Home: Virginia Beach, VA. Age: 52. Profession: Entrepreneurship, Food and Beverage industry. Organization: Commonwealth Brewing Co. Title: Founder. Significant other: My wife, Natalie Biggie. Alma mater: North Carolina State University (BS, Civil Engineering); The College of William and Mary (MBA).
Current project: LoveStrong, a charitable rotating beer series, and Common Coffee, a personal passion project. Recent professional development: Learning Spanish, which enables me to connect with so many people and cultures. Latest accomplishment: Successfully expanded Commonwealth Brewing Co. to a second expansive location in Old Town Fairfax, VA. Latest contribution to others: LoveStrong, which highlights worthy charities and donates proceeds twice annually to community causes. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? The 2015 launch of Commonwealth Brewing Co. Recent travel or adventure: Poland to participate in a massive Food, Craft Beer, Wine and Music Festival held in a huge WWII era factory. Recent unique acquisition: A 717e Builder Series Taylor guitar. The sound is amazing.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dork. I enjoy cutting up with friends. Moral compass: I believe how you treat others really determines, more than any words or accomplishments, what kind of person you are. What is your greatest joy? My two children. What is your guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate flourless torte. I can’t go near one for fear of eating all of it immediately. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Musicians, particularly songwriters that can move you to emotions you don’t even know are there. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling to new places. The people and experiences are worth the cost. What is at the top of your bucket list? Adopt an itinerant lifestyle where I could manage to go to new places and work with many different family, friends and people on a variety of projects. How do you relieve stress? Exercise or play guitar. Both calm me and center my mind.
What was your first paying job? I was lead gopher at the age of 11 for my grandfather’s construction company. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Skateboarding is life. I skated daily growing up and I still enjoy it today. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family, friends, and the places we’ve travelled together. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Listen to your own inner voice, think for yourself. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be brave and bold in your actions, and don’t listen to or make fear-based decisions. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Pop culture, music and design. What company or organization do you most admire? Apple, for their focus on design; Patagonia, for their environmental/social consciousness.
What widely held belief do you reject?
The idea that you have to put yourself first to win in business or life.
What mega-trend most excites you? The acceleration and adoption of AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? Just the same.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Dude, Where’s My Car? Just kidding. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My friend Zack Cookman, one of the funniest and gentlest people I ever had the privilege of knowing. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A marine biologist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Our Great Pyrenees, Everest, the best dog in the world. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On a road trip with my wife and kids. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t take things so seriously and believe in yourself. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The days my son and daughter were born.
Personal mission: Living an authentic life, enjoying and caring for my family, using small businesses to create and enrich better community, and investing in the people around me. Personal motto: Believe in yourself, even when others do not. Favorite quote: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" (Nelson Mandela).
