Entrepreneurs, business leaders and community members gathered at INSPYRE last week for a Fireside Chat, presented by M&T Bank, featuring Eddie Brennan, president and co-owner of Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards.
As a fifth-generation leader of the family business, Brennan reflected on how Beak & Skiff has continually evolved while remaining committed to the values and agricultural roots that built the company. Founded in 1911, Beak & Skiff has grown from a small apple orchard into one of Central New York’s most recognizable brands.
Brennan reflected on a pivotal period in the company’s history when the business faced significant challenges. Rather than continuing to do things the way they always had, the family looked for new opportunities to strengthen the business by finding new revenue streams while staying true to its roots. That willingness to evolve led to new experiences, products and brands that have helped shape Beak & Skiff into the destination it is today.
One of the evening’s central themes was stewardship. Brennan explained that his greatest responsibility isn’t simply growing the company, it’s ensuring the business is strong enough to reach a sixth generation.
“Day to day, it’s not about making money,” he said. “It’s about keeping the business going.”
That long-term perspective has led Beak & Skiff to continually explore new opportunities. Brennan shared how the company expanded beyond traditional apple farming by creating a destination for concerts and events, growing the 1911 Established brand and launching Ayrloom, its cannabis brand.
He acknowledged that entering the cannabis market came with challenges, noting that there is still a stigma surrounding the industry. Even so, the company believed in the opportunity and stayed committed to building the brand, which has become an important part of Beak & Skiff’s business today.
Throughout the conversation, Brennan emphasized that successful innovation isn’t driven by instinct alone. He encouraged entrepreneurs to study consumer behavior, stay rooted in data and make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions. He also stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with exceptional people.
“I always hire people who are smarter than me,” he shared, explaining that strong teams are essential to long-term success.
Brennan also offered a candid look at the realities of farming. Apple production remains one of the company’s greatest challenges, requiring thousands of trees to be hand pruned and apples to be picked by hand. Managing labor costs while maintaining quality is a constant balancing act.
Although it would often be less expensive to purchase apples from other growers for cider production, Beak & Skiff continues to grow and use its own fruit. Maintaining that level of vertical integration, Brennan explained, helps preserve the quality and authenticity that define the brand.
The conversation also touched on the unique challenges of leading a multigenerational family business. Brennan noted that leading relatives can create difficult decisions and unique workplace dynamics, but he accepts those responsibilities as part of ensuring the business remains strong for future generations.
His honesty, humor and practical leadership advice resonated with founders navigating growth in businesses of every size.
Brennan closed by reflecting on the strong sense of community that has supported Beak & Skiff throughout its history. He shared that Central New Yorkers are incredibly loyal to local businesses, a quality he believes is unique to the region and one that has played an important role in the company’s continued success.
CenterState CEO thanks Eddie Brennan for sharing his leadership journey and entrepreneurial insights with the INSPYRE community. Special thanks also to M&T Bank, presenting sponsor of the INSPYRE Fireside Chat series, for making these conversations possible.
