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Work space: Brew Business |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 21 June 2007 |
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 John Swanson is fortunate he found a trade he loves. Things haven’t always been easy.
But he found his element in the brewing business.
Swanson has been a working man since age 13. Though he never graduated from high school, he got his GED at 16. If he had a map marking every place he’s lived, he’d have a tack on Maryland, New York, Iowa, Michigan, Chicago and Los Angeles. By fluke, his journey eventually brought him to Fort Collins and to The Fort Collins Brewery.
“I moved here in 2000 from Los Angeles to live with my brother,” Swanson said. “His friend worked at H.C. Berger Brewing Company and I got a job folding 6-packs and making cases.”
When the brewery folded, Swanson lost his job. He spent the next three or four years working odd jobs. About a year and a half ago, he got a job at The Fort Collins Brewery as the Cellar Master. The 25-year-old now works as a brewer and the lead bottle technician. He loves the craft aspect of his job.
“Ten people can have the same recipe, make the same thing and it will be different because it’s so personalized.”
It’s for this reason he prefers working at a smaller brewery. Though the brewery is focused on consistency, it also has a tap club where the brewers are encouraged to make their own recipes. These brews are available at the tasting room only.
“Because it is a small brewery, you end up doing a little bit of everything.” Swanson said. “That’s what keeps it interesting. The variety of everything attracts me.”
Swanson has every intention of making a career for himself in the brewing industry. He’s confident that he will be able to go anywhere with the skills he’s acquired — and that brings a smile to his face.
“I’ve got to say, I don’t believe in luck, but someone out there is looking out for me,” he said. “It could have ended up a million different ways, but I’ve always been determined, as lazy as I am.”
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VITAL STATS
Name: John Swanson
Title: Brewer and lead bottle technician
How long have you been doing this: 2.5 years
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IN HIS WORDS
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What is it about this job that makes it challenging?
I’d say the amount of responsibility mixed with long hours equals lots of stress.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
I get to drink beer at work.
Any interesting anecdotes?
In the brewery, I worked at this location almost three years under the age of 21, lost my job, had three really bad years in life and ended up working at the same location making some of the same brews under the same brew master; and life has been heavenly. The point is, don’t give up. Keep determination and focus where you want it and good things will happen.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
Never. I definitely put my focus toward working at another brewery, but the first time, no way. Now there’s nothing else I could see myself doing.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you do?
I’d probably be an artist. Honestly, I’d probably be poor and dead in few years. It’s a hobby. I’m interested in music, pencil drawing and painting. Any kind of physical art. I enjoy working with my hands. It’s what I was doing before I got into beer.
What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while at work?
There’s a few. Most recently, I got the forklift stuck and had to have the neighbor come get me out. I’ve also brewed the wrong beer on the wrong day before.
What’s the one thing you wish you could do on the job that you can’t right now?
Brew naked.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
Listen to music, spin records, hang out with my girlfriend. I’m a homebody pretty much.
Where do you play?
At my house or you might find me at Lee Martinez Park or Surfside 7.
How do young/new employees get ahead?
It’s all about your attitude and determination. You’ve got to have a good attitude.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
Go door to door in Los Angeles fighting for dolphin-safe labels on tuna cans. A grass-roots organization paid us to walk around from 6-9 p.m. to have people sign petitions to raise the standard of the labels.
What do you do during your breaks?
Call my girlfriend or smoke cigarettes. Honestly we don’t have set brakes.
What’s one thing about your job you would do, even if you weren’t paid to do it?
Drink beer.
Name one thing in your life that really prepared you for your job.
All the shitty jobs I had prior to this job. It really makes you appreciate a good job when you find one. I’ve had a job ever since I was 13.
What’s the biggest payoff in your job?
The experience that I can bring with me later in life.
Are you the boss? Do you think you should be?
No and no thank you. That’s way too big a headache for me.
Pets?
I have a two dogs, Docter and Darla, and my girlfriend has a cat named Zizi.
Family?
My girlfriend Tara. I have a brother, sister-in-law and nephew named Avery who is almost 2.
Favorite TV shows.
We don’t have cable. I would have to say “The Simpsons”.
Movies.
I watch so many movies. My favorite this week is “Midnight Cowboy”.
Books.
“Cat’s Cradle”
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
None. I don’t have Internet. I don’t surf the net.
Favorite spot?
My house. | Only registered users can write comments.
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