I’m often asked’ “Tom, how did you get this job?” and “Can I be your assistant?” by visitors to the Jamesport Brewing Company. Back in 1991, some of my friends and I started experimenting with home brewing our own beer. We were disappointed with the tasteless, uninteresting popular brand beers on the market. The developing craft brew industry gave me an introduction to some different styles and flavors that could be achieved with various malts and other ingredients and fueled a desire to produce some brews of my own creation. Friends and relatives were always willing to sample and critique the results so I had lots of input for improvement of my growing “hobby”.

After 23 years in the transportation industry, I felt the need for a change and fortunately my changing circumstances allowed me the chance to pursue a career involving my passion - brewing! My wife and I had purchased a property earmarked for our retirement home between Manistee and Ludington. Imagine my excitement when I learned that a state of the art brewery was soon to be operating in Manistee - the Lighthouse Brewing Company. At the Lighthouse, I met Michael LaCroix, a brewmaster imported from Colorado, and through him I learned a tremendous amount about craft brewing. When a group of business people decided to create Jamesport Brewing Company in Ludington, they called on Michael as a consultant in setting up the brew system and choosing beer styles and recipes for their venture. I assisted Michael and Donovan, another brewer from out west, with the set up and brewing at Jamesport and eventually worked my way into the head brewer’s position when Mike and Donovan both decided to move back to Colorado.

Today, I realize that I am one of those lucky people who is involved in a career that happens also to be something I love doing. I’m also blessed to be employed at a brewpub that allows me to enjoy the freedom to pursue my passion to learn more about craft beer creation as well as work with some of the most talented people in the food and restaurant industry. Meeting Jamesport customers and conducting brewery tours is also one of my more pleasant duties. I’m always happy to share the love of great brews with another beer lover. Cheers!

Your friend in beer,

Tom