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

I am the owner and brewmaster of Charlotte, N.C.’s NoDa Brewing Company. I’m a longtime homebrewer (circa 1995) and craft beer enthusiast who decided to give up a long airline pilot career to make local craft beer.

What’s new at NoDa Brewing Company?

We are only 13 weeks old so everything is new and exciting at this time. Every day brings a new challenge and possible reward. We set about each day to stretch existing beer styles and flavors and provide craft beer fans with something new to talk about in our local area.

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

Being a part of the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that craft brewers foster. We have been amazed at the willingness of successful breweries to lend assistance and advice to our budding brewery on nearly every aspect of marketing distribution and production.

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

My wife (the president of our company) and I like to travel. We try to incorporate visits to other breweries into our travel plans whenever possible, whether they are across our state or across the Atlantic. Meeting other brewers, brewery owners, and beer fans is a passion we both share.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

It’s a tie between beer and cheese, and beer and chocolate.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My family. I have had the pleasure to be a dad to four fantastic young adults; two from my first marriage and two more from my wife Suzie’s first marriage. We have been the modern day “Brady Bunch.”

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

I would choose the beer that introduced me to craft beer in the early 90s, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. We are so excited to hear that Ken Grossman and Sierra Nevada have chosen western North Carolina as their second production home. Their decision will forever benefit present and future craft beer enthusiasts throughout the Southeast.

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

My former airline job had me in Brussels between 12-16 days a month. The opportunity to try their brews on extended layovers was inspirational for an enthusiastic homebrewer like me. A close second choice would be Portland, Ore. or Asheville, N.C. All three have unique beer cultures to be appreciated and enjoyed.