MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US
Looking to take the next step and start a microbrewery of your own? We help you unlock new value by turning “what ifs” into “why nots”
You look at what you have and ask what if? We help you ask why not? Why not dream new dreams about creating the next successful nationally distributed craft beer?
Our Team
Craft Beer Insights (CBI) Advisory Business was founded in 2008 by Curtis C. Battles and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. CBI is a strategic business advisory firm that provides public and private businesses with a unique resource for identifying opportunities for microfunding start ups and existing craft beer businesses, for raising private and public capital to transforming underutilized assets and facilities into new breweries, and for helping management leadership assess the market opportunities going forward. We bring real value to your ideas, dreams and aspirations.
Chief Executive Officer
Curt has over 25 years of strategic development, financial assessment and operational expertise in a variety of industries including Start up Craft Breweries, Commercial Real Estate, Beverages and Hospitality.
Prior to founding CBI and New Canaan Advisors LLC he had long-term leadership roles on the teams that redeveloped two of New York City’s highest visibility real estate icons — Grand Central Terminal and the World Trade Center.
Curt specializes in helping public/private partnerships reinvigorate properties and transform undervalued assets into vibrant commercial projects that breathe new life into urban locations. He leads complex teams to implement a common vision despite divergent agendas among multiple stakeholders. A few of his accomplishments are highlighted below:
Currently, advising the owners of the SS United States on the redevelopment of the over 500,000 SF ship as a new stationary multi-purpose waterfront tourist attraction in a major East Coast venue.
Part of a multi-disciplinary team that was recently awarded development rights for historic Union Station in Denver, Colorado.
Provided operational expertise, strategic assessment and financial analysis in determining “highest and best use” for redeveloping the 16-acre World Trade Center (WTC) site after 9/11 attacks.
Advised and represented the Port Authority of NY/NJ during successful renegotiations of the WTC Silverstein Properties net leases including the Master Development and Operating Agreements.
Developed optimal operating approach using single “Master Manager” to oversee all day-to-day activities for the new 10.5 MM square foot mixed-use WTC site.
Oversaw the $200 Million total renovation of historic Grand Central Terminal in New York.
Innovatively managed shifting construction demands, changing leasing needs and the on-going operational considerations of a facility used by 500,000 commuters daily.
Repositioned low-end retail to an upscale merchandising and entertainment center generating an incremental sales base of $125 million.
Served as Client Relationship Manager overseeing a 50 person multi-disciplinary team of professionals across the U.S. on 30 projects annually yielding over $3.0 MM in fee revenue.
Leveraged strong strategy, financial planning, operational, project management and relationship skills to optimize real estate investments for a variety of Fortune 500 corporations and public entities.
Repositioned assets for various owner-entities to enhance value through increased operating efficiency, reduced costs and targeting capital investments.