Position: Brewer
Q: How did you get your start in beer?
Being a high school student in Kalamazoo during the 90’s, I was very familiar with Bell’s Brewery. I had a love, appreciation and interest for craft beer for decades before I started brewing. I heard about the Brewing and Distillation Technology Program at Schoolcraft College, 4 1/2 years ago, on an NPR story and I signed up the next day. After one semester I was lucky enough to be hired by head brewer, Pat Meehan, at Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, downtown Ann Arbor. I worked as his Assistant Brewer for 3 years and learned everything I could from him.
Q: What’s the most surprising thing you learned about the job once becoming a brewer?
Brewers generally have much better taste and appreciation for styles (especially traditional lagers) than most of the people involved on the business side of things. It is very frustrating at times to brew for the masses, what you don’t want to actually drink yourself. Having to work with marketing and sales people that don’t necessarily have that same understanding and appreciation for styles they don’t  “think” will sell, was a surprise. I had no idea there is such a divide between the actual beer makers and the business side of the industry.
Q: What’s your favorite beer you’ve ever been part of brewing? 
There have been a few but it was honestly, most likely, my first recipe. It was a Grätzer that I called “Detroit Rauch City.” Although the International Womens Day brews have all been amazing and VERY important to me as well. I really enjoy experimenting with fresh fruit, herbs and tea, too.
Q: What’s your favorite beer to drink? Either style or specific beer!
It is always changing but a well-done Czech or German style Pils, are always dear to my heart. Obviously, I like a good rauchbier too! My favorite JP beer so far is Blanca and my favorite NP beer has been Piney (I love spruce tips!).
Q: What does a day in the life of a brewer look like for you?
Busy, sweaty and hot. Very hot. Also, a lot of troubleshooting on-the-fly regarding equipment malfunction and graining out.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
River/lake life, being outdoors, live music, friends, bonfires, love being with animals (I work part time at an animal hospital), anything Halloween related, cooking (especially with beer!). All while drinking either beer or iced coffee!
Q: Is there anything else we should know?
My goal is to live (preferably on a houseboat!) and brew in the Netherlands one day. Brewing in North Carolina would be nice too!