Ana McClain is the business manager and co-owner at Lion Bridge Brewing Company. The Cedar Rapids-based 10-barrel brewery is located in the Czech Village New Bohemia Historic Main Street District and produces small-batch artisan beer. Learn about Ana McClain…
Hometown: Merida, Mexico
First job: I worked at a button and fabric store owned by my parent’s friends. I had to count 100 buttons and put them in a baggie. I was 13-years-old and only got paid $50 pesos a week. That was the equivalent of $5 around then. Yikes! But it definitely taught me work ethic and the value of a hard-earned dollar.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in Iowa: I love going on walks and bike rides on the trails. I also love the northeastern part of the state. I love the rolling hills and the wonderful foliage in the fall. I love how you can really appreciate all four seasons here in Iowa, that was something I never really got to experience growing up in Mexico.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I would say my biggest accomplishment is successfully running our business for the last six-plus years. All while starting a family and raising two small humans. There are definitely hard days, but I am very proud of the legacy that we are building.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Oh, there are always obstacles. I think just staying positive and knowing that you will get through them is what matters the most. I think moving to the US and moving to a new city (Washington, DC) all by myself in 2007 was challenging but really set me up to be able to feel confident to do anything I set myself up to.
Someone who inspires you and why: There are so many people who inspire me! I am inspired by hard-working, intelligent women. I am currently reading Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s biography. She is definitely someone I look up to.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: It’s OK to make mistakes, we all make mistakes, but learn from them and adapt fast. There is no time to waste. Just get better, and keep going.
Favorite quote: Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: That I don’t care much for bacon (gasp!)
What makes someone fabulous: Confidence, 100 percent.
I am the proud father of this fabulous lady!!
She always been very focused and strong since she was little.
She was always the wind beneath my wings.