Dani Babineau, 32
CEO & co-founder
Redemption Rock Brewing Co., Worcester
Residence: Worcester
Birthplace: San Diego, Calif.
Colleges: Northeastern University & Babson College
Babineau and the team at Redemption Rock Brewing Co. are the latest to join the growing Central Mass. beer scene, and she chose one of the most coveted spots in the city to do it: Shrewsbury Street. The brewery opened inside a former Coca-Cola bottling facility by raising nearly $1 million via a crowdfunding campaign. Babineau herself designed and managed the brewery and taproom to function as both a place to drink good beer and a community space where people enjoy spending time. The brewery opened in January, but Babineau and the brewery’s founders have been working on it for six years. Redemption Rock is a registered B corp, meaning each decision the company makes has to take into consideration the social and environmental effects of running a business. Brewery workers are paid a living wage and tips are donated to community organizations, leading to more than $20,000 in donations to local nonprofits. Babineau participates in city-wide volunteer days through Working 4 Worcester, is a member of the Young Professional Women’s Association and has volunteered with the Worcester Community Foundation. – Profile written by Zachary Comeau
What is the one meal you could eat for the rest of your life? This is just a sideways way of asking me what my favorite food is, and I refuse to play favorites.
What is the highest compliment anyone could give you? This is the Seed To Stem of breweries.
Whose career do you want to emulate? Natalie Cilurzo from Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa, Calif. Growth doesn’t necessarily mean volume growth, but can mean investing in quality, your employees, your community and innovation.
