From Group Chat to Growing Cidery Business
It all started with a text in the family group chat. Months later, the Finley family were the proud owners of Winterset Cidery. It wasn’t easy at first — determining who would do what, learning to work together in a new capacity and maintaining family relationships while running the business. But now, the family is a well-oiled machine with Nathan and Jen’s two children, Connor and Kalee, running the day-to-day operations.
A year and a half after purchasing Winterset Cidery, the Finley family’s lives look much different than they imagined. “When we started this venture, I don’t think any of us expected to be where we are today.” Nathan explained. “My son, Connor, stepped away from his full-time role to take over what we now know to be a necessary full-time position at the cidery, with my daughter, Kalee, doing the same thing.”
But stepping into new roles wasn’t without its challenges. For Connor, the cidery’s production manager, learning how to make cider was only part of the challenge. “It’s the cleaning, the fermenting, customer service and making sure everything comes together,” he said This hands-on approach has given Connor and the entire family, appreciation for what goes into each glass and the teamwork it takes to keep a business running.
As the family settled into their roles, they were quickly encouraged by business owners, both in Madison County and across Greater Des Moines. “We’ve had great conversations with Iowa Distilling and other businesses in the industry,” Nathan said.
When it comes to the community, the support doesn’t dwindle. The cidery consistently welcomes visitors from Winterset and across the Greater Des Moines region while also drawing guests from neighboring states.
"We get a lot of people visiting the cidery from Winterset as well as the Greater Des Moines region, but beyond that, we have consistent guests from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri," Nathan said.
The Finley family has also found a strong partner in the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. “The Madison County Chamber is so unique and special,” Nathan said. “It’s a fantastic group of people who know and care for each other and the businesses in the area.”
From an idea that started in a family group chat to a unique cidery experience in Madison County, the Finleys’ journey shows the collaborative spirit of the region. With support from fellow business owners and support from both community members and the local Chamber, the Finleys have continued building a local legacy with their own family flair.