Escaping the Corporate Rat Race

Curtis is the CEO and co-founder of Tie & Timber Beer Company in Springfield and has been in the industry for three years.

Meet Curtis Marshall from Tie & Timber Beer Company in Springfield. He and his wife Jennifer Leonard co-founded the brewery three years ago. Curtis is currently serving as a member of the Guild's board of directors. 

How did you get started in the craft beer industry?
We were looking for a lifestyle change from the corporate rat race and felt like there was a opportunity in the Springfield craft beer market that we could hopefully take advantage of.

What's your "why?" or what gets you out of bed each day?
The curiosity of discovering what's around the next corner.  Sometimes, however, It's just a clogged toilet.

What was your first-ever craft beer?
Widmer Hefeweizen in Seattle Washington bought for me by my older brother.  I learned 2 things that day:  the vast array of craft beer and that I didn't particularly enjoy Hefe's.

What does your job entail at the brewery?
What doesn't it entail is a better question.  I'm trying to delegate a bit more each day.

What do you do with your free time?
Absolutely nothing and it's great, usually with a beer.

If you could work on a collaboration beer with any other craft brewery, who would it be?
I would brew with a Trappist monastery in the 19th century

What is your favorite thing about the craft beer industry?
The quality of people.  Hands down.

What's the best beer you've ever had?
One exceptional beer I enjoyed was a Cabernet Barrel Aged Imperial Brown from Banded Oak Brewing Co. in Denver, CO.  They over-nighted a freshly emptied cab barrel from the family winery in Napa and immediately filled with a big rich, caramelly American brown.  I was lucky enough to try it 18 months later and haven't been able to find it since. 

What's one fun fact about you?
I really enjoy a Modelo Especial.

Why did you join the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild?
To support & influence our industry in an increasingly competitive market.

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