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

I am currently the head brewer [at Kannah Creek Brewing Co.] at our 12th St. location in Grand Junction, Colo. I started out packaging at Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield, Mo. After leading the packaging operations for three years, I decided to move to Colorado to learn the miraculous art of brewing.

What’s new at Kannah Creek?

Lately I’ve been trying to wrap my head around our barrel aging projects. We also create and tap a firkin every week. Sometimes that gets a little silly.

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

Every day presents a new challenge and with that it’s truly a lifelong learning opportunity. The people are also very hip and cool in this industry.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

Roasted duck breast with shiitake mushrooms, blue cheese, and a bourbon soy ginger glaze, served with La Folie from New Belgium. Pizza is also pretty good with beer.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

I was able to lecture on management information systems at Colorado Mesa University here in Grand Junction, and that was very rewarding on a spiritual level.

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

Orval is decent. I also enjoy a sour from Trinity in Colorado Springs every once in a while, if I’m feeling froggy. Those guys are good.

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

Ride bikes and motorcycles, and just kick it with my beautiful fiancee and really bad dogs.

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

I had the pleasure of attending Pack Expo in Chicago a couple of years ago, and hung out at Half Acre and Revolution Brewing there. Great beer.