John Martin

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Over the Ivy

What is your favorite Confluence story?
How good beer and a relaxing environment brings people together - all the time!

Any random facts about yourself?
I have seven siblings and seven children

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Bobby Flay

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
My wife, Katie

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Endless possibilities in creativity and beer enjoyment

Describe yourself in three words:
Hardworking, Reliable, Trustworthy

How do you like your eggs?
Scrambled with veggies & meat

Katie Martin

Native of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and proud graduate of Central High School where she played volleyball and basketball (big vertical leap!). Married to head brewer John and shares his physics geek propensity. Mother of seven children and alpha female to one German shepherd. Hobbies include doing laundry, cleaning house, grocery shopping (in bulk), hoping for no home brew-related explosions. Katie brings administrative sanity to a company full of beer lovers who tend to preface questionable ideas with, “You know what would be cool? …”.

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Batch 1122

What celebrity do people think you look like?
At one point I was told I look like Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
John Martin

Where is your favorite place in the world?
My Grandma's house

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I assembled gun cleaning kits at an Outers factory in Wisconsin.

​

Mark David

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Long Ride Pale Ale

What is your favorite Confluence story?
One of the first conversations I had with owner, John Martin, about employment at Confluence was in the taproom during the first Halloween party- while dressed as Edward Scissorhands... I literally didn't know what to do with my hands. Luckily he didn't hold that against me!

Any random facts about yourself?
Dog dad, homebrewer, and two time drinking pants pageant champion. (Hoping for a threepeat)

What celebrity do people think you look like?
I get confused for Jesse Stock quite a bit

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
When I hear "craft beer", it inspires thoughts of hard work, team work, camaraderie, good people, good times, great stories, and of course, delicious beer

How do you like your eggs?
Sunny side up on top of hash browns, onions, peppers, bacon, and cheese. A glass of bourbon barrel aged Russian imperial stout wouldn't hurt either

Josh M

Joined the Confluence team in 2015!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Can’t pick just one: Over the Ivy, Orval, Drie Fonteinen, Oude Geuze

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Beer, Books, Music. Isn't that the same answer for everyone?

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Keanu Reeves when I was younger, but sadly now it's the conspiracy theorist guy from Stranger Things.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Infinite Patience

Where is your favorite place in the world?
Des Moines, duh. Though I also love Chicago, Seattle, Amsterdam and Brussels.

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Beer brewed for the sake of the beer. Natural ingredients, no fake flavors, respect for tradition and a desire for innovation.

Describe yourself in three words:
Nerdy, Kind, Passionate

Greg S

A retired Air National Guardsman, Greg spends his free time hunting deer and riding motorcycles. He and his wife Gail have traveled the world in search of the perfect beer, but his hunt may have ended when John created the Eastside Attitude Red Lager, which Greg so aptly named after his eastside roots. He now works part-time for John on a multitude of brewing tasks, his favorite being “quality control.”

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Eastside Attitude or anything “big and malty”

What is your favorite Confluence story?
John and I were building out the brewery and he was on the phone again with the TTB over our license to brew. If you know John, he is all about details and he had given them everything they asked for and probably more but now they wanted additional information. There was a pause and then I heard John use language I had never heard before or since that moment. He must have gotten their attention because our license came the next week.

Where is your favorite place in the world?
Sitting in a tree stand watching the sun come up and the timber come alive.

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Tradition ingredients brewed in traditional styles with traditional brewing methods resulting in a beer that can never be exactly duplicated. You should be able to taste the love that the brewers put into each and every pint.

How do you like your eggs?
Over easy on top of hash browns with cheese sprinkled over the whole mess.

Sam S

Sam was born and raised right here in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Roosevelt High School and then Grand View University. In the Fall of 2010, after graduating with a B.A. in English and Psychology, she set her sights on a small city on the coast of Maine, where she lived for four years. There she fell in love with craft beer and the industry itself. She's been to (and poured at) many festivals, homebrews, reads books about beer and has taken online courses from a beer institute. She is now living back in her hometown and doing what she loves best: pouring beer, talking about beer and, of course, drinking beer!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Barrel O' Funkies Hibiscus, Lavender & Lemon Sour Ale

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Rain catching system, water purifier, sunscreen

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Deborah Ann Woll

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Temporal Manipulation

How do you like your eggs?
Deviled

Jesse S

Jesse joined the Confluence team in 2015!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Campfire Black Lager

What is your favorite Confluence story?
2018 Christmas party, DJ Dad jeans playing some safe-ish tracks. Asked him to let loose a bit and once he did, Katie Martin confessed that this was one of John’s favorite songs. We made him hit the dance floor. 

Any random facts about yourself?
I’m an opera singer and teach voice lessons as well. I also have an odd obsession with the hit television show The O.C. and all of its soundtracks. I also love MTV reality shows ie: Jersey Shore and The Challenge. Can’t get enough. Zero shame. 

If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?
My ‘hopefully soon’ to-be wife Ann, an incredibly copious amount of delicious craft beer, and a forever charged stereo with any choice of music ever. 

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Mark David, and if he doesn’t say me for his celebrity look alike, we will have fisticuffs. Kidding. Chubby Vince Vaughn? 

Where is your favorite place in the world?
A road that I’ve never been on, going to a place I’ve never been. 

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
The finished product of care, passion, hard work, and brilliance of artists coming together to create a sustainable product.

Sean M

Sean joined the Confluence team in 2015!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Des Moines IPA, always a classic!

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 
Tacos

What is your spirit animal? 
Chinchilla

How do you like your eggs? 
Soft-poached

Toll M

Toll joined the Confluence team in 2015!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Des Moines IPA

What is your favorite Confluence story?
A fella hit a car with a van while he was not in the van.

Any random facts you could share with us?
I have two belly buttons

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Handsome Seth Rogen

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Doing whatever I want all of the time with no negative consequences.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Pool table installer

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Bike shorts

Describe yourself in three words:
Handsome Seth Rogen

Derrick M

Derrick joined the Confluence team in 2015!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
My favorite Confluence beer is Long Ride

What is your favorite Confluence story?
Searching wild yeast strains with good attenuation from spontaneous fermentation projects on the roof of the beer garden.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
You mean a vacation? How about fresh water, a fishing pole, and a lawn chair.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Summer as a volunteer zoo keeper. My duties were split between a walk-through Australian exhibit and a petting zoo. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Time travel

Describe yourself in three words:
Kind, Overweight, Father

Ann J

Ann joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Hazelnut Coffee Nessie, followed closely by Campfire Black Lager

Any random facts about yourself?
I love Jesse, my dogs, cheese, and pickles...in that order. I also sell K-12 software to school districts in Iowa and Nebraska by day.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
Tie between Barcelona, Spain and London, England

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? 
Death Claim customer service rep at an annuity company.  “Hi Ann...my grandma just died...can you please send my money?”

What is your spirit animal?
CORGIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!

How do you like your eggs? 
Over easy with rye toast!

Jeff W

Jeff joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Long Ride Pale Ale

What is your favorite Confluence story?
Van 4 breaking down in Imogene, Iowa and getting towed to Red Oak. Then renting a UHaul and finishing my western route in the rented UHaul.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Hammock, Ukulele, Axe

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Young Donald Sutherland from Kelly's Heroes

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
I can't live without my radio.
-LL Cool J

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I did surveys for soy sauce, cell phones and playstation games over the phone for a couple years in college. Or probably this one.

Describe yourself in three words:
Glass half full

How do you like your eggs?
Sunny side up

Gary D

Gary joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Blue Corn Lager

Any random facts about yourself?
I play semi-pro roller hockey

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Hockey stick, fishing pole, and my dog, Tucker

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Shia LaBeouf

Where is your favorite place in the world?
The hockey rink

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I used to build skates at Skate West

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Not mass produced, made by people who love to brew beer

How do you like your eggs?
In a breakfast burrito

John H

John joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mango Dodger

What is your favorite Confluence story?
That time I was almost blown off the road driving back from Cedar Falls.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
A Wilson™️ volleyball

What celebrity do people think you look like?
A guy in an alley told me I look like Payton Manning with sunglasses on.

Where is your favorite place in the world?
Des Moines I guess. I’ve spent a little over half of my life here.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I framed pictures at Hobby Lobby. I liked it a lot and have cherished memories

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Enjoying flavor

Describe yourself in three words:
Longest. Arms. Ever.

How do you like your eggs?
Over easy pleasy

Jacob S

Jacob joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tequila Barrel Aged Blue Corn Lager with Agave and Guava

What is your favorite Confluence story?
When I did the first dry hop for our first-ever batch of Double Dry Hopped Des Moines IPA with only two barrels of head space and started a beer fountain out of the top of the fermenter. LOL.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Becca, Lots of Tequila Barrel Aged Blue Corn, and my favorite straw hat

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
The sun

Where is your favorite place in the world?
Inside the lauter tun

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I’ve done A LOT of jobs, but being a bike taxi driver in Iowa City was pretty great.

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
A lot of effort was put into making it

Bill C

Bill joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Extinction Event

What is your favorite Confluence story? 
Meeting Mark (taproom manager) at a party and talking to him for an hour before confessing that I had dropped an application on his desk that day.

Any random facts you could share with us? 
I got turned in as fitting the description of a suspect off of Unsolved Mysteries!

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring? 
Sunscreen, Caesar, and my wife

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
My beautiful wife.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
The Sunshine Coast of British Columbia

What does “craft beer” mean to you? 
When the beer produced is more influenced by both art and craft… not necessarily volume.

Describe yourself in three  words:
Clever, Inventive, Nerdy

Josh "Juice" C

Juice joined the Confluence team in 2016!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Over The Ivy, although I got into craft brewing specifically to never have to drink only one beer

What is your favorite Confluence story? 
Are you trying to get me in trouble?

Any random facts you could share with us? 
My kidneys are joined together at the base creating a horseshoe shaped super kidney!

How do you like your eggs? 
From a chicken

Jeff S

Jeff joined the Confluence team in 2018!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
My absolute fave Confluence beer is our Oktoberfest...or Confluence Original...or Chewbocka...or Over the Ivy Pilsner... or...

My favorite beer on the planet Earth is Hofbrau's Dunkel. Perfection!

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
I'd bring my hammock, my record collection, and my homebrew equipment. Drinking and brewing beer, listening to tunes, and swaying in the sunshine sounds amazing!

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Probably Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling. It must be the rock hard abs and chiseled features.

Where is your favorite place in the world?
A brewery's taproom

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
It means designing and executing to the finest detail something beautiful. Something that is as close to perfection as possible. Something that shows the care and consideration that was put into it. It's something that brings people together at every stage of its life; from its creation through its completion.

It's literally the best thing in the world.

Danielle S

Danielle joined the Confluence team in 2018!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Barrel O' Funkies (with Raspberries) or Extinction Event

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Flying!

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Glasses and Flannel

Where is your favorite place in the world?
Cinque Terre, Italy

How do you like your eggs?
Scrammed

Brandon L

Brandon joined the Confluence team in 2018!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Double Dry-Hopped  Southside Citra, Bud Light Lime

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Ethan Hawke is most common but I don't get it.

What is your spirit animal?  
Giant Otter

How do you like your eggs?  
Deviled

Emily W

Emily joined the Confluence team in 2019!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Blue Corn Lager

Any random facts about yourself?
I have a dog named Dale, I've made commercials for tons of Des Moines area businesses, I can't hula-hoop or successfully operate a yo-yo, I am, however, great at badminton.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Hammock, chapstick, Bear Grylls

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to hear animal's thoughts

Where is your favorite place in the world?
A boat on a lake on a sunny 80 degree day

What does “craft beer” mean to you?
Beer brewed for individuals, not the masses

Describe yourself in three words:
Kind, Inquisitive, Adaptable

How do you like your eggs?
Deviled

Chris L

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Over the Ivy

What is your favorite Confluence story? 
Technically it's Confluence adjacent, but let's just say it involves Eric Selander defending my girlfriend's honor by smashing a chair and "very politely" asking a patron to leave Red Monk on St. Patrick's Day.

Any random facts you could share with us? 
Karaoke is Japanese for "Empty Orchestra"

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 
I'm only a few years away from being Gen X, but I'm totally a Millenial in that I can't live without my smartphone.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
Anyplace new that I can explore and live like a local. Give me an Airbnb and a local dive bar over a fancy resort any day. Also, occasionally the complete opposite since I'm a bit of a freak about Walt Disney World.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? 
I helped an art gallery move from a small house where Mark Twain once lived into an old mansion built by a riverboat captain.

What does “craft beer” mean to you? 
Following your passion, exploring new ones, chasing perfection.

Ashlie C

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Double Dry-Hopped Des Moines IPA

Any random facts you could share with us? 
I started UNI as a 17 year old

What celebrity do people think you look like? 
Christina Ricci 

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 
Spicy wings 

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? 
Cross breeding corn by hand 

What is your spirit animal? 
Chameleon 

Describe yourself in 3 words: 
Goofy, Loud, Ambitious

How do you like your eggs? 
Over-Easy

Ross A.

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Double Dry-Hopped Des Moines IPA

Any random facts you could share with us?
I started UNI as a 17 year old

What celebrity do people think you look like?
Christina Ricci 

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Spicy wings 

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Cross breeding corn by hand 

What is your spirit animal?
Chameleon 

Describe yourself in 3 words:
Goofy, Loud, Ambitious

How do you like your eggs?
Over-Easy

John W

John joined the Confluence team in 2021!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Des Moines IPA - Once it hits your lips, it's so good!

Any random facts you could share with us? 

I once rode Bob Dylan's motorcycle.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring? 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

What celebrity do people think you look like? 

Frank "The Tank" Ricard  

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 

Shoes because I think my feet would hurt really bad without them.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

The Friendly Confines

Whitney K

Favorite Confluence beer? 

It changes often because there are so many good ones, but I'd probably say either Ash Tree ESB or Thomas Beck Black IPA.

What is your favorite Confluence story?

I entered the Confluence Blue Corn Chiles Chili Cook-Off a few years ago and my boyfriend (now fiancé) voted against me because he "respected the process enough that he did not want to vote for an inferior chili." That said, despite the casual betrayal, I had a great time :)

Any random facts you could share with us?

My farm in Stardew Valley is named Chicken Parm Farm.

How do you like your eggs?

Special occasions: Deviled. 

Every day: Over-easy.

What does craft beer mean to you?

A community of people that values quality over quantity and genuine personal connections.

Darrell M

Darrell joined the Confluence team in 2021!

What is your favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Des Moines IPA

Any random facts you could share with us? 

I had a cameo appearance in the first season of ‘90 Day Fiancé’. 

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 

Double ply toilet paper 

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? 

Repelling down the 42-story Sherwin Williams building in downtown Cleveland to hang the LeBron James banner (it was the size of a football field).

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Loyal, Humble, and Awesome

Matt J

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Just about any Batch that has come through the taps.

Any random facts you could share with us?

My three favorite things are comics, cats and coffee. I prefer all three on a couch. (This is not the start of a Dr. Seuss story.)

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Time travel. But instead of going back to "fix" wrongs in the past I'd just go attend heavy metal concerts in the 80's.

What is your spirit animal?

Ron Swanson.

How do you like your eggs?

Fresh from awesome local peoples... Or, over medium with a little salt, no pepper,  and a slightly toasted piece of really good bread.

Troy D

Troy joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

South Side Citra

Any random facts you could share with us?

I'm an ordained minister and have performed 2 marriage ceremonies.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

Beer, my dog Zeke, and a tablet with all of the MCU downloaded on it.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

My hometown, Mount Vernon, Iowa

Brandon P

Brandon joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

The batch beers! 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

 Flight. It would be awesome to go anywhere whenever you wanted. 

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Pickles. Absolutely love ‘em. 

Where is your favorite place in the world?

St. Paul, Minnesota. Not the most exciting but it’s my hometown.

Tedi L

Tedi joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oktoberfest or the GLN with coffee.

Any random facts you could share with us?
-I was born in Albania and speak fluent Albanian.
-My dog is named Penny after Pennsylvania Ave in Washington DC.
-I never developed wisdom teeth.

 If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. Or flying. Anything that can help me get through traffic.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I was once contracted staff for Cirque Du Soleil. I'd work security overnight and go inside all the tents and explore.

How do you like your eggs?
Fried. In a bagel. With bacon and cheese.

Joe M

John joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Double Dry Hop Des Moines IPA

Any random facts you could share with us?

I never worked in a button factory, no matter who told you I did.

What celebrity do people think you look like? 

Dennis Leary

If you had a superpower, what would it be? 

How ‘bout the power to kill a yak from 200 yards away… with mind bullets. That’s telekinesis, Kyle.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

McGregor, Iowa

Stacia S

Stacia joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

So far… Orange Wizard

Any random facts you could share with us?

I was a radio DJ in college

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Cape San Blas, Florida

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Organized, loyal, hilarious

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My husband, Bryan

Mitch F

Mitch joined the Confluence team in 2022!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anything from the Batch Series

Any random facts you could share with us?

I played baseball and rugby in college, and won a state rugby tournament in 2012! I currently powerlift competitively.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? 

Flight or neverending endurance… it would be the perfect way to travel!

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

The top of the mountain at Keystone Resort. Skiing is so freeing! Or Hawaii, that’s good too.

 What does “craft beer” mean to you?  

Traditional brews that have unique and fun characteristics. Experimenting and creating new flavors is what it’s all about!

Spencer D

Spencer joined the Confluence team in 2021!

Favorite Confluence beer? Or, If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Batch Series, any variation, they are all great. 

What does “craft beer” mean to you?

Working together to create something for everyone. 

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

Confluence beer, a chair, and an umbrella.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

My family, of course.