RadCraft Discontinues Status as Agency of Record for Bonfire Brewing
A statement about Bonfire Brewing from RadCraft founder and CEO Emily Hutto.
Photo courtesy EJ Dilley Photography
EAGLE, CO— After nearly five years as Bonfire Brewing’s agency of record, RadCraft announced today the discontinuation of its work with the brewery.
Emily Hutto, RadCraft founder and CEO, issued the following statement about the company’s relationship with Bonfire Brewing.
It’s been an exceptional honor to work directly with Bonfire Brewing’s co-founders Andy and Amanda Jessen as the brewery agency of record since 2017. They initially reached out through a referral from Western Distributing, a connection that I am deeply grateful for.
I am humbled to tell the Bonfire Brewing story; however I recognize that it is fundamentally impossible to do so without the inclusion of both Andy and Amanda. Since Andy’s tragic death in an avalanche in Silverton on February 1, 2021, the Bonfire board of directors president has prohibited co-founder Amanda Jessen, our primary contact for all brewery communications, from managing and executing company operations. This prevents RadCraft from effectively executing Bonfire’s media relations, and more importantly it does not recognize Amanda as an integral part of the company narrative— a depravity for which we do not stand.
To my friend and my sounding board Andy, thank you for sharing your story and your passions with us at RadCraft. Without your leadership and friendship we would not be in so many places— including this one of defending your honor.
It has been the privilege of my career to be included in the BonFamily. To each and every one, thank you for your contributions and loyalty to the Eagle County and Colorado craft beer communities.
May we always gather ‘round.
Going forward, media inquiring about Bonfire Brewing should reach out to the brewery directly.
Bonfire Brewing Statement: February 18, 2021
The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton.
EAGLE, CO— The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton. These volunteer and fundraising efforts have helped the brewery maintain operations to continue serving its community during this time of shock and grief.
In response to an outpouring of local support and to supplement unexpected expenses, Bonfire launched this GoFundMe campaign.
In addition to contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, fans and friends of Colorado beer can support the brewery during this time by purchasing Bonfire beer at the tasting room in Eagle, at restaurants, or in liquor stores across Bonfire’s distribution footprint along the I-70 Corridor and across Colorado’s Front Range. They can also purchase merchandise at the brewery or through the online store and send cards to PO Box 5276.
Last week, residents of the town of Eagle honored Andy and fellow adventurers Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung with a gathering at Eagle’s River Park that Bonfire co-sponsored. The Town of Eagle also resurrected the now notorious Christmas penis monument that Andy adamantly crusaded to keep erect in effort to “Keep Eagle Weird” last year.
Bonfire Brewing expresses deep gratitude for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), San Juan County Search and Rescue, and both the towns of Silverton and Eagle.
“There aren’t enough words to say thank you to Eagle, the Colorado beer community, and beyond,” Amanda Jessen says. “We’re managing this crisis and our grief as best we know how, and deeply appreciate the grace, space, and support.”
Bonfire Brewing is working with the Town of Eagle to livestream a charitable concert and memorial service for Andy, Adam, and Seth on February 28. More details will be announced later this week.
The Bonfire Brewing team and Jessen family do not have additional comments at this time. Please direct all media inquiries to Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.