Meet Jared, he is originally from Princeton but has been a resident in Kamloops for 2 years. Jared is the partial owner of Iron Road Brewing.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
The diplomatic answer is my wife. She makes anything we are doing together more fun with her enthusiasm. She also works extremely hard when helping me with my work, which motivates me. However, the first people that came to mind is our Brewers.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Any of the bike shops in town. They all have a great selection, will bring in anything you need and are super helpful and friendly.
Describe yourself in one word.
Positive
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Maldives, I love diving and I've always wanted to dive there.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Golfing with a couple cold Iron Road's to accompany me around the track.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm not very bashful, but I was caught once driving without insurance on my vehicle. That was very embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In my previous life, I was a geologist. I worked hard at it and, in my opinion, did a good job. I was lucky enough to work in a firm with lots of supportive people around me. I was part of the Klaza deposit discovery team (with more than 1,000,000 oz of gold) and my colleagues were quick to pass out recognition. Being part of that success and feeling recognized for my contribution gave me the confidence to open Iron Road Brewing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
There are so many, I had a great childhood with amazing parents. In the past, I was an athlete and a particularly good baseball player. I was lucky enough to be selected to team Okanagan for the BC summer games. Our team only placed 4th, but it was a great experience and I made a lot of friends that I am still in contact with today. I may have chosen placing 3rd at baseball's midget provincial championship, but my younger brother's team came first that year in the bantam division. Haha!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Most of the volunteer programs I do now are through Iron Road. My business partner and I both believe it is important to support local charities and initiatives. Recently we have donated and poured beer at quite a few fundraisers for the Habitat for Humanity Kamloops, TRU and various sports teams around town.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Donald Trump wouldn't be president.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love going to my favourite watering holes. In town they are Nobel Pig, Red Beard Cafe, and Red Collar (in no particular order).
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Generally, the city does a great job, but I could go for a few less pot holes on the roads. I also think the hospital needs to be expanded and more recognition for how great a job all of the healthcare workers are doing there would go along way with me.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The access to outdoor activities is unbelievable. Also, the "support local" attitude here is tremendous and I appreciate how proud the local population is of there city.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Wayne Gretzky is my hero.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can contact me on LinkedIn. Other than that, I don't use social media, but I do answer the emails sent to the address on Iron Road's Website.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Iron Road Brewing
Why did you get into/start this business?
We wanted to move back to the interior because we weren't enjoying Vancouver anymore. My business partner and I have always loved Craft Beer so we thought this was a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
What is the goal of your business?
To help grow craft beer culture and convert domestic beer drinkers into craft beer enthusiasts.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Opening a craft brewery is a big endeavour. It was extremely stressful and challenging (especially since we were not in the industry previous to building Iron Road and really had to learn on the fly.)
What do you always find yourself saying?
Living the dream.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Go for it, if you want it bad enough, you will get there.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Wayne Gretzky. My friends are going to laugh.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The distribution of wealth is paramount for a healthy economy. If people don't shop locally, instead of those resources being distributed in town, they will be exported to other areas. Without an abundance of resources in our community, we will have fewer services.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening Iron Road Brewing.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Aaron Mckinos and Stephen Thordarson. They are Iron Road's Brewers and without them, Kamloops would have all the great beers that are coming from Iron Road.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Norm Daley
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
