10ish Questions with Dan Hampton of Young Henrys
A conversation about burnout, balance and building business
1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
Doting dad of 2 beautiful daughters and loving husband of 1 super hot wife! We have a great little place in Little Bay, close to some of Sydney’s best beaches and golf courses, so my 2 favourite past times are sorted.
2. Before joining Young Henrys you had a very different career; can you walk us through that journey from policing, to hospitality, to becoming a craft-beer evangelist?
All I wanted to be from an early age was a cop, but I also worked in hospo from 14 until finishing school, and loved the restaurant/cafe vibe. I got into the Police at 18, moved to Sydney and had a crazy 5 years with all that. Got back into hospo after falling out of love with the Police, and a beer crazy restaurant boss gave me my intro into craft beer. I fell for it quick and devoted the next 20+ years to being, as you said, a “craft beer evangelist”.
3. Since your early days at Young Henrys, the brand’s grown massively. What’s the hardest part of building a business, brand, and product that people love?
I’d say the hardest part has been balance. You’re just all in all the time, and that’s fine for the first 5 or so years… but it can be super draining. Oscar and I had to learn to set better examples of work/life balance, but we didn’t do a great job of that.
4. And what’s been the best bit?
The mates we’ve made both internally and externally. Hiring likeminded people means you’re almost always going to enjoy the company of those within Young Henrys. But this journey has enabled us to connect with some amazing humans from all walks of life, from musicians to artists, publicans to professional athletes. Young Henrys has been the perfect leveller… brings us all together with a shared appreciation of what each other does.
5. So you recently went out to Sadie in Jamberoo; where was your head at before you left?
Not good to be honest. I felt pretty burnt out, unable to function as I should in my roles as a leader at work and a husband/dad. I’d started to work on it (read self help books/podcasts etc) but I couldn’t shake it, so my wife suggested I get away for a bit. I’d heard about Unyoked and it sounded perfect.
6. Once you were actually there, how did the experience land for you?
Immediately felt positive and I was almost laughing to myself at how cool it was to be totally alone, with no responsibilities. I read the little manual about unplugging/recharging which I thought was a great touch. So many little things are thought of so you don’t have to.
7. You’re used to the soundtrack of pubs, kegs, conversations, stainless steel. What did the quiet do to you?
First day/night I was a little on edge, and every sound made me look to see what/who it was. But I definitely got over that quickly and really started to enjoy the sounds of nature… along with my carefully selected chilled tunes.
8. What part of the cabin routine surprised you in the best way - the brew ritual, the walk, the fire, the nothingness?
Yes, yes, yes and yes. All of it. I bloody loved grinding the beans before doing the pour over. Having time to do that made the coffee taste even better, and felt more earned. I absolutely love cooking, so the cast iron pan on hot coals was so up my alley. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!! I even enjoyed cleaning up afterwards as it felt like all part of the ritual.
9. Did nature hand you any unexpected clarity; about work, creativity, stress, or that one idea you’ve been sitting on for too long?
I used my last day to do this personal/core values piece that I’d listened to on a podcast. Took me a few hours but I ended up with what I identified to be my 3 core values by which I should be living my life through. I was able to do this because of the clarity I’d gained from 2 full days or nothing but reading, chilling and some walking.
10. You’ve helped grow Young Henrys from a scrappy idea to a national name. What advice would you give to founders who are in the thick of building?
Make sure you focus on balance, and give yourself time to recharge before the battery is on zero! Building a brand takes a lot of energy, authenticity, and hard work, and there aren’t really any shortcuts. Also, surround yourself with great people and look after them.
11. What would you say to someone thinking of getting Unyoked?
I highly recommend it solo for anyone who feels they need a recharge. But I’m also really keen to take Emma and experience it as a couple. What a great business/brand you guys have got! So impressive, yet seems so simple. I have been, and will continue to recommend it to everyone. Thanks so much for the experience x