On a Tuesday morning, Bert Weber is making sure several pieces of lumber are cut to the right length.

“All right,” said Bert Weber. “That’ll work.”

What You Need To Know

  • Bert Weber and his son Christian started the Common Roots Foundation with the goal to improve the quality of life in the community and help those who are in need

  • Their Common Roots Brewing Company went up in flames in 2019

  • Christian Weber says it was the community who build Common Roots initially, and after the fire, it was the community again who helped them get back on their feet

He’s one of several who are building garden beds, digging, raking, and planting for AIM Services on 518 Day. It’s one many projects the Common Roots Foundation plans to tackle over the next several months.

“Got to make do with what we have,” said Bert Weber, a co-founder of Common Roots Brewing Company.

This the first project for this nonprofit, which was started by Bert and his son Christian Weber earlier this month. Its goal is to improve the quality of life in the community and help those who are in need.

“We got all the help in the world and it’s a beautiful day here,” said Christian, as he assembled the garden beds.

Getting that assistance from the community is something the father and son duo know all about.

In March 2019, their brewery in South Glens Falls went up in flames. The fire caused extensive damage, but they were able to keep the business going while the facility was being rebuilt thanks to the community.

“Look forward to this after that garden build today,” said Bert, a few hours later back at the brewery as he poured a beer.  

Two years later, the brewery and taproom have reopened, and it’s tripled the original size. Customers were invited back into this eco-friendly facility on May 3, when the taproom opened, to once again enjoy the food and beers.

“It’s nice to see people getting the experience here that we really envisioned,” Bert Weber said. “So, it’s been super nice to see people here.”

Christian says it was the community who build Common Roots initially. After the fire, it was the community again who helped them get back on their feet. He called it a humbling experience.

“It’s something that we did day one at Common Roots, but having the foundation in place now really gives us the infrastructure to really take it to the next level,” Christian said.

He says they just launched a membership drive and also trying to raise more money. The goal is to take on as many projects as possible and continue to pay it forward.

Anyone looking to donate or seek assistance from the foundation can click here.