See the latest Downtown News.
Brian Hash, Boat Town Brewing
I hit the lottery twice. Once when I was three days old, and again when I met my wife.
I was adopted as a newborn and brought to Lebanon by Bill and Ruth Ann Hash. They were the best parents a kid could ever ask for. I mean that. They raised me with love, taught me to work hard, to care about people, and to do right by your community. They were active in everything: church, chamber, nonprofits, you name it. And they did it all without needing a spotlight. I love and respect them more than I can ever really say, and the older I get, the more I realize just how lucky I was to be their son. I hit the lottery with them.
Growing up an only child, I spent a lot of time by myself, just me and a room full of imaginary friends. I’d tag along with my friends’ families whenever I could, and that mix of solitude and connection turned me into a people person who still needs a little quiet now and then. I get energized by being around others, but I’ve got to recharge too. That’s just how I’m wired.
I met my wife, Shelly, in high school. I wanted to date her right away but she wanted absolutely nothing to do with me. It wasn’t until college that she really came around, and thank God she did. We’ve been married more than 30 years now. She’s been my partner through everything, and I mean everything. That’s lottery win number two.
I didn’t start Boat Town Brewing. The original owners brought me in as their first employee back in 2016. I already had three jobs, but they said, “We think you get what we’re trying to build.” They asked if I wanted a part-time gig pouring beer and talking to people. I said, “You know I’d do that for free, right?” And it was amazing. I started helping out more, learning how to brew, how to run things, and in 2019, I bought the place.
When I heard another brewery might be coming to town, I knew I couldn’t stay out on the interstate. If we were going to keep growing, I had to get downtown. And if we were going to be in town, we were going to do it right. The Family Dollar building didn’t look like much at first, but with some vision, a lot of graph paper, and some help from good people, we turned it into something we’re proud of. Danny True and Bobby Dozier believed in the project from the start. Their creativity and vision helped turn a plain building into a place full of life and character.
We opened in downtown in August 2023, and it’s been everything I hoped for. More customers, more connection, a better flow, and we didn’t lose our identity in the move. We’re still Boat Town: laid back, family-friendly, built for community. You can bring your kids, meet your friends, or just hang out and feel like you belong.
And then there’s Jenkins. Our big concrete frog with a smile on his face and a tray in his hand. He’s part of the soul of this place. I broke his arm once. Glued him back together with everything I could find. When we moved, he rode in the backseat of my truck for weeks. I buckled him in like he was family, because, honestly, he kind of is.
This place means a lot to me. Lebanon is home. I grew up in a small business. I’ve led in the church, in civic groups, in Rotary. Not because I want any recognition, but because it’s just what you do when you care about where you live. I want to see this community thrive, not just for me, but for everybody who calls it home.
I love what I do. I love the people I get to do it with. And I love that we’re right here in the heart of downtown, watching something really special take shape. If I can leave behind a place that brings people together and makes this town a little better, then I’ll know I’ve done something that matters.
