22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Jamie Buscher

22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Jamie Buscher

Jamie Buscher is a well-known professional in the New England craft beer world. 

Now, she is working to help diversify the industry that regionally is predominantly male -- and white.

In 2021, Buscher unveiled what she had experienced working in the craft beer business as a woman, and what she plans on doing about it. 

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As GoLocal reported in September:

There is news about a new brewery opening or launching a new location nearly every week.

Narragansett Beer recently opened their new brewery in Providence overlooking India Point Park and in Warren, the Guild launched their new location two weeks ago.

But simultaneously the craft beer industry is facing emerging charges of gender discrimination in Rhode Island.

As the industry continues to grow, it also continues to be a nearly all-white industry. It is overwhelmingly dominated by white men although a handful of women are brewery owners in Rhode Island.

And Buscher blew the lid off what she had experienced. 

"I should have been making more at Narragansett and believe that I was not moved up due to my gender," said Buscher who served as the point person in Marketing & Community Events for Narragansett Beer for more than five years.  Buscher was the face of the brand - she did media interviews, hosted events, and was the spokesperson for Narragansett. 

She said she has experienced sexual harassment firsthand at beer festivals and during events.

Buscher says that "we [the craft beer industry] need to change the culture in the industry."

"Too much of the industry's events are about people getting drunk," she said.

The CEO of Narragansett Beer Mark Hellendrung said in reaction to Buscher's claims that this was the first he has heard of Buscher’s complaints.

“Nothing has ever been brought to my attention. Nothing has ever come up. I have an open door,” said Hellendrung.

Buscher said, “I was making about 35-40K a year on salary … when I left the company after 5 years of working for them in various roles. It wasn't unusual for me to work 9-5 in the office and then run events on nights and weekends, so 50-60 hours was probably the norm.”

Thus, after five years, Buscher, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island was making about $12 to $13 an hour. She was the face of the brand and at nearly every event for the company.

Hellendrung did not dispute that Buscher claims about long hours. He said, “As it relates to pay — she managed the promotion teams and was squarely between the pay rates. She worked long hours and worked a ton of events."

He added, "I think it [the craft beer industry] is on par with all issues in America and there is baggage in the past. Regarding beer events, I know there are issues at beer events."

Buscher says she is trying to change the industry and has started a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee in an attempt to raise awareness and develop tools to diversify.

She said she is working with Johnson & Wales to develop a scholarship program to improve diversity and she hopes to hold a beer festival for women brewers.

Nationally, the craft beer industry is aware of the issue and has hired a diversity officer and built a dedicated website, but it is not clear if the group has worked in the minority communities to develop an incubation program.

Buscher, who is currently a brand manager for the Craft Collective, is a driving force in promoting equity — watch for more from her in 2022.