Back to Beer ... and Hockey

The Story of Eric Molson

Biography/Autobiography/Life Writing, Economics/Business: Canadian, Food Studies, History: Canada, History: Business & Economics, Sports & Leisure Studies

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A personal look into a quiet man’s quest to make Molson a global brewer.

To most Canadians, the Molson name is part of the very fabric of Canada. Since 1786, when John Molson founded his first brewery in Montreal, it has become synonymous with beer, hockey, and philanthropy. Few realize, however, how close the family came in recent years to losing control of the enterprise. Back to Beer … and Hockey offers intimate details of the life and work of Eric Molson, who not only saved the company, but positioned it to thrive as a global brewery into the twenty-first century.

With unprecedented access to the Molson family, Helen Antoniou traces Eric Molson’s evolution from a young brewmaster captivated by the chemistry of beer-making to chairman of Molson. Quiet by nature, he had to confront big egos, navigate complex boardroom politics, and even battle a disruptive cousin who tried to push him out of the way. Antoniou’s carefully researched account details how the introverted Eric overcame his aversion to conflict to take the company from a failing conglomerate back to its core business of beer, eventually turning it into one of the world’s leading brewers. Today, he has passed the torch to his sons, the seventh generation, but his steadfast vision prevails.

An absorbing account of one man’s struggle at the helm of an international brewing giant, Back to Beer … and Hockey shows how Eric Molson’s guiding principles influenced the future of Molson - both the enterprise and the family.

Details

464 Pages, 6.75 x 9.25

91 b&w images

ISBN 9780773552876

April 2018

Formats: Cloth, eBook

“A fascinating portrait of a man, a time, and a company. Elegantly written and based on unparalleled access, the book is a delight of remembrances and vignettes. It stands with the best of this genre, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of family businesses.” Yvan Allaire, executive chair of the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations

“More than a biography, Back to Beer … and Hockey reads like a novel! It’s an in-depth look at the history of a great family and a major Canadian company. Without holding back, the author gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the intrigues and backroom dealings of a great corporation.” Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO, Cirque du Soleil

“Back to Beer… and Hockey captures Eric Molson’s fascinating path from behind-the-scenes brewer to visionary, sixth-generation leader of North America’s oldest brewery. All aspiring business leaders - and anyone with a passion for beer - will be inspired to read about Eric’s unique journey. Terrific lessons for all of us.” Dominic Barton, global managing partner, McKinsey & Company

"Back to Beer is a deeply researched, richly detailed and yet warmly intimate work. The author clearly gained insights that no other writer could have acquired." Gordon Pitts, award-winning author and business journalist

“Helen Antoniou’s Back to Beer … and Hockey is the ultimate insider’s account from a family member with an eye for detail and a nose for issues. Her account of one of Canada’s most-fascinating families is both tender and tough. It is not only the story of Canada’s favourite drink and Canada’s most-successful hockey franchise but also of the many Molsons at the centre of both - a family filled with wonder and worts, a story quintessentially Canadian.” Roy MacGregor, journalist and award-winning author

“Back to Beer … and Hockey is more than an engaging personal story of one man’s determination to return an iconic Canadian company to its roots - to the things it had always done well. It is a story about why values like humility, integrity, and social responsibility matter - and should matter more - in the leadership of companies. This is a book about the kind of leadership needed to truly build businesses and it’s filled with lessons for those who want to do the same.” Michael Sabia, president and CEO, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

“This is a book every Canadian should read - beer, hockey, and an iconic national family, beautifully told from a rare insider’s perspective. Effortlessly readable, it is full of insights and never-told stories. Highly recommended!” Col. Chris Hadfield, astronaut and best-selling author

"A staggeringly candid, page-turner peek into one of the most powerful families in this country: the Molson clan of beer and hockey barons. The book provides rare insight into family infighting and serves up a compelling cautionary tale about corporate governance." Montreal Gazette

Helen Antoniou is an executive coach for corporate leaders and family business owners, as well as a volunteer board member in the areas of health, education, and the arts. She has practised corporate law and management consulting and holds master’s degrees from the universities of Paris II and Harvard. She is Eric Molson’s daughter-in-law.

Prologue: The Age-Old Recipe / vii

PART I: THE CALL TO ADVENTURE
1 Growing Up in Eric’s World / 3
2 Meeting the Heroine / 37
3 Brewing Beer at Molson / 68
4 Becoming the Boss / 97
5 Buying Back the Canadiens / 124

PART II: THE NEW WORLD
6 Crossing the Threshold / 151
7 Navigating the Road of Trials / 179
8 Welcoming Ian into the Fold / 212
9 Making Molson a Brewery Again / 239
10 The Molson Family Principles / 279
11 Facing Setbacks / 298
12 Confronting Boardroom Politics / 317

PART III: THE RETURN
13 Taking the High Road / 349
14 Relaying the Elixir to Generation VII / 400

Acknowledgments / 433
Index / 437