue with with alcohol. But for some people, you know, they were a slave to it, and I can speak for myself. So yeah, I get what you're saying. And, you know, there's something about surrounding ourselves with people that, that collectively, we build a connection with, and we move in a positive direction. So it's been it's been very cool to see athlete Brewing Company ambassador, their program, because you're right, they have literally become almost sick, this, I don't want to say separate entity, but they are this own thing. Like, I honestly feel that if athletic Brewing Company went away, tomorrow, that group would still exist.
Julie 38:30
It's so awesome to see all the connections that everyone makes, and like, you know, whether it's through an event or through beers, or you know, maybe they work an event together, and now they're, you know, they're their friends, or they live close to each other, and then they're running together in a running group, or, you know, it's just so it's so cool to see those natural connections happen. And like I said, everyone has this has a story. So being able to relate to other people too, is like another super important part of what brings people together and you know, however you got here, to, to athletic like you said, whether you had a drinking problem or you just wanted to be healthier, you know, everyone can relate to that. Wanting to be better, like wanting to level up and to do that, you know, the next thing and everyone's here to support you and your journey.
JT 39:20
That's it. Now, what's the next thing that God says fuck it, let's do it. You got anything on you got anything you're going to space human astronaut, like what is it? What is the next thing you think that you're gonna sit in your, your size? The
Julie 39:38
next big thing I'm really like, kind of diving into mountain biking now like I'm gonna try to do this, the Texas series and then we also have these what we call mountain bike marathon races. So they're just like the longer endurance style mountain biking. And we have a we have a series here in Texas. So I'm like, gonna do that and kind of see what pops up you know? Yeah, that's probably gonna fall a lot and get a lot of bruises and scrapes and stuff, but that's part of the growth process
JT 40:10
100% What is you guys the only thing on the on the horizon for the ambassador program that you're that you're willing to talk about yet? Or no? Oh,
Julie 40:21
yeah, we, you know, we always do our end of the year challenge. So that's coming up in a couple of months. And so raising the stakes on that. And then next year, we have tons of cool stuff planned. You know, there's always dry January, which is like a super exciting time. It's not time for us. So we're already talking about that. And then even looking at next summer and just kind of getting some ideas flow in so
JT 40:45
awesome. Well, let's enjoy Is there is there anything else here you want to you want to cover before we pop off?
Julie 40:53
Gosh, I don't think so. Like we like good stuff.
JT 40:58
Well, like I said, you I know you had a ride tonight. One of the benefits of of drinking and a beer is that you saw I was drinking one of the athletic Oktoberfest used to actually grab a beer so you grab a beer and get down. Yes, it's a good one. And yet you're going for a ride later tonight because you can you know, try that with a with a high octane beer and good luck to you.
Julie 41:21
Definitely don't want to ride the trails here after that. Yeah,
JT 41:23
it's not it's not a good experience. So, Julie, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Like I said, we've been we've been we're going to do this for a couple years. I'm glad we actually got it got it done. And I look forward to seeing not just what athletics do in the ambassadors but but really what what what's next on your bucket list is like you said, Man, the sky's the limit.
Julie 41:47
It's gonna be a fun, it's gonna be fun next year.
JT 41:49
Awesome. Do me a favor. Just stay on. I'm gonna hit stop here and then it takes a minute to upload
