From Exam Room to Tap Room

Christian Benner (OD’78) and his son, Adam (an Ohio State Fisher College of Business graduate), like to bond over a beer, as many fathers and sons are known to do. What sets the Benners apart from most families is that Adam is responsible for brewing their favorite Hazy IPA, as the owner of the Land-Grant Brewing Company in Columbus.  He credits his father for modeling entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Benner, now practicing part time in the Carolinas after a long career that included years in Medina, Ohio, reflects on raising his children in Hinckley alongside his wife, Denise. “We raised our son, Adam, and daughter, Kristen, in Hinckley, Ohio,” he says. “From an early age, Adam clearly had an entrepreneurial spirit.”

That spirit didn’t initially point toward brewing. “Was there a clue that he would one day open a brewery? Not really,” Dr. Benner admits. “But even as a young boy he was always thinking outside the box. He built his own computer and made action movies with his friends.”

When Adam announced his plans, his parents had different initial reactions. “I was concerned about how many breweries already existed,” Dr. Benner says. “His mom wasn’t. She said, ‘You live in the United States of America. If you don’t take the risk, you’ll regret it!’ In the end, though, we both encouraged him to go for it.”

That encouragement mattered. “He is very self-motivated,” Dr. Benner says, “but the most important thing his mom and I did was support him every step of the way. We’ve attended every anniversary event and many other special occasions along the way.”

“Both of my parents are very proud of what we do,” Adam says. “They are booking their hotels way in advance, often before I even realize how close the party is.” At major events, including collaborations that draw thousands, they immerse themselves in the experience. “They love interacting with the guests and learning their stories, which they then relay to me. They do a much better job of that than I do.”

Despite working in entirely different fields, both father and son see striking parallels between optometry and entrepreneurship in brewing.

“Optometry and brewing share more in common than one might think,” Dr. Benner explains. “Both require dedication to the craft, careful attention to detail, and a commitment to quality.” Leadership also looks similar. “In each field, managing staff effectively is essential… you serve as the point person for the entire organization.”

Adam echoes that perspective. “I learned very early on that it really does take a team,” he says. “You have to build a team around you that you can trust … The sum of the parts really is greater than the whole.”

That mindset becomes especially important given the realities of entrepreneurship. “In a small business, a lot of the weight for success is on you,” Adam says. “There are many unknowns you haven’t faced before.” Unlike corporate roles, he notes, “you have a lot more risk and more to lose.” Still, he embraces the challenge: “The rewards … and seeing the impact of the fruits of your labor are extremely rewarding. That challenge is what makes it worth it.”

For Dr. Benner, one of the most rewarding moments is simply walking into his son’s creation. “It has been amazing to watch him take an idea, find a great space, and develop that space into what it is today,” he says. “What makes me most proud is seeing the scope of what Land-Grant has become … and the thousands of people who come to enjoy what he has built.” What stands out even more, he adds, is Adam’s humility, “Through it all, he has remained humble and never takes any of it for granted.”

For Adam, the reward is experienced in real time. “It is seeing people come down to our taproom and have a great time,” he says. “At our larger parties … we had 20,000 people come through the brewery. It is amazing to take a step back and realize that none of this existed 12 years ago.”

Adam admits one lasting influence from growing up in an optometrist’s household: “I always find myself knowing more than I probably should about the eye … I am a very amateur expert.” And Dr. Benner, for his part, continues to learn from his son. “Adam is the poster child for taking risks and following your passion,” he says. “Adam’s advice was simple: ‘Just do it.’”

For parents whose children choose a different path, Dr. Benner offers a simple philosophy: “Encourage and support them along their journey.”

And if you ask both father and son what they might share at the end of a long day, the answer is fittingly collaborative. Their favorite beer? “A Hazy IPA,” Dr. Benner says, “because it’s full-flavored and offers a diverse range of tastes.”

Much like their story.