Interview with Michael Plungis, head brewer
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My wife and kids gave me a brewing kit for Father’s Day and it quickly turned into a passion. I created a gluten-free beer recipe, brewed it with a local brewery and it ended up winning a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Things started to take off after that.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We offer gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers. Our gluten- free beer is an award-winning recipe and is not made with barley, wheat or rye. Our gluten-reduced beer is made with barley, but processed so that the gluten is reduced to minimum levels. We also offer a variety of traditional beers, sodas, coffee and snacks.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Seeing the brewery as a meeting place for friends and families, like a pub in Europe. Many families come in, have food delivered and spend time together. We even had a wedding at the brewery and the bride and groom were married in the brewhouse. That was pretty cool. I also enjoy talking with people about the brewing process, ingredients, beer types and beer tasting. I think it really helps with the overall enjoyment of beer. Also, brew day is my favorite day of the week.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The biggest challenge was just getting the doors open. Business has been good and our customers have been even better.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: That my day job is chief financial officer of a national construction company.
Profile
Business: Great Frontier Brewing Company
Address: 2010 S. Oak St., Lakewood
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10 p.m. Saturday, 2-7 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2012
Contact: 720-328-1758,
Employees: 8
