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

My wife, Kristy, and I opened Reinvention Brewing [in Manchester, N.Y.] together, so in addition to ownership responsibilities, I manage all aspects of the brewing and packaging process. Kristy manages the tasting room and marketing. I’ve been homebrewing for 14 years (and an AHA member for most of that time) and got several opportunities to brew on professional systems over the years. I finally decided to take the plunge and “reinvent” my career as a brewery owner.

What’s new at Reinvention Brewing?

We just opened last May, so everything still seems so new. We try to release a new beer every week or two and keep changing things up. We also released a new 32-ounce can option (similar to a crowler, but without the need for a seaming machine) so we’re excited to offer our customers more options to enjoy our beer.

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

Every day I come into the brewery, I can’t help but smile. I’ve never had so much fun mopping floors and scrubbing grunge from tanks! Other local brewers are incredibly supportive and helpful. We get to create a delicious product, and we get very real and immediate feedback on the fruits of our labor.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

We have some favorite BBQ food trucks that come to the brewery and I love playing with the different flavors’hop bitterness with spice, maltiness with sweet, you name it!

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

I spent 20 years in the medical device industry, developing and managing various projects and products. I was the director of quality systems for a large manufacturer in the industry, but I had the courage to take a risk and pursue my dream. My amazing wife and I have been able to successfully create our dream jobs.

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

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be based on how it’s influenced me as a beer brewer and drinker. 1997: Troy Pub & Brewery (later Brown’s Brewing Co.) Cherry Stout. At the time it was something completely new to me, and it really opened my eyes to the world of craft beer. I could never drink American light lager again after that beer.

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

Before our daughters were born, my wife and I took a trip out west to drive down the coast of California. Every stop was dictated by local breweries: Russian River, 21st Amendment, Anchor, Monterey Bay, Santa Barbara, Stone…

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

I’m currently still working a day job during the week, so I don’t get much down time away from the brewery. I try to get out mountain biking or take my daughters rock climbing when I get the opportunity.