Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Frye.
Hi Kenneth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In the summer of 2020, mid pandemic, I had the idea of creating an organization that not only supported local organizations but also supported local breweries to improve the connection of these two separate but interconnected communities. As a craft beer lover and advocate for my community, I felt this project could be something worthwhile to pursue. Not only would I be able to pursue my passion in beer as a business venture but I would also be able to increase my outreach as a medical provider helping additional people in my community without having them come to see me.
The biggest thing we have accomplished thus far is receipt of our federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS (approved by the IRS on 1/14/2021, submitted on 8/27/2020). For a small nonprofit organization like ourselves, it is so vital to be recognized by the federal government as a tax-exempt organization. It helps our organization tremendously and helps our participating breweries by giving them an avenue to receive the benefits entitled to those that put their community first and donate to 501(c)(3) organizations. In addition to receiving our tax-exempt status, we have created relationships with RockPit Brewing, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Castle Church Brewing Community, Tactical Brewing Company, The Florida Brewers Guild, and most recently, The Ravenous Pig Brewing Company, all in an effort to support Kids Beating Cancer and the Autism Society of Greater Orlando. We are excited about what 2021 will bring and how we can change our community for the better. Turns out, hops really can brew hope. =)
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was a smooth as a baby’s bottom… riding in the back of a monster truck. From the State requiring a different set of articles of incorporation for non-profit organizations than what is on their site to huge delays in federal approval. We incorporated on our own on July 27th, 2020. Hired an attorney almost immediately. Found out we submitted paperwork incorrectly (despite spending several hours researching the requirements, turns out the online application for Florida non-profits doesn’t have all of the information to file correctly) and amendments had to be submitted to the state. By August 28th, we had fixed everything stateside and had our application sent to the IRS. The tax-exempt paperwork is supposed to be finalized and approved within 90 days (November 27th, 2020). Turns out there was a pandemic and things were moving slower than expected.
Early December, we still had no information and the IRS could only say that our application was sent to a “determination specialist” for unknown reasons. When given the number for this specialist, it was no longer in service. Several phone calls later (with multiple waits on-hold), we were able to get a “new number” for our “determination specialist.” This very kind gentleman explained to me that we were one of the lucky organizations to be randomly selected for review. A whole bunch of new information had to be submitted to the IRS for “further review.” With this new information reviewed, our “determination specialist” approved our paperwork and submitted it to their manager (yay!). Turns out that the manager was a brand new manager because the previous manager was moved elsewhere… so our now approved application was sitting in a pile of other “approved” applications just waiting for the manager’s “approval” (why so many approvals!?) Now, two weeks later – fully approved this time – we are still awaiting the formal letter of approval, which is lost somewhere in our overburdened mail system (cause things still need to be sent by mail… cause it’s not 2021 and not everyone has a phone with more capability in their pocket than people could even imagine ten years ago. That’s definitely not the case… and no, I’m not bitter at all… you’re bitter).
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My day-to-day life is spent practicing Emergency Medicine within the Central Florida area. I grew up in Orlando and when I decided to practice medicine, I always knew I wanted to practice in my hometown. Prior to practicing medicine, I spent time as a Salsa dancer here in Orlando and performed throughout the State and abroad! I’ve also dabbled in photography and was fortunate to have two pieces selected and displayed in the Orlando Museum of Art for a “Made in Florida” special exhibit. Basically, when I set my mind to something, I pour myself into it and strive to be the best version of myself in that field.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel that luck is what you make of it. If you win a million dollars in the lottery and blow it irresponsibly, was winning good luck? If you lose your job and learn strong fundamentals of money management, budgeting, and “making do,” was losing your job bad luck? Ultimately things happen to all of us, both good and bad, how you react to them will determine if its good luck or bad luck. =)
Contact Info:
- Email: ken@hopsbrewhope.org
- Website: www.HopsBrewHope.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/hopsbrewhope
- Facebook: facebook.com/hopsbrewhope
- Twitter: twitter.com/hopsbrewhope
