Tom Ebert

Share Post

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

I am sales manager and partner at Four Horsemen Brewing Co. [in South Bend, Ind.] I joined the business one month ago after a three-month hiatus from 17 years of working for a family-owned Miller (then of course MillerCoors) distributorship started by my grandfather Arthur Roule in 1945. The business was sold in 2009 and my uncle and two cousins approached me recently with an opportunity to be a part of this startup craft brewery.

What’s new at Four Horsemen?

Firkins cooperage, which will offer us the opportunity to expand our quality image and offerings to a growing craft-minded target market.

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

Being an active member of a community of quality-minded businesses that are proving that Americans have been short-changed in their choices of great beer over the past several generations.

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

I enjoy being active outdoors doing almost anything, especially golfing, fishing, camping, gardening (including a new one-acre hop field), or skiing during the winter months. I also enjoy following IndyCar racing.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Charcoal grilled rib-eye steaks (minimum 1 1/2″ thick) with a tasty peppery rub complemented with a well-balanced malty ale like our Four Horsemen Irish Red. Although availability is difficult in the Midwest, a fresh fish cut such as swordfish, yellow fin tuna, grouper, or amberjack seared on that same charcoal grill and enjoyed with a light-bodied weissbier garnished with a lemon wedge is a marriage hard to beat.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Earning and enjoying a warm and rewarding relationship with my two daughters Allyce (12) and Emily (19), and my wife (high school sweetheart) Cyndi. As challenging as it always is to find balance between work and family, we have been able to continue on our journey together.

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

Can’t say I have a favorite, but I’m always excited to have a Newcastle, Pilsner Urquell, or a North Coast Red Seal just to name a few.

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

Visiting New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colo. in July 2009 was very enlightening. I not only enjoyed tasting their latest creations, but was very emotionally motivated as I witnessed the positive and proactive spirit of the brewery employees and management that we had the opportunity to meet and share a couple beers with!


Submit Your Member Profile

The Brewers Association would like to recognize as many small and independent U.S. craft brewers as possible, from bottling line technicians to brewers and CEOs.

Submit your profile today!