Madisyn Larson
Read about the perspective of Madi, a FOH Manager and Assistant Brewer at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, to help you on your search and interview process!
What is your brewery story?
Growing up in the Champlain Islands of Vermont, there wasn’t much of a food and beverage scene in the area. Throughout high school I worked at Wally’s Bagels- the neighborhood one stop shop for delicious breakfast and community connection. The owner, Matt Bartle, had been talking about opening a brewery in town with his longtime friend and fellow homebrewer, Daren Orr. I was immediately adamant about wanting to work there. In 2021, Two Heroes Brewery opened their pilot space in South Hero, with me as one of their first employees. Being 19 years old, I obviously wasn’t able to enjoy any of the products for myself, so I had to memorize tasting notes of each style to guide customers’ experiences. Watching the business grow from quite literally the ground up allowed me to develop a strong connection to the brewing space and my passion for the craft.
What is your role at the brewery?
My days are split between being a front of house manager and assistant brewing, making me Two Heroes’ first and only “cellarwoman.”
What are the top things you would look for in hiring?
The main thing we look for when hiring is someone who is a team player! It’s always important that they are eager to learn and offer a helping hand. A people person who puts the experience of the customer first and represents the Two Heroes brand passionately. Plus, loving beer always helps!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to take my brewing knowledge and apply it directly to elevating the customers’ experience. It excites me to help them find the best brew they would enjoy and answer any questions they may have along the way. Additionally, having grown up in the same town as the brewery, I love how we have provided a new space for locals to gather with their community. One of the best parts of my job is being able to give a personal experience to our regulars!
What is the hardest part of your job?
One of the most challenging parts of my job is finding new ways to promote our brand throughout both our busy and slower seasons. Since we are a self-distributing company we have to work hard to get our product out there on the shelves.
How have you seen your role grow?
Having started at 19, not even being able to drink the product, now not only can I enjoy it for myself, but I can say I made it, which is really cool! Also, finding a spot in the VBA on the Events & Marketing committee, being a face to represent the company is an awesome experience I would have never expected for my 19 year old self fresh off the bagel game.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wearing my two different hats of FOH manager and assistant brewing my responsibilities vary from day to day. From working in the taproom to cleaning the mash filter, no day looks the same!
What is one thing you would recommend to someone who is hoping to work your position at a brewery?
One thing I would recommend to someone looking to work at a brewery is to be willing to learn a lot of new things in a short period of time and not be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone has to start somewhere!
