Episode 14 - The Details
Many Michigan Brewers Guild related social events remind us of the diverse backgrounds amongst the people of the Michigan brewing community. We’ve talked about getting together to play or “do something” more times than we can count. Recently, an idea took hold, and “Mashpaddle” is the result. We brewed a collaborative, Michigan-grown beer - put together an impromptu band of brewery related musicians and scheduled a tour through the collaborating breweries. Here are several conversations from the brew day, as well as some music from some of the featured musicians. We hit the road this week, so come on out and celebrate Michigan, beer & music!
Guests:
“Bert” - Steve Berthel : New Holland Brewing
Adam Engleman, Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
Jesse Jett, New Holland Brewing
Phil Thomson, Big Hart Brewing
Teo Watson-Ahlbrandt, Big Hart Brewing
Dan Buozis - Big Hart Brewing
Evan Keller - Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
Breweries and Sponsors:
Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
The Drinks:
New Holland Brewing’s, Feats - MI Export Lager, The Hollander - Saison & others....
The Music:
“Moorean Moon” © Pat Mallinger and “Help on the Way” - Garcia & Hunter, © Universal Music Publishing Group - both from Sabertooth’s, Live at the Green Mill, “Blues for C Piff”, @ Pat Mallinger and “China Cat Sunflower” - Garcia & Hunter, © Ice Nine Publishing from Sabertooth’s, Dr. Midnight, Live at the Green Mill, “Can’t No Grave” courtesy of Jesse Jett and “Heavyweight Brother” © Nicholas Barron, courtesy of The Strapping Owls
Ep. 13 - Brett VanderKamp, New Holland Brewing Company
Episode 13 - The Details
I met Brett sometime in 1997, while New Holland was just coming into existence. We were both active members of the Michigan Brewers Guild, and later spent time on the board of directors together. We’ve bonded over the idea that a company can be the ultimate art project, with limitless opportunities for creativity and ingenuity to shape team vision and values. Brett is passionate and driven, and the originator of Dragon’s Milk! We got a chance to sit down over a couple of drinks in Puerto Rico, where we were celebrating 10 year New Holland Anniversaries. I hope you enjoy this Hatter Day Edition, which is celebrating the breweries 19th Anniversary!
The Drinks: Mojito - DonQ Anejo, Beer Barrel Bourbon
The Music: “Underground Giver” © and courtesy of Seth Bernard, Why Would You Not Want to Go to There, courtesy of and © Hoots & Hellmouth
Guest Bio:
Brett VanderKamp; Holland, Michigan seemed like an unlikely place to create some of the most innovative beer and spirits in America. But Brett believed that his hometown and the brewing industry were due for shakeups.He was 24 years old when he started New Holland Brewing Company in 1997 in an abandoned factory with his best friend and $10,000. He has spearheaded the company’s growth and innovation since its inception.
Brett has become a leader not only in his industry but in the community as well, serving on various boards including the Holland Chamber of Commerce and its Public Policy Committee. He has been chairman of Jubilee Ministries, a faith- based nonprofit working to revitalize Holland’s most troubled neighborhoods. He is a founding member and past president of the Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG), a trade organization for over 200 small Michigan brewers. Brett also acted as chairman of the MBG Government Affairs Committee. In 2011, Brett was honored as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” business leaders, heralding his dedication to innovation and community. In 2015, he was honored as Michigan West Coast Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year.
Brett’s entrepreneurial spirit and artistic sensibilities are at the very heart of New Holland. As the original visionary, Brett imagined the path that New Holland pursued to become what they are today. He serves as President, overseeing the corporate and leadership teams, and continuing to forge their path into the future. Brett has two sons, Brayden and Quinn, with his wife Pam. They live in Holland, MI and enjoy family vacations, outdoor sports and Michigan summers.