Top Entrepreneurs You Should Know About In 2024
SF Weekly
May 1, 2024
Josh Leavy
In the heart of San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square, Josh Leavy is setting the bar high for the city’s entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of SF Brewing Co.(SFBCo), Leavy is not only continuing a family tradition that dates back nearly a century but is also shaping the future of the local food and beverage scene. The Leavy family’s brewing roots trace back to 1923, when Josh’s great-grandfather, Miguel Gonzalez, founded the first industrial brewery, Mexicali Brewery, in Baja, California. Inspired by stories of Gonzalez’s pioneering spirit and the camaraderie among brewers, Josh embraced the craft. While researching for his college thesis, he fell deeply in love with the art of brewing. This passion didn’t just end with academic pursuits; it evolved into a thriving business. Before embarking on his brewing journey, Josh navigated the competitive tech landscapes of Salesforce, Box, and Twilio, where he climbed the ranks and honed his skills in innovation and strategic planning. These experiences have been pivotal in managing SFBCo, especially during challenging times. San Francisco’s food scene, like many others, has faced significant downturns in recent years. Amid local economic shutdowns that threatened countless establishments, Josh’s leadership at SFBCo was a beacon of resilience. Under his guidance, the brewery not only sustained itself but also saw growth—an achievement not many can claim in such trying times.
Today, Josh is steering SFBCo toward exciting new horizons. He is currently in contract negotiations to open a second brewery location, which promises to expand SFBCo’s distribution throughout California. But his vision extends beyond just brewing beer. In partnership with the city of Novato, he is also working on a groundbreaking project—a beer garden and food park designed to be a family-friendly hub featuring food trucks and local culinary talents. This venue aims to provide an authentic local food experience for the Sonoma and Marin communities and a supportive space for small food entrepreneurs. Josh Leavy’s innovative approach and dedication to community engagement make him a standout figure in San Francisco’s entrepreneurial landscape. As he prepares to expand his influence in 2024, both through SFBCo and his new ventures, Josh is certainly an entrepreneur to watch. With a legacy of resilience and a forward-thinking mindset, he is not just brewing beer; he is crafting the future of local enterprise.
