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

I am co-owner and head brewer at No Label Brewing Co. in Katy, Texas. I started probably like everyone else, homebrewing. My friends bought me a homebrew kit for my 30th birthday. I brewed one batch and I was hooked.

What’s new at No Label?

Well, since we are just starting, the whole thing is new. My last day at my “real” job is October 29. I start at the brewery fulltime November 1. I won’t be taking a salary for some time so that will be new…and scary!

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

The laid back atmosphere. My background is construction; I am used to fighting with subcontractors on a daily basis. Also, everyone (other brewers) has been extremely supportive and helpful. If I were to call another construction company asking for help they would probably tell me to go kiss my ass.

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

That rare day when I have time away from the brewery I like to spend it with my wife and two dogs. We rarely get a chance with just the two of us (or four of us).

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

I like to keep things simple…so boiled Cajun crawfish and our Ridgeback Ale (dark amber ale). I think the spice of the crawfish and the bitterness of the ale goes well together. Or maybe it’s because the crawfish is so damn spicy that it really doesn’t matter what you drink. Either way, it’s good.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Getting married to my beautiful wife Jennifer (I have to say that or I would be in trouble). I was a professional college student for a decade. So, graduating college (The University of Houston) was a huge accomplishment for me.

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

Milk stout for me. For my wife, sours.

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

We don’t get to travel much so going to Colorado for the GABF was a real treat. We spent some time going to local breweries and brewpubs. Being from Houston, we don’t see mountains very much so we were excited to see something that is taller than a freeway overpass. Unfortunately there was a heavy overcast the entire time we were there. We didn’t see one mountain…even when we traveled into the mountains. To steal from Dumb and Dumber, ”That John Denver is full of sh*t!”