Every once in awhile, I use my blog to get a bit reflective. The purpose of my blog, in general, is to document my progress, path, travels, perception, education, experience and connections as I enter into this new career path.
I attended Arizona State University and got a degree in microbiology. I worked in a cancer research lab in La Jolla, CA right out of college, then transitioned into a career of sales and marketing. I love life. I love my family. I love my friends. I love God. I love being healthy. I love challenging myself. I love laughing. I love music. I love craft beer. My Mom often says, "you lead a charmed life." Coincidence, choice or luck?
I don't take life, its blessings or its nudges for granted. I never have. I listen, observe, reflect and am thankful and confident. I am far from perfect, and have some regrets, which make me vulnerable and weak sometimes. I continue to work on their resolutions.
Without getting too deep and losing you, it seems so crazy and powerful that a lifetime of dots are (re)connecting with new dots as part of my ultimate dream. The connections, classes and people from 30 years ago are circling back to be part of this dream and second career. People I have met while on vacation are circling back to be part of this dream. The classes I am taking in the UCSD Brewing Program are opening doors to strong friendships, mentors, advisors and business opportunities. These friendships and business opportunities are so earnest and heartfelt I could have never planned them if I tried my entire life! I have gained priceless advice and contacts from people I have met on airplanes [like one of the founders of the entire craft beer industry], in airports, and by just moving about in my small little world engaging in curious conversation. It seems as though the right person or situations have been strategically placed at exactly the right time. I'm blown away.
My "ah-ha" moment to enter the brewing space was October 4, 2014, not even two years ago. I am gaining a slew of hands on experience in such a short amount of time. My resume consists of tagging along with a few generous brewers on brew days; representing a beer company and selling its line to LA based bars and restaurants; rebranding and expanding market share for this LA based beer company (much more to come on this endeavor); learning first hand how the crazy world of distribution works, attending Craft Beer Conference (CBC) in the Glacier Hops Ranch (GHR) booth unveiling Hopzoil™, a brand new commercially available fresh distilled hop oil; selling Artisan crafted hops for GHR; chipping away at my coursework in the UCSD Brewing Program; and last but not least, my Pen2Pints blog! I am loving every minute.
I just keep saying, "thank you...thank you...thank you", every time another dot connects. I must thank my four awesome kids, extended family, and all those near and dear to my heart for supporting me and continuing to listen to me geek out on 'all-things-beer'. I know some people in my life think I'm crazy and sometimes don't understand this new career path, but life is very short. I'm going after my dream, and I hope to be an inspiration by making it happen.
Cheers!
Nick Rigler here's the Beer Pick of the Week...enjoy your week in Montana...studying! Without a doubt go to Blacktail Grocery and pick up a 6-pack of Big Sky's Summer Honey. It's their season Ale. Perfect summer beer, light, tasty and refreshing. Love ya! - Mom