Matt Schweizer knows a thing or two about being busy.
With a smile on his face and a beer in his hand, Matt talks about the demands of being a small business owner with fond affection, the same way a person might describe their favorite hobby.
He recounts each task in detail, from brewing over a dozen different brews of craft beer each year to supplying 7-10 barrels of beer each week. With support from his staff, Schweizer also oversees daily operations at Hopskeller Brewing Company, managing a busy kitchen, a menu of unique wood-fired pizzas and a bar known for popular signature cocktails like the Waterloo Fizz.
Schweizer's hectic lifestyle is one of the reasons he appreciates simple conveniences, like banking at State Bank.
Banking on Convenience
When Schweizer opened Hopskeller Brewing Company in 2016, he opened his business account with State Bank because of their convenient locations.
"I drove right past the bank and thought, this will be great - I go past here every day," Schweizer said.
Since the very beginning, State Bank has been with Schweizer through every phase of business ownership. From a devastating fire just one month after opening, to a remodel, and then steady growth each year since reopening in 2017.
"Everyone there is super nice. I go in and they know me. They've made it feel very welcoming."
— Matt Schweizer, Owner of Hopskeller Brewing Company
Beyond the hometown touch, Schweizer appreciates the ease of online banking features and even believes the website to be the most intuitive around.
"Everything is integrated. I access the same website for all my accounts, so it's very convenient," he said, adding that he and his wife, Anna, now have their personal accounts with State Bank as well.
A native of south St. Louis County, Schweizer values the personal touches a neighborhood bank like State Bank can provide.
"Banking with State Bank has been a very positive experience," he said. "Certainly, going forward, they'll be the ones I bank with."
From Hobby to Thriving Business
As for the business, the success of Hopskeller has far exceeded Schweizer's expectations.
He started homebrewing as a hobby when he couldn't find the English style ales he had enjoyed while studying abroad in college. While offering some of his home brews at Gibault High School's Taste of the Region and Oktoberfest, then Mayor Tom Smith approached him about opening a brewery in downtown Waterloo.
"In all the best ways possible the business is much bigger than what I envisioned," Schweizer says. "I started the planning process at 28 or 29 years old, and I think I envisioned something much smaller. It kind of expanded into something much bigger."
Schweizer said he is grateful to the community for their ongoing support, and for the relationships he has with other businesses like State Bank.
"It always made way more sense to do it in Waterloo," Schweizer said. "This was the right choice."
Next time you're in downtown Waterloo, make sure to make your way over to Hopskeller. We recommend the Fat Bottom Girls pizza and Across the Pond IPA. Or check out their website for a full menu.
Rising from the Ashes
One of the most challenging moments in Hopskeller's history came just one month after opening in 2016, when a devastating fire forced the brewery to close its doors. For many new business owners, such a setback might have been the end of the story.
But with support from the community and financial partners like State Bank, Matt was able to rebuild and reopen in 2017. The brewery not only recovered but has thrived since then, becoming a beloved fixture in downtown Waterloo.
"When you're facing a challenge like that as a business owner, having a bank that knows you and understands your vision makes all the difference," Matt reflects. "State Bank was there for us during that difficult time, and they've been there for every success since."
Brewing Community Connections
Today, Hopskeller Brewing Company is more than just a place to enjoy craft beer and wood-fired pizza—it's a community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike come together. The brewery hosts events, supports local causes, and has become an integral part of Waterloo's downtown revival.
For Matt, the business is a labor of love that allows him to share his passion for brewing while contributing to the community he calls home. And as Hopskeller continues to grow, State Bank remains a trusted partner in that journey.
"Banking with State Bank has been a very positive experience. Certainly, going forward, they'll be the ones I bank with."
— Matt Schweizer, Owner of Hopskeller Brewing Company
Ready to grow your business?
Discover how State Bank's business banking services can help your company achieve its goals.