Hamm It Up

Stevan Miner became fascinated with Hamm’s Beer back in the 1970s. It was quite by accident that his hobby turned into a popular business called Hamm It Up, located in Winnebago.

Miner started collecting beer cans as a young kid, with a collection of around 4,000 cans. Combine that with his love for baseball, and soon a passion for collecting all things Hamm’s and all things Twins ensued.

“Hamm’s also sponsored the Minnesota Twins, and I remember the commercials with the beer and the iconic bear,” Miner said.

Miner’s collection has grown exponentially over the years. With limited space, he decided to narrow his collection to just Hamm’s Beer. With a background in automotive mechanics, he soon learned he could fix all things related to his collection, including the iconic Hamm’s Beer sign.

“I started with making the beer signs for myself, and then people asked if I could fix theirs and soon a little business blossomed,” Miner said.

Aptly named Hamm It Up, Miner’s business focuses on selling and repairing Hamm’s signs. He repairs five to 10 signs a week, fixing thousands over the years. It’s work he truly enjoys.

The love of Hamm’s also led Miner to his latest adventure: selling Hamm’s signs and using his contacts to help fans locate Hamm’s collectibles. He attends trade shows and other events to ensure he doesn’t miss anything Hamm’s.

“It isn’t your conventional style business, yet it is a ton of fun,” Miner said. “One of my favorite sayings is, ‘People tend to collect things they grew up with.’ The nostalgia right now is just so big. Even the younger generation is regenerating the love of Hamm’s. When people ask me, ‘Why Hamm’s?’ I say, ‘Why, it’s beautiful in Minnesota with the sky-tinted waters and the iconic bear.’ It really is special.”

Miner says he is available seven days a week and that people can stop by the shop anytime.

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The Essentials

Hamm It Up
27 Main St. S.
Winnebago, MN 56098
Phone: (507) 525-2858
Web: ibuyoldbeer.com

Photo by Jonathan Smith