W Yoder is the head brewer of Kalona Brewing Company, a craft brewery and restaurant that opened in 2013. Read about our recent visit to the popular spot here. Learn more about W Yoder…
Hometown: Kalona, Iowa
First job: Bailing hay, walking/hoeing bean fields
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Golfing, gardening, cooking, singing in a choir
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Being a good man. I took some time to learn what that takes.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Continuing my strong Mennonite faith as a brewer in Kalona. Not easy, but it certainly is a conversation starter with some patrons. I think any conversation about faith might be a good thing.
Someone who inspires you and why: Lew Brewer. Co-founder/head brewer of KBC and just overall wonderful person. Taught me a love of craft brewing and so much more. Always a positive and productive presence in my life
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Get in any way you can, then work and learn. Gotta do them both. Work and learn. You will not succeed long-term in this gig with one or the other. Craft brewing is not romantic. It’s a repetitive grind with happy days mixed in, BUT DO NOT mistake that it is a grind. Gotta have ability to work hard, go with the flow and be willing to learn continuously. Also, the smartest people sometimes fail but those willing to work, listen and learn often exceed expectations.
Favorite quote: “Do your job.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am an open book. No surprises. Well, I do enjoy “Rick and Morty” very very much. Almost to the point of naming my next beer pale ale from earth c-137.
What makes someone fabulous: Put others needs in front of your own and do your job. Do it well.