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

I am a co-founder, head brewer, and engineer [at Martin House Brewing Co. in Fort Worth, Texas]. I was an engineer in my previous life and I’m proud of that, so I like to keep that title. I got started in craft brewing by drinking craft beer and homebrewing. Combined with my engineering mindset, my brewing hobby got pretty intense. Pretty soon starting a brewery was the next logical step for me. I quit my job with my wife’s blessing and was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship at a local brewery here. Martin House was born shortly after.

What’s new at Martin House?

We’re incredibly excited to be doing a collaboration beer with the Fort Worth rock band The Toadies called Rubberneck Red. I grew up on their music and still love it. The beer is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Rubberneck album and is set to launch in March alongside a Toadies show here at the brewery.

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

Having good friends that are technically competition is pretty cool. We call it co-opetition. We can lend one brewery a door gasket for a tank and in return can expect some Munich malt if we run out. That doesn’t exist in most industries.

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

Spend time with my wife and daughter. Ride bikes. Drink beer. Cook and eat food. Spin in my chair.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Funky cheese and saison.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Building an excellent family and unbelievable network of friends. Getting my professional engineers license.

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

Oskar Blues G’Knight. Jester King Salt Lick

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

My wife and I lived in Brazil for six months and got to visit several local breweries in the country.