Dan Kleban

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What’s your current role at your brewery?

I’m the co-founder and brewer at Maine Beer Company in Portland, Maine.

How long have you served on the BA board of directors?

Since February 2015.

What’s new at Maine Beer Company and what’s next on the horizon?

We aren’t focused so much on volume growth at the moment. Rather, we are focused on maintaining and improving the quality and consistency of our beer. We are investing heavily in lab equipment, QA/QC personnel, and overall company-wide QA/QC systems. In addition, we are constantly seeking fresh approaches to hoppy beers, whether by testing experimental hop varieties or simply playing around with different hop combinations and dosing techniques. The results of some of these hop experiments end up as part of our Hop Program series of beers.

What’s it like to serve on the board?

I am honored to represent the interests of America’s small and independent craft brewers as part of the board. The board strategizes at the highest levels on how best to protect and promote our thriving industry, and it is a great experience to be part of that discussion. I have also had the privilege of getting to know all of the other board members, each of whom bring their own wisdom and experiences. I have definitely learned a lot from each of them. And last, but certainly not least, I have gotten to know many of the outstanding individuals who staff the BA. They pour their blood, sweat, and tears into our organization, and we are truly blessed to have them!

What challenges and satisfactions have you met during your board service?

Our industry (and the BA as an organization) has a lot of history. I have only been part of this industry since 2009 so it has been a challenge to get up to speed on how things have changed, the challenges we have faced (conquering some, and losing others), and the personalities involved. On the flip side, being a relative newcomer allows me to contribute a fresh perspective’hopefully a welcome one’on the issues and challenges we face.

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

Play with my five-year old twins, hit the golf course, and try to maintain a reasonable body weight given my propensity to try as many craft beers as I can!


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