severance stories

Severing Ties Series: Ted Miller

Severing Ties Series Spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way. Next up, we’re excited to introduce you to Ted Miller!

“I am so happy to have gotten to a spot where I feel a lot more free in this world.”

Last August, Ted Miller left his job of 15 years. He worked for the South Dakota Geological Survey where he ran a drilling rig to help geologists gather hydrological and geological information throughout the state of South Dakota. As much as the job was very interesting and challenging, he found himself on the road for months throughout the year. Over the years, the travel aspect wore him very thin.

Severing Ties

He knew he really wanted to be home more with his wife, Alice, so they could spend more time on their music and all their other hobbies and passions. So he made a big shift in his life. He left that job to work full time at Backspace Brewing Co., a new neighborhood brewery that does a lot of amazing things in the Yankton community.

Fast forward to today, and Ted now works full time for Counterfeit Catering Company and also 6th Meridian Hop Farm while still filling in at Backspace Brewing and playing music throughout the area. The catering kitchen is located on a property that also has the 5 acre hop farm. “It’s a great place to work,” Ted said, “I spend an equal amount of time laughing as working. It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun.”

He is grateful for everyone that has helped him get to this point. From helping make and deliver amazing food, to an engagement in the craft beer world and working hard on their music, he says he has truly ended up in a blessed spot in his life.

The Good Life

“This new direction in life, first off, has me soooooo happy to be at home and sleeping on my own pillow every night - unless we are traveling to play music. I am happy to have gotten to a spot where I feel a lot more free in this world. All four of my jobs: kitchen, hop yard, brewery and music/songwriting are hard work but worth every second,” he said.

Let’s Talk Beer

When it comes to beer, there are not really any beer styles that Ted will shy away from. His favorite style to sample are Saisons/Farmhouse Ales. “We don’t find a ton of them in our region, it seems. They are a neat, delicate brew which makes me gravitate towards them,” he said.

Ted and Alice have graciously played their music at Severance a few times. When it comes to Severance beers, the go-to is D.B. Cooper’s Big Jump Double IPA.

“There are many Severance beers that I like to partake of! One of my favorite things to do after playing at Severance is to take a crowler of D.B. Cooper home. When we get back from our gig and get all the equipment put away, we either enjoy a glass on the back porch or with our feet up on the couch for a night cap, depending on the season!” he shared.

“Danks, But No Danks West Coast IPA is a recent one I have had that I really enjoyed, and there have been many variants of the Herbification Project sours that are really amazing as well. I’ve never had a bad beer at Severance, and we thank you guys so much for always having us back to play our audible art.”

Here’s to severing ties in life and drink and pursuing your passion.

Cheers, Ted!


Be sure to keep an eye on our list of upcoming events to find out when Ted and Alice Miller will be playing at Severance, or give them a follow on Facebook.


Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!

Severing Ties Series: The Neighbor Kid

This year we kicked off our Severing Ties Series Spotlights! These spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the money—it’s how you live. It is freeing to not chase the almighty dollar.”

Chad Lee, owner of The Neighbor Kid, once held a steady, good-paying corporate job. As someone who never really settles for the “status quo”, he took a promotion and soon knew it was the beginning of the end. He noticed a shift in mentality as he took on more responsibility and was pressured to fit a certain mold in the workforce. As he began to lose sleep at night, he decided it just wasn’t worth it. Life is too short.

About a month prior to turning in his resignation, feeling inspired while drinking a couple of beers—because, of course—he came up with his exit strategy to start a handyman service. He would call it The Neighbor Kid. This new business didn’t require any start-up loans and he could easily flip a switch when he was ready to make the leap and start offering his services.

Perfect.

“If you want to work, you’ll always be ok,” he said.

On the night of December 31, 2017 he sent a one line resignation letter and never looked back. To mark the transition, he “severed” ties by getting rid of all of his suits and ties, and now owns one dress shirt “for marrying and burying”.

Since severing ties he now kicks his feet up and cracks a beer at three in the—I mean, feels less stress, a sense of purpose and doesn’t have to fit a certain narrative. Not to mention the freedom and flexibility of choosing when he wants to take a vacation, or shave. He is helping people, making an impact, providing for his family and having fun along the way.

This is what severing ties is all about. We raise our glasses and say “cheers!” to Chad for taking a leap of faith, and for making a big life change in order to be happier with the one life we have.

Here’s to severing ties in life and drink and pursuing your passion!


Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!

Severing Ties Series: Kota Cafe

This year we kicked off our Severing Ties Series Spotlights! These spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way.

We recently received a nomination for a new local food truck in the Sioux Falls area. (Seriously, the food truck scene here in Sioux Falls is 🔥🔥🔥. )

Hearing about Renee’s story made us want to learn more, and we can’t wait to share it with you! So without further ado, please enjoy this story about taking a risk and pursuing a passion—exactly what Severance Brewing Co. is all about…

My name is Renee Standish and I own Kota Café. I live here in Sioux Falls with my Fiancé, four children (two girls and two boys), two dogs and two cats. Not only do we have the food truck up and running, we also have apartment rentals, Airbnb's and he is also building a twin home here in Sioux Falls. We are kind of busy.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a restaurant. You know those cafes you see in small towns where everything seems to be made from scratch with love? That is my dream! In this day and age, it is so expensive to get into that type of business and a lot of them don't make it past the first year.

Pursuing a Dream

We have had the idea of starting a truck for a couple of years (we meaning Travis and I) and decided it would be a great economical way to see if we could make it work. If I am successful on a truck, I could possibly be successful in a restaurant as well. Once I jumped on board with the food truck idea and knowing I would still be making my food from scratch, it was game on! I started looking for a truck and brainstorming what I would serve on it.

I bought my truck the beginning of April, had my son the end of April and took that time off to get all licenses that were required, get the truck set how I wanted it, develop my menu and give it a trial run.

At this point, I fully intended to go back to the 8-5, until I started working the truck in the real world. The amount of support and positive feedback I have received is unbelievable!

I always thought my food was good, but I am a little biased! After just six weeks of being up and running and to see some of the same faces show up at the truck, more than once and where ever I am located, tells me it might not be half bad.

Ditching the 8-5

With all that being said, I knew I couldn't commit to a full time job outside of our life, and do anything justice. I decided to focus my energy on my family and what I need to do for them. Go big or go home! I gave up a salary, benefits, health insurance and air conditioning, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The true joy I feel when I am cooking someone dinner or frying those fries, even when it is 100 degrees in the truck, is now something I wouldn't trade for the world!

I have never been happier! I know in my heart I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and I hope my children see me following my dreams and never hesitate to follow theirs!


Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!

Severing Ties Series: Jason Janssen

As part of 2021 American Craft Beer Week, we are kicking off our first ever Severing Ties Series Spotlight! We are thrilled to introduce you to local craft beer lover, Jason Janssen!

Jason recently shared: "Today I made a choice... I chose uncertainty, I chose discomfort, I chose more work for less pay, I chose to listen to my heart and follow my dreams, and I chose to serve others over everything else. Today, I was given the opportunity to join Sioux Falls Fire Rescue as a full-time, career firefighter, and will begin the 16 week academy this summer as a firefighter candidate. I am excited to start this chapter of my life and I have two goals going in:

1- I want to be able to say, with certainty, that I was able to help others.
2- I want to have fun!"

THIS is what Severance and "severing ties" is all about. Congrats Jason! We are so excited for your new venture and wish you all the best as you change directions and pursue a life more fulfilled in serving others!


Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!