Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co. and Custom Coins that Keep Loyalty Brewing
A Fresh Start For A Local Icon
In the heart of historic downtown Willoughby, Ohio near Cleveland is an old trolly repair depot. Built in 1897, the industrial red brick building has more than 120 years of history, but to bring life and light back would take more than an ordinary effort.
It was Bobby Ehasz who had a vision for what the old building could be. His wife Sharon said, “We really want to create a place where people feel welcomed and safe and valued. It’s not just a business, it’s a community!” Thus, Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co. was born. Similar to the old fable, Tortoise and the Hare, Tricky Tortoise is built on the values of endurance, patience, and the slow but steady race to success.
When asked about the brewery’s namesake, Sharon said, “There has been this theme through our lives of tortoises and caretaking, and we’ve had several in the family.” While dating in college, Bobby bought their first pair of tortoises - Simon and Garfunkel - and that sparked a decades-long connection with tortoises as pets, rescue work, and supporting conservation efforts. They also wanted to create a name that felt eye-catching and welcoming, and they must have chosen well because the brewery is thriving in its first year! “We’ve been naming the different beers after different tortoises and reptiles as a way to peak curiosity and start conversations about different conservation efforts,” said Bobby.
The historic repair depot has been transformed on the inside. There are huge brewing and distilling tanks, a stage for live music and comedy shows, free video games for the younger guests, and plenty of seating for patrons to enjoy cold beer and great food! Everyone is welcome, and for regulars, there’s a special type of patronage that takes the form of a custom brewery coin!
Sharing Stories and Forging Connections With Custom Brewery Coins
Bobby and Sharon are both retired military officers and are familiar with the classic challenge coin culture. In fact, our Signature Coins team worked with Sharon to create a military coin for her unit over a decade ago! So, when Tricky Tortoise opened its doors, they realized that designing another coin would be an amazing way to share their story and engage with members of the community.
The coins have since become a part of a loyalty program at the brewery dubbed the Shell Club. Members of the Shell Club receive one of the Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co. Coins, and the long term plan is to create a new coin each year for members. Over time, the collection of coins will grow just like the brewery will grow! One day, these first edition coins could be the most sought after collectibles in the series!
Bobby and Sharon opted for a black metal design featuring their logo and mascot - a yet to be named tortoise with a glass of Tricky Tortoise beer! The brewery is still new, and members of the Shell Club and the local community might have a chance to help pick the mascot’s name through a local competition in the near future!
Realizing Your Vision
Bobby and Sharon had a clear vision for a beautiful community space where all would be welcome when they saw the old red brick repair depot in Willoughby. That vision has been realized at Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co., and we’re so happy to have played a small part in their story.
When asked why they decided to come back to Signature Coins for their brewery coin after so many years, Sharon said, “I was so impressed with the quality of customer service, with the care that was put into my vision, and how you were able to perfectly replicate my idea.”
Our goal is to make the coin design process as seamless and fun as possible. If you have a story to share or an idea you’d like to see come to life, let us know! And if you’re in Willoughby, Ohio, be sure to stop by Tricky Tortoise and see for yourself what makes the space so special!
