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

I am owner/brewer [at Selkirk Abbey Brewing Co. in Post Falls, Idaho]. I was a corporate IT geek for 20 years and had no love for it. My wife bought me a homebrew kit and Charlie’s book for Christmas several years ago and my life was changed. Likely a common story.

What’s new at Selkirk Abbey?

Everything; we opened the tap room on June 30 with four beers. Since opening we’ve added a Rye Saison, but in general, everything is shiny new.

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

I love showing people a world of beers that they never knew existed. The look on the face of someone who has never heard of a sour when they try one for the first time and like it (or not) is priceless.

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

I don’t understand the question.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Actually, my favorite beer pairing is a big double/imperial IPA with a good cigar. The standard rule of thought is that you need a big stout to stand up to a cigar. I reject that; I think that the spice of the hops in a big American IPA is the perfect accent to a fine smoke.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My three children; they are all highly motivated and self-directed. Actually this is more my wife’s accomplishment, but I’m going to claim it anyway.

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

Duchesse De Bourgogne from Brouwerij Verhaeghe. I love her…a deep, abiding love.

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

We stopped in Casper, Wyo. on the way to the GABF this year and had a killer time in a little place called the Wonder Bar, which is home to the Wyoming State Brewing Co. The place has been there forever and there are pictures on the wall showing men on horseback drinking at the bar. The beer was great and you can’t beat the history and vibe.