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

I’m currently the head brewer for NorthGate Brewing in Minneapolis, Minn. Like many of today’s brewers, I started out in my garage homebrewing. I was working at a job that I hated and desperately wanted a change. Before I knew it, I quit my job and enrolled at Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy. I’ve been with NorthGate since it was founded in 2012. It’s been a wild ride, but I have loved every minute of it.

What’s new at NorthGate?

Like most breweries today, NorthGate is running at capacity—not hard to do when your brewery is 780 square feet. We are constantly looking for ways to increase production. We are currently in the beginning stages of an expansion that will require moving to a new location and building a new brewery with a tasting room.

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

Minnesota has a rich history in brewing. We’ve also seen a lot of new breweries open up recently that are putting out some great beer. It’s awesome to be surrounded by so many great breweries and we look forward to growing with them. It’s always a good experience to walk into a bar and see only local beers on tap.

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

I am a big fan of the outdoors and staying active. When I’m (rarely) away from the brewery, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two dogs hiking, camping, and canoeing. I also play rugby for Metropolis Rugby Club in Minneapolis.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

Our Wall’s End Northern English brown ale paired with green curry.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to brewing?

I’ve completed three Tough Mudders. It may not be the biggest accomplishment, but they were pretty damn hard.

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

Andechser Dunkel from Kloster Andechs outside of Munich, Germany.

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

I had the privilege of studying brewing sciences in Munich, Germany. Being able to visit so many amazing breweries within Bavaria is something I’ll never forget. I think my luggage had more bottles of beer than clothing on the way home.