Dan Silva, The Glassman

Most people never think twice about the glass in their hand, or the one they're "taking" from their local pub. Dan Silva does - and then he shows up unannounced with 24 custom ones to prove it.

In this episode of B2F, Troy sits down with Dan Silva, Co-Owner and VP of Sales & Procurement at Zenan Glass - Canada's largest glassware and ceramics decorator for the beverage and food service industry. Dan came up through nearly 11 years at PepsiCo before landing at Zenan in 2021, and the CPG discipline he brought with him shows. But what's really driven Zenan's growth under his watch isn't systems or scale - it's showing up. At trade shows, at taprooms, at anniversary parties and beer launches - just because - building relationships one pint at a time. Turning a supplier relationship into something breweries actually enjoy.

It's the kind of unreasonable hospitality that sticks with you. Just ask Troy and the GLB team.

What's in this episode:

• How Dan and his partner Luke transformed Zenan from a simple transactional vendor to true industry partner
• Why showing up - literally - has been their biggest growth driver
• The full ordering experience: what happens when a brewery calls, from first conversation to finished glass
• Serving everyone from multinational brewers to a two-person startup - and why small accounts are more fun
• What breweries get wrong about glassware (and what the good ones get very right)
• Glassware as a brand touchpoint: why the glass in a customer's hand is part of your marketing budget

Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!

Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears.