We visited Sun King Kokomo and heard from Amanda Lewton owner, entrepreneur, and local changemaker. She didn’t set out to be in the beer business. She was simply asking the right question: “How do we keep young people in our community?” That question led her to open Tin Man Brewery, which eventually evolved into Sun King Kokomo.

She mills her own grain, brews small-batch by hand, and sends every beer through a state-of-the-art lab—three times. But the biggest lesson wasn’t about hops or half barrels. It was about hustle.

“If you aren’t thinking 10 steps ahead, you’re not going to succeed.”

Amanda reminded us that entrepreneurship means doing everything—from networking on the golf course to making sure your lawyer and banker are people you trust. She’s fueled by her Italian roots, her love for this community, and a commitment to always surround herself with people who make her better.

From learning trends like non-alcoholic hop water and the sober movement, to understanding how seasonal demand shapes brewing, Amanda gave us a masterclass in adaptability.

We left inspired by her grit, her wisdom, and her reminder that building something great takes more than a business plan, it takes relationships.