Meet Jochen Fahr, founder of Brauerei Fahr, the award-winning brewery celebrated for its authentic German beers. Born and raised in Ebringen, Germany, Jochen’s love for brewing started early, influenced by his father’s work at the historic Fürstenberg Brewery. Years later, Jochen’s passion and appreciation for local farming converged in Alberta, wh…

Meet Christine Sandford and Roger Létourneau—seasoned chefs and founders of Lessig Ferments and Vagabond Pop-Ups. Roger founded Lessig Ferments in 2021, blending his French and German heritage with a deep passion for fermentation. Christine joined him as co-owner in 2023, and with combined experience from top restaurants in Edmonton, Belgium, Denma…

Meet Matt Livingstone, Sales Director at Village Brewery. Matt’s career started at McDonald's, where he learned the values of hard work, customer service, and teamwork. These experiences sparked his passion for connecting with people and led him into the fast-paced world of food & beverage. From there, he spent several years selling imported beers,…

Meet Luke Butterworth, Cofounder of EPIC Market - Edmonton-based food hall, events and media company. Luke’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship was sparked early, leading him down a diverse path in the startup world. While earning his Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, he co-founded three startups in Telehealth, Robotics, and AI…

Meet Steve McVicker, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the iconic Canadian Caesar brand, Matt & Steve's. Matt & Steve’s journey began with a single goal: to make the classic Caesar even better. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Steve’s entrepreneurial flame was ignited at a very young age. Alongside his best friend Matt, Steve set out to…

Meet Eric Schrader, beer captain and owner of Leduc Brewing Company. For three generations, the city of Leduc has been home to his family. Eric has always felt a deep connection to his community and a desire to give back. After the social isolation of the pandemic, Eric felt inspired to help build up the community in Leduc and bring people together…

Meet Marc Wandler - Co-founder and CEO of Susgrainable. An expert in the emerging circular economy, Marc has led his business from an idea to securing an offer on CBC Dragons’ Den (Season 18, Episode 14). Marc’s journey as a founder began with a class project at UBC while pursuing his MBA. Wanting to bring this project to life, Marc launched Susgra…

Meet Ignacio Rodriguez - Manager of Brewing Operations at Big Rock Brewery. Originally from Venezuela, Ignacio moved to Canada in 2015 and has been in the brewing industry for 7 years. Now in his third year at Big Rock, he oversees beer-making processes in Calgary and operations in BC and Ontario. A Chemical Engineer with brewing studies from Siebe…

Meet Mark Hamilton, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Origin Malting & Brewing. With a long-standing career in the beverage alcohol industry, Mark has seen it all and still loves every moment of it. His experience in the On-Premise channel is unparalleled, having worked on iconic brands like Guinness, Bacardi, Grey Goose, Crown Royal, and Jack D…

Meet Alex Horner - outdoor adventurer, craft beer enthusiast, and co-founder of Banded Peak Brewing. Located in the heart of the Barley Belt in Calgary, Banded Peak brews adventurous beer for adventurous people. Alex started the company with his two childhood friends in 2016 after experimenting with homebrewing, and was quickly acquired by Labatt i…

This is a special episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast. Abi Moore, a very special part of our community, recently passed away in a tragic accident. I was fortunate to connect with Abi a few years ago to record a podcast, and I want to re-share our conversation again today. A little bit about Abi… Abi was a huge part of the Fernie Brewing Fa…

Meet Wilson Wong - sales professional, author, co-owner of three businesses, and passionate community builder. An expert in direct sales, Wilson began his career in 2008 selling Cutco knives, specializing in business appreciation and closing gifts. Beyond sales, Wilson is the co-owner of CRW Orient Coffee Company, Van Loc Vietnamese Sandwiches, and…

Meet Tay Odynski, aka Taytayski! Tay’s passion for art started early – she’s even still got her childhood sketchbooks. Over the past eight years, she’s carved out a unique niche in the art community, both online and at home in Calgary. Her artistic process is driven by spontaneity, allowing the paint to dictate the direction of each piece. This res…

Chef Nicole Gomes wears many hats: TV personality, top chef, and chief chicken officer. If you've ever indulged in the tantalizing flavours of Cluck n’ Cleaver or cheered on a Top Chef: Canada showdown, you're already familiar with Nicole's culinary wizardry. But her story is more than just accomplishments — it's a testament to passion, perseveranc…

You may recognize Vikram Vij from a number of places – as a famed Canadian chef, or as the owner of Vij’s in Vancouver. Maybe you watched him as a fiery entrepreneur on CBC’s Dragons Den, or as a judge on Chopped Canada. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: his vibrant spirit is bound to leave a lasting impression. In this episode, we delve int…

Hang around the Alberta craft beer industry long enough, and you're bound to cross paths with Anthony Lynch. With an array of experience across the hospitality and brewing sectors, Anthony has left his mark on numerous local craft breweries, from Wild Rose to Broken Barrel, Citizen Brewing, and now, Alley Kat Brewing. Join us for an enlightening di…

Meet JP Pedhirney, born and raised in Calgary, he’s earned his spot as a prominent figure in the city's culinary scene. With leadership over a diverse portfolio of over a dozen acclaimed restaurants, he's played a pivotal role in elevating Calgary's status as a premier dining destination. In his role as Vice President of Culinary Operations at Conc…

Meet Graham Sherman: self-proclaimed "high-level geek" turned entrepreneur. With nominations for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition as one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40," Graham's story is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover the latest news from Tool Shed, detailing their restructuring to address financial challenges. E…

Meet Paul Wilson, a seasoned Albertan with an impressive history of leadership roles in companies like Marks Work Wearhouse, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, and Spence Diamonds. Today, he's shifting gears toward the cannabis industry through his latest venture, Decibel Cannabis. Join us on this week's episode as Paul drops his wisdom on growth strate…

Meet Tim Truax, the self-proclaimed super nerd, community innovator, and podcast extraordinaire. With a passion for all things nerdy and a knack for fostering meaningful connections, Tim's journey into the world of podcasting began in 2015 when he took the helm as the host of the acclaimed Nerd Room podcast. Since then, he has been on a mission to …

This week, we chatted with Connor Curran, the founder and co-owner of Local Laundry, a Canadian clothing brand known for its dedication to social impact. Connor's entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, sparked by a fateful encounter with his washing machine. Since then, Local Laundry has become a local pioneer, emphasizing community support, partne…

Who doesn't love chocolate? Certainly not Jacqueline Jacek, a visionary chocolatier with a heart as sweet as her creations. With a brilliant idea, unwavering support from her loving family, a solid education in the art of chocolate making, and an innate passion for fashion, Jacqueline embarked on her journey by establishing JACEK Chocolate Couture …

Meet Elia Herrera, a third-generation Mexican Chef with a story as impressive as her culinary skills. She's not only been a contestant on both Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico but is a classically trained pastry chef with experience in some of the world's top restaurants in Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium. Originally from Cordoba, Veracruz-Mex…

Jeff Humphreys, a born and raised Calgarian, began his digital journey in 1995 while sitting in a computer lab at Mount Royal University. Over the years, his endeavors have culminated in the creation of The Calgary Sessions, a community-based podcast that highlights the stories of athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs in Calgary. Jeff has also succe…

Discover the inspiring journey of Rob Swiderski, a business owner, serial entrepreneur, mushroom innovator, and, at his core, a devoted father and husband. Rob advocates for the importance of community, shares his family’s health journey, and discusses the role of religion in his life – all while reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped hi…

Meet Ryan Pinder: self-proclaimed sports nerd, seasoned Calgarian, sports broadcaster and your go-to-guy for hockey banter. Tune in for a slapshot discussion about building a career in the broadcasting world, how sports talk and media have transformed over the years, and his dynamic with his long-time co-hosts. Get an update on his current projects…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kond... Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi... ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Bill Robinson President of Alberta Beer Festivals Websit…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Chris Schoengut Vice President of Tri…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: William Whiting Head Brewer of Rapid …

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Luke Butterworth COO and Co-Founder …

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Nick Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/…

Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Jeff A. Meszaros Best Bottle Cap Arti…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Darren Scott COO of GNU Craft Spirits…

Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Brent Malysh Co-Owner & CEO of Backro…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Jeff Demaniuk Brewery Operations Mana…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Craig Wood Founder and Co-Owner of Wi…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Matthew Hendriks Owner of ByHendo Lin…

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Scott Hergott Executive Chef for Purs…

Meet Dave, the dedicated marketing manager of Big Rock Brewery. Having been with Big Rock for 8 years, Dave primarily roles are partnerships, sponsorships and events. One of Dave's favourite events is the Big Rock Barn Burner, an annual summer concert held right at their brewery! Prior to Big Rock, Dave worked with a funky hat company, evolving fro…

Meet Sean Pronger, Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Dryden, Ontario. Sean played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Rangers, Kings, Bruins, Blue Jackets and Canucks. Tune in to the full podcast for endless hilarious stories about his experience in the NHL and his brother, former NHL player Chris Pronger. Sean is also the …

Meet Jane, the owner and founder of Jane Bond BBQ. What started off as a food truck has turned into 2 locations in Calgary, AB. Jenny could not be more excited to share her Texas-style dishes and atmosphere with Calgary, keeping her mission at the heart of every customer experience: “To give your tastebuds a flavour bomb sensation.” Jenny can also …

Meet Helen and Brad, owners of 4th Meridian in Lloydminster, Alberta. Helen and Brad discovered their love for craft beer after visiting Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary, AB. Once they got a taste of what it would look like to be more involved in the industry, they decided to open up the first ever Lloydminster brewery in 2017. Since then, they have be…

Meet Lyle, the co-founder of Rocky View Brewing Co. located in Bearspaw, Alberta. Lyle enjoyed sharing his homebrew creations with family and friends so much that in 2016, he convinced his wife to expand into a commercial-scale operation so that his brews could be shared with others who enjoy drinking innovative local beer! This family-owned brewer…

Our guest on this week’s episode are Geoff and Ty from Two House Brewing Co. This brewery just opened their new location in downtown Calgary in July, 2022. The beer is currently only offered in-house, providing an exclusive beer experience for guests! This revamped location also incudes an in-house Italian pizza restaurant, Acme Pizza, operated by …

Our guest on this week’s episode is Rhys, the co-founder and director of Omen Brewing in Edmonton, AB. Rhys has a background in electrical and renovations, explaining that he was able to transfer those skills into the building of the taproom and brewery equipment set-up. He discusses how this family-run business started, beginning with primary dark…

Meet Cole Boyd, the co-owner of Bent Stick Brewing Co. in Edmonton, AB. Cole discuss the breweries growth, challenges overcome, and plans for the future!By Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host

Meet Cameron, the co-owner of Alley Kat Brewing Co. located in Edmonton, AB. Cameron bought Alley Kat in 2020, ensuring to continue the brewery's proud legacy through an aligned passion for premium-quality Alberta-made beer. Cameron discusses his expansion plans for the brewery's future, while remaining a fresh and innovative force in the industry.…

Meet Raymond, the owner of Bredenhof Hop Farms! Raymond started the farm in 2015 with only 6 acres of hops. After years of upgrades and expansions, they are now the largest distributor of Canadian grown hops. Tune in to hear more about his incredible story!By Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host