ABOUT ME

I’m a recovering hop merchant. I’m happy about it. Not many people go to the dark side and return to tell the tale. That might sound melodramatic, but the hop world is cutthroat and there are people who will stab you in the back for a buck. Life is too short to be bitter though (a little hop humor).

 

Over the years, I’ve been director of Hop Growers of America, served as Chairman of the Economic Committee for the International Hop Growers Convention and traded hundreds of millions of dollars worth of hops worldwide. I’ve made ... and lost ... millions of dollars. It was quite a ride. I wouldn't change a thing.

 

For the past few years, I've taken a break from the pursuit of hoppiness to get a Ph.D. in agricultural economics. I'm not sure why, but I always wanted to get a Ph.D. When I was blessed with the opportunity to take a break, I realized it might be my last chance. My dissertation analyzed the impact of proprietary varieties on the U.S. hop market … spoiler alert … no more low prices for brewers unless the status quo changes. I explore that and plenty of other topics in my Substack. I enjoy writing and the opportunity to share my perspective and opinions with you.