CREATE - The Podcast

Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark Kondrat (host) created this special series of Roundtable Talks with a few of Jim’s close friends.

Tune in to hear more about the remarkable Jim Button and how he touched and impacted so many lives, within and outside of the craft beer community.

Mark Kondrat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Julie Van Rosendaal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-van-rosendaal-a7641159
Avnish Mehta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avnishmehtayyc
Terry Andryo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-andryo-b8a1838

Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:
Brent Malysh
Co-Owner & CEO of Backroads Brewing Company
Website: https://backroadsbrewing.com

Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:
Jeff Demaniuk
Brewery Operations Manager of Fernie Brewing Co.
Website: https://ferniebrewing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-demaniuk-47b5b856/

Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:
Craig Wood
Founder and Co-Owner of Wild North Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.wildnorthbrewery.ca

Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:
Matthew Hendriks
Owner of ByHendo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendriks-238564104/
Website: https://www.byhendo.com/products

Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:
Scott Hergott
Executive Chef for Pursuit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hergott-08398972
Website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com

Meet Dave, the dedicated marketing manager of Big Rock Brewery. Having been with Big Rock for 8 years, Dave primarily roles are partnerships, sponsorships and events. One of Dave's favourite events is the Big Rock Barn Burner, an annual summer concert held right at their brewery! 

Prior to Big Rock, Dave worked with a funky hat company, evolving from a kiosk to a storefront. The growth of this company sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. Shortly after, he jumped into the craft beer industry and got the opportunity to showcase his creativity and drive marketing for Big Rock. 

Dave discusses his love for involvement in the growth and success of Canada's largest craft brewery, and looks forward to what's to come for Big Rock Brewery!

Tune in to learn more about Dave and his craft beer adventure!

Meet Sean Pronger, Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Dryden, Ontario. Sean played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Rangers, Kings, Bruins, Blue Jackets and Canucks. 

Tune in to the full podcast for endless hilarious stories about his experience in the NHL and his brother, former NHL player Chris Pronger. 

Sean is also the author of Journeyman, a book decided to his story and a behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be in the NHL!

Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Journeyman-Many-Triumphs-Even-Defeats/dp/0143181025

Meet Jane, the owner and founder of Jane Bond BBQ. What started off as a food truck has turned into 2 locations in Calgary, AB. Jenny could not be more excited to share her Texas-style dishes and atmosphere with Calgary, keeping her mission at the heart of every customer experience: “To give your tastebuds a flavour bomb sensation.”

Jenny can also be seen on Fire Masters Season 3, showing off her BBQ skills and undeniable passion for cooking exceptional food.

Meet Helen and Brad, owners of 4th Meridian in Lloydminster, Alberta. Helen and Brad discovered their love for craft beer after visiting Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary, AB. Once they got a taste of what it would look like to be more involved in the industry, they decided to open up the first ever Lloydminster brewery in 2017.

Since then, they have been successful with growth and expansion :beers: As of most recently, Brad and Helen decided to purchase Ribstone Creek Brewing. They plan to keep this brewery as is, carrying on the vision initially intended by the original owners.