Most brewery owners didn’t start with a passion for managing people, but building and leading a team is key to long-term success. In this panel, industry professionals will explore what truly motivates staff and how to create a culture where your team can thrive.
You’ll learn how to design incentive structures that encourage the right behaviors, avoid common pitfalls in leadership, and build a workplace that supports both performance and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to improve retention, boost morale, or simply reduce the stress of managing people, this conversation will offer practical tools and fresh perspectives to help you lead more effectively.
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With more than a decade of sales, retail management, and business analytic experience in the craft beverage industry, Aaron MJ Gore loves the opportunities that he has every day to make a difference for small business owners across the country. He is the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Beer30, one of the drinks industry’s leading software providers, is a co-founder of the Court Shoes Only charitable collaboration beer, and serves on the Board for the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. He is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Pommelier, Certified Cheese Scholar, WSET Level 2 Spirits Certified, and is (AF)(NA) Beer Certified. Additionally, he is an active industry advocate, public speaker, beer and cider educator, and the father of two daughters who are the true passion of his life.
Ryan Mayfield is a leadership coach who helps brewery professional build healthy leaders and high-performing teams.. As a coach with Craft Leadership, he provides brewery professionals with the skills and tools they need to lead effectively, improve communication, and create a thriving workplace culture. Craft Leadership has worked with top craft breweries like Other Half Brewing, Creature Comforts, Lockport Brewery, Scofflaw Brewing Co., and Rhinegeist, helping them navigate the challenges of leadership and teamwork.
Despite experiencing countless leadership trainings and personality assessments, Ryan never felt like those trainings left a truly lasting impact on himself or his colleagues. Now, he equips brewery leaders with practical, no-nonsense strategies to manage people with confidence, reduce frustrations, and focus on what they love: making great beer.
Besides great beer, Ryan is passionate about good coffee, travel, and helping leaders fight for the highest possible good of their teams. He lives in Tulsa, OK, with his wife, 13-year-old son, and a very opinionated 4-year-old beagle named Rooster.
Matt Splain is the General Manager of the Washington, DC Other Half location. His 15 year career in the craft beverage industry began at a local, family owned package store and bar, where he worked his way up and into the GM role. Matt’s strong work ethic and advanced leadership skills got him recognized and recommended for a management position with Other Half. In the summer of 2020, he was invited to join the Other Half team and happily accepted. During his five years with the company, he has led the front of house team through busy weekends and successfully grand brewery events. His dedication and commitment to the craft beer industry, his team and Other Half continues in the form of education and training through Craft Leadership, and currently the newest program designed specifically for the brewing industry. When Matt isn’t working or in leadership training, he enjoys drinking hazy IPAs and visiting local breweries. He’s excited to be speaking on his first panel and is greatly looking forward to spending a few days in Richmond and attending the Virginia’s Brewers Conference.
