Women Making Moves in the Bev-Alc Industry
An Interview with Nancy Lawson Owner of McLawson’s Corner Bar & Grill
Can you Share a bit about your journey in the industry?
It all started when I was in middle school cleaning and wiping down the liquor bottles on early Sunday mornings. From an early age I knew I wanted to be a part of the family business that my parents started. It was soon after I started to learn how to operate the takeout center and how to cook in the kitchen. When I hit high school, I entered the work co-op program and worked takeout during the day. By the age of 18, I was spending my weekends bartending, meanwhile working in the takeout center during the week. As the years went by and I continued to prove myself to my father, he gave me more responsibilities. After 40+ years of hard work, I can now call it mine.
Have you had any mentors throughout your journey?
I am proud to say that my mentor who got me to where I am today was my father. He taught me everything I know, and I still incorporate his work techniques to this day. My greatest hope is that teaching my daughter the family business, the way my dad taught me, that hopefully one day it will be hers.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the industry?
Being in an industry that is mostly lead by men is tough. The constant feel of needing to prove myself can sometimes be draining and somewhat defeating. There are times when male customers talk down to me but that’s where I got my name, The Flagging Dragon!
Do you feel that you have the respect of men in the industry?
Yes, I do. All of us bar owners treat each other as equals. We always bounce ideas back and forth and talk about what is working and what is not.
What trends are you excited about in beer?
I’m excited about all the new beer trends coming out for my customers but when it comes to me, I’m an old school, cold domestic beer drinking kind of gal.
Did you ever feel that you had to prove yourself as a woman in the industry?
Yes, everyday I face challenges, but after 40+ years in the industry I learned that I have to stand tall and remind myself that I got this.
What advice would you give to women looking to get into the industry?
It is hard work, long hours and takes a lot of dedication but with the right support system at home and loyal employees, it is definitely possible.
Is there a woman in the industry (or outside of it) who has inspired you?
My mom, who survived working in this industry for many years, has inspired me. My father might have taught me my work ethic, but my mom drilled into me the importance of family and having a family business.
What’s one thing people might not know about your role in the industry?
It’s a seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year operation. Yes, we are open 365 days a year and have not been closed a day since my parents opened the business in the early ‘80s. I was taught to do my inventory list on a notepad with a pen and I refuse to go electronic. Every week I’m on my hands and knees scrubbing the bathrooms. I salt my own parking lots for the cold wintery nights, I cook for the bartenders in the morning, and I still bartend a few days a week.
If you could share a beer with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Queen Elizabeth. She had to take on the role of the greatest leader at such a young age, meanwhile being a woman in a male dominant era. She made it known from the beginning that she was in charge, and she ruled successfully for many years. I think it would be pretty cool and interesting to share a beer with her.