Alumni Success Story: Brevada Brewhouse
Brevada Brewhouse began as a vision shared by Oregon Tech students Seth Gretz and David Murphy. While finishing their degrees, they developed a coffeehouse concept where students could study, people could work, visitors could get a friendly smile, and locals could meet to share stories. They launched that concept in 2017, opening Brevada just two days before their final year at Oregon Tech. Through dedication and community support, Brevada has expanded into the café and social house it is today.
In the video “Origin Story of Brevada Brewhouse,” Seth and David recount their journey from Oregon Tech students to business founders. They describe how they balanced school commitments — including a full course load, athletic competition, and coaching roles — with building a company that serves as a community hub.
Growth and Impact
Brevada now serves coffee, specialty drinks, food, beer, wine, and cider in a relaxed environment near the Oregon Tech campus. Its menu highlights local ingredients and creative offerings, including smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and unique specialty beverages.
Giving Back
What began as a student enterprise continues to strengthen ties between Oregon Tech and Klamath Falls. Seth and David remain active in Oregon Tech networks and entrepreneurial events. At Catalyze Klamath, they have both participated as alumni speakers, sharing reflections on building a business in a rural region. Their message to emerging entrepreneurs is to bring value to the people around them, a principle that has shaped both their company and their relationship with Oregon Tech.
Seth and David also create opportunities for current Oregon Tech students, hosting gatherings at Brevada and engaging with student entrepreneurs.
What They're About
As time has passed, owning Brevada, we have shifted our perspective in what this business really is to us.
We have shifted into more of relationship building, rather than business building.
It all starts with our employees; our family, providing a work environment that promotes personal growth, inspiration, and support for one another.
This naturally trickles into our customers, treating them genuinely with kindness and understanding. Wishing each of them feels as though they are part of our family here at Brevada.
We hope that this spreads throughout our community. We hope Brevada can be a catalyst for real, true, human interaction. Taking place in a welcoming, loving environment that strives for quality in all senses.
In a world run by smartphones, television screens, and fake news, we wish to be something real.
Support the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The success of alumni founders such as Seth and David reflects the value of hands-on education, mentorship, and community support at Oregon Tech. Donors can help expand opportunities for future student entrepreneurs by giving through the Oregon Tech Foundation. Gifts can be directed to areas that strengthen student innovation, experiential learning, business competitions such as Catalyze Klamath, and other programs that help students move from concept to company.
By investing in Oregon Tech students, supporters help create pathways for the next founders who will build businesses, create jobs, and contribute to communities across the region.