Let's Meet For a Beer

Meet Matt Livingstone, Sales Director at Village Brewery.

Matt’s career started at McDonald's, where he learned the values of hard work, customer service, and teamwork. These experiences sparked his passion for connecting with people and led him into the fast-paced world of food & beverage.

From there, he spent several years selling imported beers, gaining a deep appreciation for global brewing traditions and learning the ins and outs of the beer market. Now, with a decade at Village Brewery, Matt has combined his love for beer with his sales expertise, helping the brand grow and connect with beer lovers across the community.

Join us for a laid-back conversation with Matt as he shares his journey from fast food to craft beer, his insights into the beer industry, and his passion for fostering relationships in the local community.

Guest:

Matt Livingstone:  Instagram | LinkedIn 

Village Brewery: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Luke Butterworth, Cofounder of EPIC Market - Edmonton-based food hall, events and media company. Luke’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship was sparked early, leading him down a diverse path in the startup world. 

While earning his Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, he co-founded three startups in Telehealth, Robotics, and AI/ML. His experience at the NEXT36/NextAI incubator in Toronto further solidified his commitment to entrepreneurship, shaping his vision for the future. Though his career started in software, Luke’s passion has evolved, leading him to the world of hospitality and events. He believes in the power of startups to drive economic prosperity and is a dedicated advocate for the Edmonton startup ecosystem.

As the leader of the ICE Incubator at the University of Alberta, Luke is deeply involved in supporting emerging businesses and their founders. His work with EPIC Market and his ongoing mentorship roles highlight his commitment to fostering innovation and community in Edmonton.

Join us for a conversation with Luke about his entrepreneurial journey, his vision for supporting startups, and his passion for building community in Edmonton.

Guest:

Luke Butterworth: LinkedIn 

Epic Market: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Steve McVicker, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the iconic Canadian Caesar brand, Matt & Steve's. Matt & Steve’s journey began with a single goal: to make the classic Caesar even better. 

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Steve’s entrepreneurial flame was ignited at a very young age. Alongside his best friend Matt, Steve set out to elevate the classic Caesar, creating a product that would soon become a staple for Caesar lovers everywhere. What started with The Extreme Bean has now expanded to a full line-up of Caesar essentials, including Caesar Rimmer, Asparagus, Baby Dills, and the Original Spiced Caesar canned cocktail.

As Chief Brand Officer, Steve is the creative force behind the brand’s identity. His ability to connect with people and his relentless drive have been key to the success and growth of Matt & Steve’s.

Crack open a spicy Caesar and join us for a conversation on the evolution of Matt & Steve's, Steve’s entrepreneurial journey, the art of building an iconic brand.

Guest:

Steve McVicker: LinkedIn

Matt & Steve's: Instagram | Caesar Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Eric Schrader, beer captain and owner of Leduc Brewing Company. 

For three generations, the city of Leduc has been home to his family. Eric has always felt a deep connection to his community and a desire to give back.

After the social isolation of the pandemic, Eric felt inspired to help build up the community in Leduc and bring people together through his love for beer. In 2023, Leduc Brewing Company was born. As the owner of Leduc Brewing Company, Eric aims to create a space where people can gather and connect over a great beer.

Join us for a conversation with Eric about his journey, the importance of community, and his passion for crafting exceptional beer.

Guest:

Leduc Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Marc Wandler - Co-founder and CEO of Susgrainable. An expert in the emerging circular economy, Marc has led his business from an idea to securing an offer on CBC Dragons’ Den (Season 18, Episode 14). 

Marc’s journey as a founder began with a class project at UBC while pursuing his MBA. Wanting to bring this project to life, Marc launched Susgrainable in 2018. Susgrainable upcycles spent grains from craft brewers to create nutritious, delicious, easy-to-make upcycled barley flour, baking mixes, and baked goods sold in retailers like Whole Foods and Safeway. Susgrainable moved operations to Calgary in 2024 and is eager to collaborate with the craft beer scene in Alberta to fight food waste and low-fibre diets. 

Get ready to be inspired by Marc's journey and his innovative approach to sustainability in the brewing industry. You won’t want to miss this one!

Guest:

Marc Wandler: LinkedIn 

Susgrainable:  Instagram | Facebook  Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Ignacio Rodriguez - Manager of Brewing Operations at Big Rock Brewery. Originally from Venezuela, Ignacio moved to Canada in 2015 and has been in the brewing industry for 7 years. Now in his third year at Big Rock, he oversees beer-making processes in Calgary and operations in BC and Ontario.

A Chemical Engineer with brewing studies from Siebel Institute, he graduated with honours from the Brewing program at Kwantlen Polytechnic. His achievements throughout his career include a gold medal at the Canadian Beer Awards in 2023 and a silver medal at the Canada Beer Cup 2023 for Traditional Ale.

Today, Ignacio focuses on maintaining consistency in Big Rock's main brands and driving innovation for new ones. Join us for a conversation about collaboration, innovation and combining industries.

Guest:

Ignacio Rodriguez:  Instagram | LinkedIn

BigRock Brewing: Instagram  | Facebook |  Website

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Mark Hamilton, the  Director of Sales & Marketing at Origin Malting & Brewing.

With a long-standing career in the beverage alcohol industry, Mark has seen it all and still loves every moment of it. His experience in the On-Premise channel is unparalleled, having worked on iconic brands like Guinness, Bacardi, Grey Goose, Crown Royal, and Jack Daniels. Mark's journey has taken him across Western Canada, beginning on Vancouver Island and eventually returning to his hometown of Calgary.

In recent years, Mark has been a pivotal part of Origin Malting & Brewing, a unique farm-to-tap craft brewery based in Strathmore with a new location now in Calgary. As Director of Commercial, he brings his vast experience to the table, driving the company forward and ensuring the quality and consistency of their brews. 

Mark is passionate about the craft beer space and believes Origin's unique approach to farming, malting, and brewing will make it a brand to watch for years to come. Grab a cold one and get ready to be inspired by Mark's journey and his dedication to the craft brewing industry.

Guest:

Mark Hamilton: LinkedIn 

Origin Brewing Co: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Meet Alex Horner - outdoor adventurer, craft beer enthusiast, and co-founder of Banded Peak Brewing. 

Located in the heart of the Barley Belt in Calgary, Banded Peak brews adventurous beer for adventurous people. Alex started the company with his two childhood friends in 2016 after experimenting with homebrewing, and was quickly acquired by Labatt in 2020. Named after the iconic summit in Kananaskis Country, Banded Peak tries to use as much Alberta barley as possible, totaling about 90% of their grain.

Join us for a conversation diving into Alex's journey, his love for the outdoors, and his passion for crafting beers that celebrate adventure.

Guest:

Alex Horner: Instagram | LinkedIn

Banded Peak Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website 

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

This is a special episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast.

Abi Moore, a very special part of our community, recently passed away in a tragic accident.  I was fortunate to connect with Abi a few years ago to record a podcast, and I want to re-share our conversation again today. 

A little bit about Abi…

Abi was a huge part of the Fernie Brewing Family, and an integral member of Fernie’s running community.

Abi first started running while living in London. At the time she worked with an interactive media agency and her role involved a lot of “interactive meetings” (ciders at the pub!) and the running became a measure to offset the amount of time she spent at the pub in those meetings. Growing up she skied with her family, but with a serious lack of mountains they would make the trip to France to get on a proper ski hill.

Abi’s passion for skiing played a big part in her decision to move to Fernie.   At the time Fernie was just getting onto the map as a great ski town and Abi spent her first year working guest services at the ski hill and met her future husband in her first winter. She sought an extension on her work visa to stay and work as a ski instructor and also started working with Fernie Brewing Co. in 2009. 

Abi’s passion for running didn’t come quite as naturally as her love for skiing.  However, watching her husband compete in The Sinister Seven race inspired her to join him the following year in 2012. As her love for running grew she wanted to share her passion with others, which she did by creating Stag Leap Running Company.

I was lucky to work with Abi through my role with Alberta Beer Festivals. I was also fortunate to connect with Abi through our shared love of the outdoors and trail running. My thoughts and prayers are with Abi’s family and friends.

As you listen to the podcast, I hope that you appreciate what an amazing person Abi was, and how much of an impact she had on everyone that was fortunate enough to know her.

“You never regret a run … it always makes me feel better!"  - Abi Moore.

Stag Leap Running Co.
Fernie Brewing Co.

Meet Wilson Wong - sales professional, author, co-owner of three businesses, and passionate community builder.

An expert in direct sales, Wilson began his career in 2008 selling Cutco knives, specializing in business appreciation and closing gifts. Beyond sales, Wilson is the co-owner of CRW Orient Coffee Company, Van Loc Vietnamese Sandwiches, and Boa & Hare Coffee and Cocktails - all located in Edmonton’s Chinatown.

Passionate about real estate and community involvement, Wilson is a dedicated member of Edmonton's Chinatown. He founded the Chinatown Longevity Guild, focusing on youth leadership and mentoring programs to ensure the longevity of Chinatowns across North America.

Grab a cold one and get ready to be inspired by Wilson's remarkable story and his efforts to make a lasting impact on his community. 

Guest:

Wilson Wong: Instagram | LinkedIn

Van Loc: Instagram | Website

Host:

Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

LMFAB Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website