In the quiet town of Wadena, Minnesota, a story is brewing. It’s a story of dreams realized, challenges faced, and the steady heartbeat of a community. And behind it all are Ashley and Brett Doebbeling—a couple whose hard work and perseverance are as rich and complex as the craft beer they serve. Together, they have poured passion into every pint, one day at a time.
Ashley’s roots trace back to New York Mills, a small town not far from where she and Brett established their brewery. But their brewing journey started as something much smaller—a home brewing kit, a simple gift from Brett's mother. “He didn’t even know he was going to like it,” Ashley recalls, “But he did. He loved it.”
For Brett, brewing quickly became a passion, and together, he and Ashley experimented with new flavors, learned techniques, and grew their hobby. That passion soon grew into something more: a business, a life, a cornerstone of their community. The couple launched their first brewery in Perham, Minnesota, before eventually opening another operation, Drastic Measures Brewing, in Wadena.
“We wanted to do something meaningful in our community,” Ashley explains, her eyes lighting up with the quiet determination that has carried both she and Brett through the ups and downs of small business ownership.
Wadena welcomed them with open arms, offering support and space to grow. Like many small businesses, their journey has been marked by countless late nights and personal sacrifices. In the beginning, Ashley and Brett wore nearly every hat: bartending, bookkeeping, marketing, and even scrubbing floors. “I would never be able to do it today by myself the way I was doing it back in the beginning,” Ashley admits.
Then came 2020, a year that threw challenges at the entire world, including the Doebbelings’ fledgling brewery. They were barely a year into their Wadena location when COVID-19 changed everything. The pandemic forced them to adapt, pivot, and hope for the best. Reflecting on the grants and loans that kept them afloat during that time, specifically their partnership with the North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA) and the Small Business Emergency Loan program NCEDA offered with funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
“It was like someone throwing you a rope to get out of what you’re in,” Ashley says. “That support was a lifeline.”
Now, post-pandemic, in what feels like a new era of togetherness, the brewery has reclaimed its place at the heart of the town. People are coming back—not just for the beer, but for the sense of community they’ve missed. "2024 feels like we’re finally back," Ashley says with a smile.
The brewery is a place where life happens—Oktoberfest celebrations, trivia nights, open mic sessions, and even an annual 5K that ends, of course, with a well-earned pint. With his natural knack for brewing and Ashley’s eye for design, the couple has orchestrated events that create an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion.
"You don’t have to come here and drink," Ashley says. "Just come socialize. We wanted this to be a space for everyone."
Owning a brewery isn’t all about community events and happy hours. Ashley and Brett juggle state laws, distribution rules, and balancing profitability with quality. They’re considering shifting from a production brewery to a brewpub model, which would allow them to focus on direct-to-consumer sales and open a second location— a move that aligns with their vision for the future.
Creativity is at the heart of their work. While Ashley thrives on designing labels and marketing events, Brett explores new brewing techniques. Their business is truly a family effort, with Ashley’s brother in the kitchen and the kids pitching in wherever they can.
“Even if the kids don’t fully understand it now, they’re growing up in an environment where creativity and dedication are valued,” Ashley says.
Looking ahead, the couple dreams of a day when they can step back from daily operations and focus on ownership. “One day, we’ll get to ask ourselves, ‘What do we want to do with our time now?’” Ashley reflects, acknowledging that, while that day isn’t here yet, the seeds are planted.
Until then, Ashley and Brett continue to build their brewery—a community hub where passion, hard work, and creativity come together. As Ashley puts it, “We just really wanted to do something for our community.” And they have—one pint at a time.