Brewing Belonging Through Community Storytelling

The Brand

‍Commonhouse Aleworks isn’t just a brewery, it’s a cornerstone of North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood. Guided by the mantra “Uncommon Beer for the Common Good,” Commonhouse has become both a gathering space and a symbol of what community-led business can look like in the modern South.

The Challenge

‍In 2024, Park Circle Pride needed to amplify visibility and engagement for its growing weeklong festival, while Commonhouse Aleworks sought to sustain brand momentum year-round. As the host venue and spiritual center of the celebration, Commonhouse’s story, and its leadership, became inseparable from the wider community narrative.

The Approach

‍Wawner Strategies led a holistic marketing and communications partnership that bridged both brands: serving as Commonhouse’s full marketing department while powering Park Circle Pride’s public relations and ambassador program.

• Embedded Partnership: Stepped in to serve as Commonhouse’s full marketing team, providing continuity and leadership during internal transitions, even filling in for a full-time employee on maternity leave.
  
• Earned Media: Secured coverage for both Commonhouse and Park Circle Pride across CHS Today, The Post & Courier, Charleston City Paper, Holy City Sinner, and all major Charleston broadcast affiliates.
  
• Founder Thought Leadership: Positioned Pearce Fleming as a progressive voice in community entrepreneurship, earning both local and national attention, including National Geographic and a 2025 Charleston Wine + Food Community Impact Award.
  
• Community Integration: Produced and promoted events like Carryin’ of the Keg, Park Circle Pride, and partnerships with Explore Charleston, Charleston Wine + Food, and Neighbors Together.
  
• Social Strategy: Launched TikTok, introduced Meta ad campaigns, and grew the brewery’s Instagram following by over 1,000, infusing personality, consistency, and local engagement into every post.
  
• Creative Vision: Developed “Uncommon Good,” a cinematic brand film concept designed to embody the heart of the brewery and its belief in shared connection.
  

The Results

• 20+ digital and 4 print stories generated during Park Circle Pride 2024
  
• Consistent brand visibility across Charleston’s media landscape
  
• Commonhouse and Pearce recognized with multiple community leadership honors
  
• Sustained growth in social engagement, event attendance, and taproom traffic
  

What They Said

“It has been a pleasure working with Wawner Strategies over the past two years. Our initial small project has grown into a full retainer relationship due to the Wawner team's outstanding work and the results they've delivered. Their workflow management and communication have always been exceptional. I truly value our relationship with the entire team; they have evolved from contractors into trusted advisors and integral members of our team.”
— Pearce Fleming, Proprietor, Commonhouse Aleworks

The Takeaway

‍Through strategy, storytelling, and true partnership, Wawner Strategies helped Commonhouse Aleworks and Park Circle Pride transform from neighborhood favorites into cultural cornerstones, proof that when marketing keeps it human, visibility becomes belonging.