GRAND RAPIDS, MI — For most of its history, Grand Rapids has been known as the Furniture City, a nickname bestowed during its 19th and 20th century glory as a center of furniture manufacturing.

This year, Grand Rapids earned a new nickname, Beer City, based on its growing reputation as a hotbed for craft beer brewing.

There’s one company that uniquely ties together those two industries, a brewery that started out in a former brass fittings factory.

Founders Brewing Company celebrates its 15th anniversary this year at a time of accelerated growth in both Michigan and national craft beer markets. In 23 states and counting, more consumers are cracking open Grand Rapids' 21st century export in 12-ounce bottles.

Beer lovers nationwide are helping write the success story of a couple of Hope College entrepreneurs who never backed away from their dream, even when they faced looming financial ruin.

“We were faced with bankruptcy or succeeding,” said Founders CEO Mike Stevens.

Well, we know how that turned out. Today, Founders pumps out more beer in one month than it produced in an entire year at its former location on Monroe Avenue NW. And a company that failed to make a profit for years no longer requires equity infusions to keep its doors open.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, Founders will throw open those doors to celebrate its anniversary with a 13-hour party and the draft release of its highest alcohol by volume beer to date; a 15 percent barleywine celebrating 15 years of beer making in the Beer (nee Furniture) City.

Each day this week, MLive will feature a new story in a multimedia series celebrating Founders Brewing Co.'s 15-year anniversary. The enterprise series will explore the early days of the brewery and explain how Founders became a heavyweight in the national craft beer market.

Readers will hear from the first mug club members, representatives of the national craft beer industry, beer distributors, retailers and the artist behind many of the iconic brand labels for beers such as Founders' Breakfast Stout and Centennial IPA.

Readers also will learn how to get their hands on some of the company’s anniversary barleywine, Bolt Cutter, which is largely sold out on pre-order, but will be available soon in select West Michigan stores.

The series will culminate on Saturday with a live chat with brewery co-founders Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, who will spend time on MLive before the party begins answering your questions about the brewery and its beer.

So, crack one open and enjoy the story behind Grand Rapids’ largest brewery.

SERIES LINKS

• 4th major expansion in 5 years positions Founders for national impact

• MLive writers John Serba and Garret Ellison review the Bolt Cutter ale

• Original mug club members, beer label artist reflect on the early days

• Why some say Founders represents the best of the "new Grand Rapids"

• Live chat with co-founders Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers