A career therapist is taking on a new challenge in Cohoes to try and “make beer personal,” with brews you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

Bobby Belleard is somewhat of a renaissance man, especially when it comes to beer. Belleard says Table 41 Brewing is the first brewery Cohoes has seen in nearly a century.

Through Table 41, Belleard is pouring new purpose into an old building on Remsen Street. With nearly two decades of experience in the mental health field, this therapist brings a unique perspective.

“We are going to give you an experience where you’re going to be able to smile,” Belleard said.

His priorities include providing a space for people to talk — especially first responders.

“This is a place where you guys can just come, relax for a minute, talk about all your stress, all your worries among people that actually understand,” Belleard said.

Giving back is also a goal, with weekly fundraising efforts for various causes.

“If I can’t do that, then I don’t want to do it at all,” Belleard said.

A big step up from the garage he started, Belleard will be brewing beers in a taproom you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

“You have to have the heart for every single one of your customers and be able to engage them in conversation,” Belleard said.

Profit isn’t a top priority for Belleard, and forming relationships isn’t part of a business plan — it’s Belleard’s reason for opening his doors in the first place.

“As long as I’m here, that’s good enough,” Belleard said.