One door closes, and another one opens. We launched this media company back in 2013 with a small but incredibly powerful crew. Over time, a few things have changed—we added more issues, we launched events, online classes took off, we bought a bar, we sold a bar, we released books, we released apps, and we launched the creative agency side of our business. But through it all, the anchor of the content side of our business has been our managing editor, Trish Faubion.
Any business is only as good as the people who work for it, and Trish is one of the best—an experienced editor, a savvy production director, and an eagle-eyed perfectionist. Our stories are clean and consistent because Trish is fanatical about getting it right. From her adamant adherence to the proper usage of the word “hops” to her love of the Oxford comma, she has made sure we communicate clearly, honestly, and correctly.
It’s bittersweet for me to announce that this issue will be her last as a full-time staff member of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®, as she’s reached the point where she is ready to retire and spend more time with her dog, her quilts, and her garden. On a personal level, we couldn’t be happier for her—she’s earned this—but it won’t be the same without her here in the office.
On the other side of the coin, we’re thrilled to welcome experienced author and editor John Holl to the Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine® family. John most recently helmed competing title All About Beer magazine, and in the spirit of cooperative competition that’s so common in craft beer, we’ve been friends for a few years now. When the opportunity presented itself to bring him on board, we didn’t have to think twice, and you’ll find a few stories from John in this issue.
Change is a constant throughout the world of craft beer, and we’ve been lucky to keep a core team in place for as long as we have. The industry as a whole continues to change and evolve at a pace that can be difficult to keep up with, but these challenges are opportunities when viewed through the proper lens. We can’t dwell on the way things used to be or long for the simpler times. Our respect for the past and the rich history it holds is important, but it invariably exists in tension with a desire toward progression, and the most interesting place to be is that intersection of past practice and leading techniques with a cultural acuity to creatively push the conversation forward.
As one door closes, another one opens, so raise a glass with me and toast the fine work that Trish has done for us (and all the stories and classes you all enjoy). She’ll be dearly missed. Then raise your glass again in a welcome toast for John and drink to the future, the new stories, and the new memories we’ll make. We hope you enjoy this issue. We made it for you.
Jamie Bogner
Cofounder & Editorial Director
Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®
PHOTO: MATT GRAVES