Business & Tech

New Canaan Native Joins Team at Stamford Brewery

The Half Full Brewery in Stamford announced three new additions to the staff this week, doubling the size of the operational workforce. Representatives called the additions "a welcomed sight around the brewery," where the previous three employees found themselves happy but often very busy. 

The hires are anticipated to help in a number of areas, including Sales and Marketing, Office Operations, and Brewing/Quality Control. 

  • Jon Charest, a Minnesota native, will adopt the title of "Chief Beer Scientist." Jon, who graduated from Yale University in 2010 with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, will spend a majority of his time in Half Full Brewery’s new laboratory and will also assist with brewing duties. Jon began home brewing in 2011 shortly after reading the book, 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. 35 batches and several awards later, Jon now joins Half Full as a brewer and lab technician.

    "Jon will bring a wealth of knowledge regarding yeast management to the brew house," said Chief Beer Artist Jennifer Muckerman. "We are excited to get our new lab up and running this week so that he can begin work immediately!" 
  • Ben Hoeft, a New Canaan native, will adopt the title of "Chief Beer Entertainer." Ben will be joining Half Full Brewery directly from Trinity College, where he graduated in May, and his primary role will be leading Sales and Marketing efforts in New Haven and Litchfield Counties.

    "Ben’s youthful enthusiasm is contagious," said owner and Chief Beer Philosopher Conor Horrigan. "His support will allow me the time necessary to dive further into Fairfield County as well as step into Westchester County, where we will start to build relationships with our oh-‐so-‐close neighbors to the south this fall." 
  • Amanda Kulbitsky, a Pennsylvania native, will adopt the title of "Chief Beer Administrator." Amanda will take on several roles including Sales/Marketing and Office/Operations support. She joins the crew with a deep knowledge of health and wellness and knows how to keep a balanced "beer diet" due in part to her degree in Exercise Science from Shippensburg University, where she graduated in 2012.

    "On top of keeping everything organized around the brewery, Amanda will be able to whip us into shape from time to time," said Chief Beer Organizer Jordan Giles. "And we know that’s going to be good for us all!" 
Half Full Brewery defines itself as a craft brewery that inspires people to live passionately and always "Look forward to more...more artfully crafted beers, more inspiring stories, and more refreshing experiences...more Half Full!" 

Want to get Half Full? Visit the Stamford facility at 43 Homestead Avenue and see what’s brewing. Growler fills and sampling are available Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. A list of additional events and information on where to find Half Full beers on tap are available at halffullbrewery.com and at their Facebook page atfacebook.com/halffullbrewery.


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