During the Happy Hour last week, we received some questions that we did not have time to answer. Below are the candidates answers to those questions.
Candidate Answers to Happy Hour Q&A:
Jen Blair
Question 1 - The AHA is going through a pivotal time. I have read all your candidate statements, and I am impressed. What do you feel is the biggest priority for the AHA that you feel you can contribute to improve/build upon based on your skill set?
Answer - The biggest priority for the AHA is keeping homebrewing relevant for those interested in and new to homebrewing. Homebrewing is a fun hobby, but it can be more intimidating than many hobbies. I have done and continue to do extensive advocacy work in the beer industry aimed at bringing more lived experiences to beer and brewing. My free online beer judge training drew over 600 interested women, showing that there is interest in being involved in beer and judging. Historically excluded communities have been brewing beer for millennia. It’s up to the AHA to do the work of laying a foundation of equity and inclusion to make the homebrewing community a safe, comfortable place.
Question 2 - I believe part of growing and sustaining the AHA is increasing accessibility to homebrewing. What are some barriers you’ve witnessed/experienced, and what ideas do you have to make homebrewing as accessible as possible to all types of folks?
Answer - I have experienced several barriers throughout my homebrewing experience. From people assuming that my husband must have helped me brew my award-winning beers to being flat-out ignored at homebrew stores, there have been several times when I’ve thought about leaving the homebrewing community altogether because I was so demoralized by the treatment myself and others received.
Beyond those experiences, there can also be a physical accessibility problem. Homebrewing can be physically challenging and exhausting for even the most able-bodied among us. It involves moving around sacks of malt, handling heavy (sometimes hot!) equipment, and spending a lot of time on your feet. One of my favorite memories from being on the previous AHA Governing Committee was during a women’s virtual meetup as part of one of the pandemic conferences. We had a fantastic conversation about different methods, tools, and equipment we used while brewing to make the physical labor more manageable, such as using a pneumatic table for brewing equipment. Everyone came away with new ideas on how to address physical challenges and make brew days easier.
Rather than guessing at how to make homebrewing more accessible or putting the onus on a homebrewer to find a local club (not always easy when accessibility is a problem!), the Board can work to recruit more diverse authors and presenters whose lived experiences speak directly to making homebrewing more accessible. Additionally, the AHA can address accessibility by pulling together existing and new resources for homebrewers, homebrew shops, and homebrew clubs in a central hub.
Question 3 - AHA membership price has gone up. How will you make being a member of AHA worthwhile?
Answer - A pillar of my leadership philosophy is ensuring that people receive value from what I provide, whether individually or as part of a larger group. Because different members find value in different AHA offerings, the biggest thing the AHA Board can do to help make the AHA membership valuable is to listen to members, communicate membership benefits clearly and often, and be willing to incorporate new ideas and viewpoints that address the changing homebrewing landscape.
Question 4 - How can AHA help homebrew clubs foster growth and success with members in their cities?
Answer - The AHA can help homebrew clubs foster growth and success with members in their cities by collaborating with homebrew clubs on best practices, successes, failures, and troubleshooting, and making those resources available. We already have a very dedicated and well-qualified Clubs Committee that supports AHA-sanctioned homebrew clubs, and I’m excited to see how it helps strengthen homebrew clubs!
Question 5 - How does a homebrew club become a nonprofit? How does a homebrew club get a chance to lease a space to create a space for people to meet?
https://homebrewersassociation.org/news/club-incorporation-and-tax-status/
Mark Boelman
Question 1 - The AHA is going through a pivotal time. I have read all your candidate statement and I am impressed. What do you feel is the biggest priority for the AHA that you feel you can contribute to improve/build upon based on your skill set?
Answer - First, continue to build upon and strengthen the foundation during this transitional period away from the BA. Second, bringing the joy of homebrewing to a broader community of new homebrewers, in addition to bringing those who may have stepped away back into the fold.
Question 2 - I believe part of growing and sustaining the AHA is increasing accessibility to homebrewing. What are some barriers you’ve witnessed/experienced, and what ideas do you have to make homebrewing as accessible as possible to all types of folks?
Answer - I have been no stranger to the middle-aged, white male base that is homebrewing. In the vein of ‘meeting people where they are’; creating a multi-layered strategy for growing the community for the long-term longevity of both the hobby and the association.
Question 3 - AHA membership price has gone up. How will you make being a member of AHA worthwhile?
Answer - The AHA is OUR membership association that prioritizes making our hobby rad, highly engaging, and advocates on our behalf. Listen, I appreciate everything is becoming expensive these days, but for the cost of a few sixers, membership in the AHA ranges the spectrum of how engaged you choose your adventure. I would encourage those on the fence to explore the multitude of resources and opportunities that can be found on the homepage.
Question 4 - How can AHA help homebrew clubs foster growth and success with members in their cities?
Answer - Continuing to offer resources for clubs just getting started, those in a growth phase, and those that are well-established. Following our mission of a ‘club in every community’, and an intentional strategy for building an exciting local homebrew community, will need to go beyond simply providing resources alone.
As a person who wants to bring a ton of energy into our homebrew communities, I am excited to roll up my sleeves and listen to what’s working/not working and listen to membership on how we can be most effective.
Question 5 - How does a homebrew club become a nonprofit? How does a homebrew club get a chance to lease a space to create a space for people to meet?
Answer - Check out these valuable resources from the AHA
In regards to a leased space; I would first encourage you to work with your local brewery. Many brewery owners started as homebrewers, and that holds a special place (in my experience). If you are looking for a place to hold meetings, or beyond, try to see what might be possible before locking yourself into a lease that is going to require a revenue source strong enough to support.
Brook Bristow
Question 1 - The AHA is going through a pivotal time. I have read all your candidate statements and I am impressed. What do you feel is the biggest priority for the AHA that you feel you can contribute to improve/build upon based on your skill set?
Answer - The AHA is entering a really important moment as it becomes an independent nonprofit. Transitions like that are exciting, but they also require strong foundations to support it long term.
My background as a brewery attorney and nonprofit leader is largely in helping organizations build those foundations. I’ve served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Brewers Guild and have spent a lot of my career working with beverage trade groups and nonprofit organizations. I’ve also helped found and run community efforts like beer weeks and served as president of a homebrew club, as well as helping pass beer-friendly legislation in my state several times.
That work has taught me that good governance can sound a little boring—but it’s what allows the fun parts of the hobby to thrive. Clear structure, strong communication, and healthy volunteer systems make it easier for clubs, competitions, and educational programs to succeed — and ultimately, the new AHA as well .
Where I think I can contribute most is strengthening the governance and structure behind the scenes—things like board processes, committee systems, strategic planning, and making sure volunteers and staff are set up for success.
The AHA already has incredible brewers, educators, and community leaders involved. My role would be helping ensure the organization itself runs well so those people can keep doing what they do best.
Every healthy nonprofit needs people focused on the mission—and people focused on the structure that supports it. I see myself helping on that second part.
Question 2 - I believe part of growing and sustaining the AHA is increasing accessibility to homebrewing. What are some barriers you’ve witnessed/experienced, and what ideas do you have to make homebrewing as accessible as possible to all types of folks?
Answer - I want to be very clear on my position — Homebrewing is for everyone. Period. Full stop.
The biggest barrier I’ve seen isn’t equipment—it’s intimidation.
In my legal work helping breweries and beer nonprofits, I’ve also seen how powerful a welcoming spirit can be for the broader beer community.
Homebrewing should feel like a hobby anyone can walk into.
How do we ensure that happens?
Part of that is representation—making sure people can see themselves reflected in the community.
Part of it is outreach—supporting clubs and events that actively welcome new voices and perspectives.
But a lot of it is cultural. Homebrewing can sometimes feel intimidating when you’re new, especially when technical knowledge and gear gets thrown around quickly. The best people I’ve known in beer are the ones who make space at the table, share what they know, and invite people into the conversation.
At the same time, we should recognize the challenge here. There are many communities that are still underrepresented in the hobby. Reaching new brewers requires listening, building relationships, and understanding that different communities have different interests and needs. There’s no single quick fix.
It’s a great question that requires thoughtful leadership. And at the end of the day, the goal is simple: make sure anyone who’s curious about brewing feels like there’s a place for them in the hobby. I think the AHA can help reinforce an overall welcoming spirit across the community.
Question 3 - AHA membership price has gone up. How will you make being a member of AHA worthwhile?
Answer - This is a question that every membership nonprofit wrestles with, but the good news is that the AHA creates a lot of value in a few important ways already.
First is education. Zymurgy, recipes, brewing knowledge, and access to experienced brewers are huge resources.
Second is community. Things like Homebrew Con, NHC, and club support help people connect and stay engaged with the hobby.
Third is advocacy. The AHA has historically played a role in protecting the legal ability to homebrew and supporting the hobby nationally.
In my experience as a lawyer and beer nonprofit leader, I’ve learned that membership organizations succeed when members clearly see the value they’re receiving. That means strong communication, useful resources, and a sense that members are part of a larger community .
If elected, I’d want to help make sure the AHA continues strengthening that connection and meeting brewers where they are—whether that’s through clubs, online communities, education, events, or maybe even legal guidance—so members feel that their participation and support truly matter.
The core value is still the same: helping people learn, share, and enjoy brewing together.
Question 4 - How can AHA help home brew clubs foster growth and success with members in their cities?
Answer - Homebrew clubs are the backbone of the hobby. They’re where most brewers learn, experiment, and stay connected.
When I was a club president, I saw firsthand how much work volunteers put into keeping clubs active. Organizing meetings, competitions, education nights, and brew days takes real effort, and strong clubs usually succeed because a few dedicated people are willing to put in that time.
One of the most helpful things the AHA can do is make it easier for clubs to learn from each other. Across the country there are clubs doing incredible things—hosting public brew days, running competitions, partnering with local breweries, or creating mentorship programs for new brewers. Those ideas don’t always spread between clubs unless someone helps connect the dots.
The AHA is well positioned to help by sharing those successful models and providing practical resources for club leaders—things like organizational templates, event planning guidance, competition support, and tools that make it easier to manage volunteers an d membership.
Healthy systems and clear structure win the day. If we can make it easier for club leaders to organize and grow their communities, the entire homebrewing ecosystem benefits. Put another way: when clubs thrive locally, the hobby grows nationally.
Question 5 - How does a homebrew club become a nonprofit? How does a homebrew club get a chance to lease a space to create a space for people to meet?
Answer - In my legal practice I spend a lot of time helping beverage organizations and nonprofits get their structure right—everything from governance to regulatory compliance.
Here’s the thing: clubs don’t necessarily need to become nonprofits. But forming one can make certain things easier even aside from tax treatment, like opening bank accounts, organizing events, or entering agreements with venues.
For most clubs, the process starts by forming a simple nonprofit corporation in your state and adopting basic bylaws that explain how the organization is run. Many clubs then apply for federal nonprofit status—often as a 501(c)(7) social club, which tends to fit hobby organizations well.
When it comes to meeting space, many clubs start by partnering with breweries, homebrew shops, community centers, or other gathering spaces. Over time, if a club grows large enough and has stable membership, some eventually lease their own space, but that’s pretty rare.
One opportunity for the AHA could be helping clubs navigate those steps by sharing legal guidance and best practices. Sometimes just having a clear roadmap can make a big difference.
Jason Romano
Question 1 - The AHA is going through a pivotal time. I have read all your candidate statement and I am impressed. What do you feel is the biggest priority for the AHA that you feel you can contribute to improve/build upon based on your skill set?
Answer - The biggest priority for the AHA right now is strengthening the connection between the national organization and the local communities where homebrewing actually happens. Homebrew clubs are the heart of the hobby; they are where brewers learn, share ideas, and stay inspired. I would focus on helping AHA better support clubs through mentorship programs, educational resources, and tools that make it easier for new brewers to find and join local communities. I also believe there is an opportunity to strengthen connections between homebrewers, breweries, and professional brewing guilds so that knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities can flow both ways.
Question 2 - I believe part of growing and sustaining the AHA is increasing accessibility to homebrewing. What are some barriers you’ve witnessed/experienced, and what ideas do you have to make homebrewing as accessible as possible to all types of folks?
Answer - One barrier I’ve seen is that homebrewing can appear more complicated or expensive than it actually needs to be, which can discourage new brewers from trying it. Many of us started with simple equipment and learned by brewing alongside more experienced brewers. I think AHA can help by highlighting approachable entry points to the hobby and encouraging mentorship within clubs and communities. Making it easier for curious people to find a welcoming place to brew and learn can make a big difference.
Question 3 - AHA membership price has gone up. How will you make being a member of AHA worthwhile?
Answer - AHA membership is most valuable when it helps brewers feel connected to a larger community. Access to trusted brewing knowledge, competitions, and events is important, but the real value comes from being part of a network of brewers who share ideas and inspiration. As someone involved with both the homebrewing community and the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, I’d also like to explore ways the AHA can strengthen relationships between homebrewers and professional brewing organizations. Many professional brewers started as homebrewers, and those connections can benefit both communities.
Question 4 - How can AHA help home brew clubs foster growth and success with members in their cities?
Answer - Homebrew clubs thrive when they create welcoming spaces where brewers of all experience levels can participate. AHA can support clubs by providing resources for club leadership, mentorship programs for new brewers, and opportunities for clubs to connect and share ideas with one another. There is also an opportunity to build stronger relationships between clubs and local breweries or brewing guilds, which can open doors for educational events, collaborations, and shared community experiences.
Question 5 - How does a homebrew club become a nonprofit? How does a homebrew club get a chance to lease a space to create a space for people to meet?
Answer - Many homebrew clubs begin as informal groups of volunteers, and not every club needs or wants the structure of a nonprofit organization. For clubs that do want to pursue that path, the AHA may already have helpful information available, and if not, it should be relatively straightforward to develop guidance based on best practices—especially since the AHA itself recently went through the nonprofit transition process. Providing simple resources, examples, or templates could help clubs understand what’s involved and decide whether formalizing their structure makes sense for them. For clubs exploring dedicated brewing or meeting spaces, sharing examples from other communities that have successfully done this could also be very valuable.
Jeff Whelpley
These questions are related, so I’ll provide one answer for all of them.
I feel like the biggest priority for the AHA is to increase and maintain membership.
I’ve found the need to buy equipment and learning to brew without support to be daunting for most people. Having easy access to homebrewing equipment and a knowledge base goes a long way in not only getting people to try the hobby but keeping them interested.
One thing that is often overlooked is that there are a lot of people who think homebrewing is cool yet have no interest in brewing. My club has become good at engaging that demographic by holding homebrewing events. As a matter of fact, a majority of our 170 members are non-brewers.
To address these opportunities, I would like the AHA to provide resources for homebrewers to collaborate and for homebrew clubs to grow and maintain their memberships.
Some ideas for AHA to accomplish this are:
- Advising clubs on how to attain 501c3 status
- Advising clubs on how to create their own shared brew spaces
- Sharing ideas on creating events that share homebrew with people outside of the hobby
- Partnering with woman or minority beer groups. Most of these groups are centered around attending beer events or visiting breweries. My club has found them to be super receptive at partnering with homebrew clubs for their social gatherings.
- Expanding the AHA Happy Hour to additional live interactions for members, such as a live forum for answering brewing questions and sharing advice. Also, doing this for Big Brew and Learn to Homebrew Days. Not only would this provide a sense of community for clubs in different parts of the country, but it would allow for homebrewers who live in less populous areas to collaborate and feel more included with the homebrew community on a larger scale.
- Working with AHA to implement more interactive activities for Homebrew Con, such as beer and food pairing workshops utilizing the hosting city’s local breweries/restaurants and/or having the winner of the prior year’s NHC competition scale up their beer at a brewery in the hosting city as that year’s official Homebrew Con beer.