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

I am head brewer, VP of brewing operations, and co-owner of Taxman Brewing Co. [in Bargersville, Ind.] I had homebrewed for eight years while pursuing other professional goals in industrial controls sales and operations prior to Taxman. I knew I wanted to take it to the next level, going through the Siebel Concise Course program and attaining my General Certificate in Brewing from IBD. Around the same time (2014), I was approached to help build a new Belgian-style brewery in Bargersville. Both the Taxman management and I took a leap of faith with each other, and it’s been off to the races since then.

What’s new at Taxman?

We doubled our fermentation capacity in December 2015, and in 2016 we’re aggressively building a 100+ barrel and sour program. Our packaging mix keeps expanding as we canned a seasonal for the first time (Frozen Assets). We have big plans for more growth this year.

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

The variety. The work is never the same, the beers are never the same, and the people are definitely never the same. We’re all after the same goal of awesome beer and it’s invigorating to be a part of an industry with such character, drive, and creativity.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

It’s a tie between tacos and Belgian IPA, or quadrupel and a steak.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Getting my bachelor’s degree. I was a wandering soul heading into college, going through computer science, electrical engineering, and finally business.

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

I’m a sucker for most things Odell makes. New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk also holds a special place in my heart.

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

When I do get away, it’s for vacations with my wife, preferably without cell phone coverage.

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

Denver and GABF 2015 were special because we won our first medal, but my personal favorite travel destination was lucking out at a Russian River Pliny the Younger release around 2012, getting in on the first wave, with perfect weather on their small patio with a bunch of good friends. Visits to Grand Rapids and Asheville are close behind. With beer, it’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with.