The love story of Mike and Leigh Harting of 3 Daughters Brewing 

It’s a tale as old as the 2000s: boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, and circumstances keep them apart—but only temporarily. Much like a Valentine’s Day Hallmark movie, the pair grows up, reunites and finds their forever with each other.

Together, they build a St. Petersburg-based beer empire—one the entire community falls in love with.

3 Daughters Brewing stands as a testament not only to entrepreneurial grit but also to the endearing love story of its founders, Mike and Leigh Harting. 

The business now does nearly $14 million in revenue, with three locations, including its Clearwater location, which is riding the recovery of dual hurricanes. It boasts major customers, like Publix and Walt Disney World. 

Their journey spans decades, industries and, yes, three daughters. All told, the Hartings have built more than just a brewery. 

Army Roots and Southern Charm

Mike Harting’s story begins at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was born into a military family. His father, a Vietnam veteran, and his mother, who worked at Walter Reed, laid the foundation for a life defined by discipline and adaptability. Growing up in military bases, across the United States and Europe, Mike’s upbringing was as dynamic as his eventual career.

“My dad’s career meant we were always moving,” says Mike. “We lived everywhere—from Georgia to Italy. It taught me, early on, how to adjust quickly and find my footing in any situation.”

That upbringing instilled a sense of resilience and resourcefulness, traits that would later help him transition from a structured, military-influenced childhood to a thriving career in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

“I wasn’t the best student,” he admits with a chuckle. “But the experiences I had growing up—the travel, the exposure to diverse cultures—shaped the way I approach challenges today. You just adapt, no matter what.”

The Mike of today is much like he tells his story: very matter-of-fact, with no frills. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had a bumper sticker that read, “It is what it is.”

While Mike’s upbringing taught him to embrace adaptability, Leigh’s background instilled a deep sense of structure and determination.

Leigh has no problem joyfully interjecting, with admiration for her husband of 24 years. The yin to his yang, if you will.

“Mike is quick on the uptake. He’s one of those people who listens, processes and just gets things done, without overcomplicating them. It’s one of the things I respect most about him,” she says.

Leigh’s roots trace back to Atlanta, Georgia, where she grew up as the youngest of three daughters, in a family led by her father, a Methodist minister, and her mother, a nurse.

Her father, a staunch advocate for integration, during the civil rights era, faced significant harassment for his beliefs. On one occasion, he was run off the road by those who opposed his sermons, promoting unity and equality.

“My dad preached that we should all be together, but that wasn’t always a popular message in a small Georgia town,” Leigh recalls. “When it became unsafe for us, he chose to protect his family, while staying true to what he believed.”

That courage left a significant mark on Leigh, shaping her sense of perseverance and purpose. Though he stood firm in his convictions, Leigh’s father left the ministry to protect his young family, dedicating his career to teaching history and coaching basketball, instead. A much less risky business. 

A diligent and disciplined student, Leigh credits her early experiences with instilling an appreciation for structure and hard work—values that would later define her personal and professional success.

A Love Story Worth Cheering

Mike and Leigh first crossed paths at a Steak and Ale restaurant, in Jacksonville. At the time, Leigh was visiting and training, at a location where Mike was the lead trainer. 

“It didn’t take long for me to realize she wasn’t like anyone else I’d met. Leigh had this energy, and sharpness, that stood out,” Mike says, fondly.

“I spent 30 days in his restaurant and, even though we weren’t dating then, I knew there was something about him—he had this way of making everyone feel at ease,” Leigh adds.

Though their careers, and life, initially pulled them in different directions, they rekindled their relationship years later, in Tampa. A silly college football bet kept them in touch, probably intentionally. 

Their long-distance bets on the Florida-Georgia football rivalry, and occasional late-night conversations, kept them connected, despite the distance.

“The winner [of the football wager] got a gold dollar coin because you couldn’t just pull one of those out of your wallet—you had to go to the bank and get one,” Leigh says, with a laugh. “It was our way of staying connected.”

There’s still a mutual playfulness as they talk about their early days of falling for one another. Their bond, rooted in a deep friendship, was as strong then as it is now.

“I think we both had to grow up a bit. If we’d gotten married when we were younger, it probably wouldn’t have worked out. The time apart gave us the perspective we needed,” Mike reflects.

Their reunion blossomed into love, culminating in a proposal—on stage at Leigh’s church, of course.

“He proposed to me in front of 300 people, at my church. It was such a Mike thing to do—big, bold, and full of heart. How could I say no?” Leigh says. Two years, to the day of their reunion, they were married. 

Brewing a Dream

The idea for 3 Daughters Brewing was born from experimentation and a grain of audacity. The Hartings had invested in a new restaurant brand, in the Tampa Bay area, called Bella Brava. 

“It all started in the kitchen,” Leigh recalls. They created a beer batter shrimp at Bella Brava. “It was one of those moments where we thought, ‘Why not turn this into something bigger?’”

Mike adds, “We joked about it at first, but once we started crunching the numbers, it wasn’t so crazy after all. That’s when we decided to go all in.”

What began as beer for a Bella Brava recipe quickly transformed into a full-scale brewing operation. The Hartings’ entrepreneurial spirit led them to invest in a 30-barrel brewing system and open their doors in December 2013. 

“We had no idea what we were getting into,” Leigh admits. “It wasn’t just about making beer—it was about running a business, managing people and building a brand. Every day brought a new challenge.”

Mike reflects on the steep learning curve: “We had to learn fast. It was a mix of trial, error and stubborn determination.”

In the early days, the Hartings were deeply hands-on. “It was just us and a handful of employees,” Mike says. “We were brewing, cleaning, delivering kegs—you name it.”

Leigh adds with a smile, “We used to joke that our kids spent more time at the brewery than at home. It was a family effort, from day one.”

With Mike’s operational expertise and Leigh’s sharp eye for sales and marketing, the brewery grew from a local favorite to a regional powerhouse, producing everything from IPAs to ciders, fruit juices to hand sanitizer, and everything in between.

Overcoming Challenges and Giving Back

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. From near-financial crises during the brewery’s early days, to the devastating impact of COVID-19, the Hartings have faced their share of obstacles.

“In the early days, there were times when we weren’t sure if we’d make payroll,” Mike says. “It was all hands on deck. We had to stay creative and focus on what we could control.”

During the pandemic, when the world shut down, the Hartings pivoted to producing hand sanitizer—an effort that not only kept their operations running but also served their community, in a time of need.

“It wasn’t about the bottom line at that point,” Leigh recalls. “Hospitals, first responders—they were all desperate for supplies. We saw an opportunity to help, and we didn’t hesitate.”

They donated thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer to local organizations, further solidifying their role as a community cornerstone.

“Seeing the gratitude on people’s faces—it reminded us why we started this business in the first place,” Mike reflects. “It’s about more than beer. It’s about being there for the community, no matter what.”

Their resilience and ingenuity not only kept the business afloat, during a global crisis but also strengthened its ties to the community.

Leigh adds, “Those tough times taught us a lot about ourselves and our team. We came out of it stronger, more connected and more determined to keep going.”

A Legacy of Love and Service

Beyond their business success, the Hartings have made philanthropy a pillar of their legacy. From supporting local nonprofits to creating community-focused events, they have consistently used their platform to give back, in meaningful ways.

Leigh explains, “For us, it’s about making a difference in the place we call home. We’ve been so fortunate and it’s only right to share that with others.”

One of their signature initiatives includes hosting charity nights at the brewery, where proceeds from beer sales go directly to local organizations. “We’ve supported everything from food banks to children’s hospitals,” Mike says. “It’s amazing to see the community come together for a cause.”

Their involvement doesn’t stop at donations. The Hartings actively participate in hands-on efforts, such as packing meals for families in need or organizing cleanup events for local parks. “It’s not just about writing a check,” Leigh adds. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves and being part of the solution.”

After stepping away from daily operations at the brewery, Leigh volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem for four years and now is serving as the director of development for Think Big for Kids, an organization focused on helping underprivileged youth discover career opportunities and realize their full potential. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help young people see their potential and start building a path toward success,” she says. “This organization helps break the cycle of poverty for kids by offering career workshops, mentorship and scholarships to help them achieve their post-graduation goals.” 

During the pandemic, their sense of community responsibility took on new urgency. In addition to producing hand sanitizer for frontline workers, the brewery became a hub for local aid efforts. “We turned part of the brewery into a food drive center,” Mike shares. “It was a way to give back at a time when so many people were struggling.”

Leigh reflects on the deeper purpose behind their efforts: “At the end of the day, it’s not just about running a successful business. It’s about leaving a positive impact that lasts.”

The Hartings also take pride in mentoring young entrepreneurs, often sharing the lessons they’ve learned along their journey. “We love talking to people who are just starting out,” Mike says. “If we can help them avoid some of the pitfalls we faced, that’s a win in our book.”

Through their philanthropy, the Hartings have cultivated a culture of giving at 3 Daughters Brewing, one that resonates with their team and customers alike. “We always say, ‘It’s not just about the beer,’” Leigh says with a smile. “It’s about the people, the connections and the community we’re building, together.”

Mike’s recent election to city council further underscores their commitment to public service, as he now balances civic duties with his role at the brewery.

“For me, it’s about being a voice for the community,” Mike says. “Running for city council wasn’t something I ever saw myself doing, but the more I got involved, the more I realized how much of a difference I could make.”

Mike credits the brewery for giving him a unique perspective on the needs of the city. “When you’re running a small business, you see firsthand the challenges people face—whether it’s navigating regulations, supporting employees or contributing to the local economy. I wanted to bring that understanding to the table.”

Leigh adds with pride, “Mike’s always had this innate drive to step up and help where he’s needed. City council is just another way he’s giving back to the community that’s given us so much.”

The Hallmark Happy Ending

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Hartings’ story reminds us that love is not just about grand gestures but about partnership, perseverance and shared dreams. Their journey—from young professionals in Jacksonville to pillars of the St. Petersburg community—is a testament to the power of collaboration, both in business and in life.

Over a pint of their signature Beach Blonde Ale, Mike and Leigh often reflect on the winding road that brought them here. “It’s not about the beer,” Leigh says with a smile. “It’s about the people, the memories and the love that fills every glass.”

And yes, it’s also about the greatest love of all, for the Hartings, their three daughters.

Photography by PamElla Lee

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