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Congratulations to Oscar Wong--winner of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce's 2007/2008 Small Business of the Year Award!
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Oscar Wong
Founder, Owner, President, Chief Peddler, Schmoozing and Cleanup
Guy -- Oscar brings years of business experience and leadership
to our growing company. He is an active volunteer
in the local community.
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
Brewed barely drinkable beer in college,
then started Highland after a 30 year hiatus in engineering.
Have concluded that without beer, civilization would not
have flourished. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland's Kashmir IPA. |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there
is strength, in water there is bacteria." |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The wonderful, interesting people who also
appreciate good beer. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Thomas Jefferson, a practical intellectual. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Adventurer - checking out remote places
and sampling beers, wines, and cuisines on the way. |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
I'm like a Pilsner - easy to meet, complex
characteristics, but with a long lasting flavor. |
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John M. Lyda
Brewmaster and Vice President. A Siebel graduate and
Asheville native, John has been with the company since
its inception.
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
A home-brew kit purchased at a church rummage sale. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
Begged and pleaded. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Corsondonk's Monk's Brown Ale . |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"The moving finger writes; and, having writ moves on:
nor all your piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel
half a line, nor all your tears wash out a word of it."
- Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám . |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The camaraderie among brewers & beer drinkers. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Stephen Hawking |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Sagacious |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Grand Cru - aged to perfection. |
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Kevin Wheeler
Head of Operations
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
I got a job at Highland. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I saw the sign that said "Interns Wanted." |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland's St. Terese and Otter Creek's Stove Pipe Porter
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What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under
the ground." |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
I like all the people I work with, camaraderie (and
smothering myself in yeast) |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Dylan Thomas |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
A writer |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Guinness - I take a while to settle, but I'm worth the
wait. |
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Greg Ferguson
Packaging Supervisor
(Beer Expulsion Engineer) |
| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
Highland Brewing was the first contact I
had with the brewing industry. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I was introduced by brewer Andy Gibbon to work on Highland's
packaging crew. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
That depends on the season and my motives
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What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
Lead by example |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The glory -- It is a stepping stone into
higher society |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My dad |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
A rock star and a stunt pilot |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
I'm light and pale like a Pilsner |
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Paul Rollow
Brewer
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
It was the love of beer at a young age and the realization
that I could make it myself much cheaper. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I came in and talked to Rueben (a former brewer at Highland).
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| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland's Kashmir IPA and Diebel's Alt |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Didn't even have to use my AK. I'd have to say it was
a good day." |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The smell of hot caustic in the morning |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Dave Maheen |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Retired on my own island in the Caribbean |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Olympia, because my body is mostly water |
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Joey Justice
Brewer |
| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
The interest in sustainable living |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
Phone calls! Showing up one day a week for 2-1/2 months, refusing to leave when asked nicely, and changing my whole life to follow a passion. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Inside Passage Ale - Boundary Bay Brewing Company, Bellingham, Washington |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself, and thereby learning his true and hidden strength." (Jack Kerouac) |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The people and the shared passion |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My grandmother, who taught me love and compassion for every human being. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
A person whose life flashes before his eyes then dies with a smile on his face knowing he lived life to its fullest with no regrets. |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Seasonal, because you only want me around when the time is right. |
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Liza van Cauwenberghe
Controller
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
I'm not involved in brewing yet--just counting, imbibing, and enjoying. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I got an internship, then decided I would never leave. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
That depends entirely on the season. My current Highland favorite is Cattail Peak Wheat. |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Always do sober what you said you would do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." (Ernest Hemingway) |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The laid back atmosphere, the people, gossiping around the tap instead of the water cooler. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Barbarella, queen of the brewery! |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Cook, interior designer, and a cowgirl |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
A wit beer--Belgian, pale, refreshing, slightly spicy, and great with a slice of lemon. |
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Barb Cole
Office Manager |
| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
My husband started home brewing. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I heard about an opening for a part-time office assistant
and called for an interview. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland's Kashmir IPA |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Life is too important to be taken seriously." (Oscar Wilde)
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What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The diversity of people who all agree on
the need for beer in their lives. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My Mom -- for her patience, compassion,
and integrity. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up?
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Satisfied! |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Pilsner -- perky, refreshing, and good to
have around. |
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Steve Schwartz
Market Development Manager for Western North Carolina and Tennessee and Hospitality Manager |
| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
Working at Highland and asking questions |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I met Greg downtown through a former employee and fellow Iowan Mike Elliott. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
It is a toss up between Kashmir IPA and St. Terese's. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a good Abby. |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
Worrying is the darkroom where negatives are developed. |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
What is there not to like? |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My dog, Dula |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
A big kid with adult toys |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
PBR because I'm cheap and get the job done. |
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Hoge Ronemus
Market Development Manager for Eastern North Carolina
and South Carolina
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
Became involved in the beer business at a young age, and I plan to brew my first batch of homebrew in early 2009. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
It was perfect timing! |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Kashmir IPA |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew."
(Charlie Papazian) |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The craft beer industry is filled with many great personalities and characters. We have a sense of community, and the best thing I like is the people. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
I have the utmost respect for all my senior family members who helped raise my siblings and me. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
World traveler |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Rocky Racoon Smoke Lager |
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| Photo is on the way! |
Ed Johnston
Market Development Manager for Georgia and Northern Alabama
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
While I don't technically brew beer, I became involved in the beer industry through friends and family. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
It was a classic example of right place, right time. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland's Black Mocha Stout. It's delicious! |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." (old adage)
This is why I try not to talk too much. |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
To be honest, I'm still trying to find something I don't like about the beer industry. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My dad. You won't find another person with jokes as corny as his or a heart as big as his. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Since "Space Pirate Cowboy" was already taken, I'll settle for professional beer pong player. |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
I'm like any Highland beer because I'm just a wee bit different, but in a good way. |
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Kristin Orr
Market Development Manager for Florida and Southern Alabama
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
I don't brew yet! I'm in sales. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
I fell in love with Highland Oatmeal Porter and toured the brewery while on vacation. I moved to Asheville, met with Oscar, and here I am. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Duchesse de Bourgogne or anything malty |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"A woman drove me to drink and I didn't have the decency to thank her." (W.C. Fields) |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The vast variety of styles and the creativity |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
A teacher, then a journalist |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Deus, because of my bubbly personality and sophistication |
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Grant DaSantos
Marketing Assistant / Tasting Room Manager
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
I've always loved the taste of a good craft brew. I then got a job with Highland and it was all over . . . |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
It became a ritual for my wife and I to come to Highland every Friday for pints and games. I heard Highland had an opening and I was on it like white on rice. |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland Gaelic Ale |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
"Even deserts will bleed a little bit of water . . . Just have to feel my way through to find the perfect soil." |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
It's like a joy ride through an adult amusement park. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
My wife and family because they have supported me through thick and thin. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Retired and rich . . . filthy stinking rich! |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
American Pale Ale because I'm always Hoppy and perfect for any occasion. |
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Sam Rose
Cellarman
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
Seven years ago, a friend bought me a home brewing kit for my birthday, and another friend swiped a 10-gallon pot from his job. I've homebrewed ever since. |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
Greg told the bartender at Jack of the Wood there was an opening. She happened to be my girlfriend, and I had just graduated college. In other words, fates aligned! |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Kashmir IPA is my favorite Highland beer. Theakston's Old Peculiar is my favorite overall. |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember anything. |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
It's a fascinating combination of science, artisanship, and tradition. |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
Burt Munro--an engineer with a dream and a plan |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Space pirate cowboy |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
Theakston's Old Peculiar, again; dark, strong, mysterious |
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Ben Wicker
Packaging
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
First homebrew @ 19 -- cracked a carboy full of stout in parents' kitchen -- sticky mess! |
| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
Just another random gypsy showing up in Asheville |
| What's your favorite beer? |
Highland - Oatmeal Porter
Overall - Central Waters Ouisconsing Red Ale |
What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
Be here now. |
What do you like about
the beer industry? |
The opportunity for creativity and innovation |
Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
I look up to my Uncle John for being able to balance activities, fun, and family. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
Who's talking about growing up? |
Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
India Brown Ale - Cool and smooth on the outside -- a little more robust on the inside. |
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Name
Position
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| Curious Questions |
Deeply Insightful Answers |
How did you become
involved in brewing? |
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| How did you find a job at Highland Brewing? |
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| What's your favorite beer? |
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What's your favorite
saying, quote, etc.? |
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What do you like about
the beer industry? |
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Who is your idol, who
do you look up to, etc.? |
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| What do you want to be when you grow up? |
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Compare yourself to a
beer brand or style? |
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