What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am the brewer and one of the owners [of New American Brewing Co. in Ankeny, Iowa]. I started out like a lot of people in the craft beer industry, as a homebrewer.
What’s new at New American Brewing Co.?
We are growing. We are a very small operation but we are increasing our fermentation space by 50 percent. We hope to have the new equipment online by the middle of September.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
It’s fun to be part of a community that is so eager to help and give back. Brewers for the most part are great members of their communities and that’s what we strive to be. Finding ways to give back to the local community is something I really admire about craft brewers as a whole.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
My family is very important to me. I have a wife and three daughters, so getting to spend time with them is great.
What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?
I really like a nice gueuze paired with a sharp cheddar cheese from our local cheese shop.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
I take a lot of pride in my family. I have three young daughters who I think are really cool people. I’m excited to watch them grow and proud to be a part of it.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
I have family that lives in France near the Belgian border, so I have them send me beer from Cantillon. My favorite is their Ros de Gambrinus.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
San Diego is a great experience for beer sampling. There are so many great breweries making outstanding beer, it seems like you could never get to them all (although I tried).