John Briner is the co-founder and CEO of Tangled Beverages, a hop-water brewing company. He’s built a thriving career in the hop industry by combining entrepreneurial instincts with a skill for strategic advising. He transformed Northwest Hop Farms into a market leader before launching Tangled Beverages. He also offers business advice to corporate clients in mining, real estate, and agriculture.
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Q: Your career encompasses law, business consulting, and hop-infused beverages. What sparked your move to become a business entrepreneur?
John Briner: I’m energized by finding gaps in the market and creating solutions. My experiences in corporate law taught me strategy and problem-solving. I then became a business advisor for mining, real estate, and agriculture clients. I got a lot of exposure to what makes an enterprise successful. The launch of Northwest Hop Farms marked my first step into entrepreneurship. After selling it in 2023, I’ve concentrated on building Tangled Beverages while maintaining an advisor role. It has been a great mix of both worlds.
Q: Tangled Beverages is starting to really take off. What initiated this brand?
John Briner: We noticed people wanted healthier drinks that had the same crisp enjoyment and good taste of a microbrewed beer without the alcohol. Most of us connect hops with beer, but we saw the potential for a sparkling, non-alcoholic drink that featured different varieties of flavoured hops. The feedback has been fantastic, and we keep growing.
Q: You sold Northwest Hop Farms in 2023. What made it work, and why did you leave?
John Briner: Success came from solid partnerships and understanding craft brewers. We built a base of 10k+ clients along with 35k+ social media followers. The sale just made sense. I wanted to start new projects plus focus more on helping businesses in mining, real estate, and agriculture succeed. I still have a lot of love for the team and the new management at Northwest Hop Farms—they are an amazing group of people.
Q: How did your legal background shape your business approach?
John Briner: Law gave me skills in risk control, deals, and planning. These help me guide companies and run my ventures. Working across industries showed me how to adapt and communicate well. I always insist on long-term growth plans.
Q: What obstacles did you face between industries?
John Briner: Moving between fields requires an openness to learn. Each industry is different, but relationship-building and fixing issues stay the same. Running businesses while advising gets tough, but good organization plus a great team helps a lot.
Q: Which changes do you see coming in beverages?
John Briner: The drink market wants healthy, eco-friendly products. People seek options that fit their lifestyle, and I think sparkling hop water matches this perfectly. We plan to grow Tangled Beverages across North America while creating new products. It is an exciting time, and I love being part of these varied projects.
