What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

Director of brewing operations at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, Mich. In college at MSU, I had the epiphany that people actually make beer, and I became determined to be one of those people. After I graduated, I met my wife Claire, and we moved to Portland, Ore. to make beer. My first professional brewing opportunity was for Richard Steronko at Peak NW Brewing Co. in Milwaukie, Ore. in 1996.

What’s new at Founders?

Every day is new at the brewery. It’s a blast. At Founders, we have a great team and great customers that help facilitate more beer being produced. We are continually investing in equipment to help us craft better beer and are always seeking out superior ingredients. Our new Steinecker/Krones brewhouse is poised to expand again, and we are about to add a new cellar and more fermentation space to meet demand.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

The people in our community are extraordinary; their energy and passion fill me with inspiration. And the beer.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

Spending time with my family, fishing, hiking, swimming, and water polo.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

All Day IPA and anything off of Martin Ramos’s grill.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My three children and my induction into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame for swimming and water polo.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Bell’s Two Hearted for its pioneering and glorious simplicity, and the fond memories. [Alec used to work at Bell’s].

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

Portland, Ore. I feel that everyone should drink beer in that environment at least once in their lifetime.