Meet the Willy Wonka of Beer🍺: Warren Bradford from Deacam Electrical and Fermecraft

The Digital Tradie Podcast | Episode 13

G’day legend!

In this episode I’ve got a story that’s straight out of a fairy tale—well, if Willy Wonka traded in chocolate for beer, that is. Meet Warren Bradford, the genius behind Deacam Electrical and the revolutionary Fermecraft automation system for the craft beverage industry. This bloke’s journey is nothing short of legendary, filled with highs, lows, and a whole lot of hops. So, grab a cold one, sit back, and let me take you on a wild ride through Warren’s world.

From Breakdown to Breakthrough

Imagine this: you’re running a successful business, life’s good, and then BAM! Everything crashes down. Warren knows this story all too well. He went from the top of his game to hitting rock bottom, ending up in the hospital for two weeks after a mental breakdown. But like a true tradesman, he didn’t stay down for long. Warren picked himself up, dusted himself off, and went back to his roots—electrical work. This time, he wasn’t just pulling cables; he was building an empire.

If you or a mate are struggling with mental health, remember you’re not alone. TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) is a mental health counselling service that can help. Call or text them on 0488 846 988, Mon-Fri, 8 am-10 pm AEST, or visit tiacs.org. They’re there to support tradies, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Birth of Fermecraft

Fast forward to today, and Warren is the proud creator of Fermecraft, an automation system that’s taking the craft beverage world by storm. Picture this: a brewery filled with bubbling vats of beer, each one monitored and controlled by a system so smart it practically runs itself. That’s Fermecraft for you—making sure that every drop of beer is perfect, and giving brewers their weekends back. Because let’s face it, who wants to babysit a fermenter when you could be out enjoying a few cold ones?

A Tradie’s Dream

Warren’s journey is a testament to the power of the trade. He started as an industrial electrician, working on everything from overhead cranes to complex PLC systems. It’s this hands-on experience that gave him the edge to create something truly groundbreaking. And let’s not forget his stint in the 4WD industry—because why not? Every detour, every failure, added to his skill set and resilience.

Crafting Success

So, how did Warren go from fixing overhead cranes to becoming the Willy Wonka of beer? It’s all about community and passion. He didn’t just build Fermecraft; he built relationships. From knocking on doors at local breweries to getting referrals from satisfied customers, Warren’s approach to business is as much about people as it is about technology. And it’s this approach that’s taken Fermecraft global, with systems now operating in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond.

5 Key Takeaways for Tradies

1. Resilience is Key: Warren’s journey from a mental breakdown to building a successful business shows the importance of bouncing back. No matter how tough things get, there’s always a way forward.
2. Embrace Your Roots: Going back to his electrical trade roots was a turning point for Warren. Never underestimate the value of your foundational skills and knowledge.
3. Innovation Through Passion: Warren’s passion for automation and brewing led to the creation of Fermecraft. Find what excites you and let that drive your innovations.
4. Community Matters: Building strong relationships in your community can open doors. Warren’s network helped him grow Fermecraft into an international success.
5. Learning from Failure: Each failure taught Warren valuable lessons. Don’t fear failure; use it as a stepping stone to greater success.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it—Warren Bradford, the Willy Wonka of Beer. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and sheer determination. Next time you’re enjoying a perfectly brewed craft beer, raise a glass to the tradie who made it possible. And if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or just a good yarn, tune in to The Digital Tradie Podcast.