Tony Schmitt

I soon became one of the lead bartenders, and had an opportunity to give beer classes for the staff.  I found I really enjoyed teaching, and the knowledge I gained by organizing the class.  Soon I had the opportunity to work for Stone Brewing Company, as a bar supervisor.  In addition to my supervisor duties, one day I was tapped (no pun intended) to speak in front of a corporate group, giving an overview of our core beers.  Here I was, talking about beer in front of people again.  Once again, I found myself enjoying spreading the good word of beer.

 

Moving to Tennessee only fed this fire.  The south is the fastest growing region for craft beer, and I was excited to be a part of it.  I signed up for a Beer Judging class, and started to meet the local craft beer crowd.  Soon I was giving my own classes, in an effort to help myself study for Certified Cicerone©, a certification similar to a sommelier, but for beer.  I became involved with the local brewers association,  who sponsored my monthly classes.  Soon I was asked to chair the education committee. I'm now the Vice President of the Knoxville Area Brewers association, and have helped set up quarterly educational seminars for our members as well as my monthly classes for the craft beer community.