Brian Nolan has been brewing beer since college, well before the internet was filled with how-to guides.

But it wasn’t until decades later that he would turn his passion project into a career; and it wouldn’t have happened if not for a push from his friends.

Hence, the name Friendship Brewing Company.

Now, the craft brewery located in Wentzville is celebrating five years in business. They’re one of the many breweries pushing the craft beer industry westward in the St. Louis area and they have big plans to expand their brewing operations as well as build the first craft distillery in St. Charles County.

As a Wentzville native, founder Brian Nolan shares his ups and downs and his hopes for the future.