There’s happy and then there’s Howie. I think most of us out in the world can admit that we’re not always our best selves and sometimes we have bad days. In the nearly two years that he’s worked at Greenbush, I can’t recall a single time when I’ve seen something like that from Howie. The guy is just friendly, easy going, and straight up awesome. And if I said this to his face, he’d probably just shrug, smile, say “thanks,” and move about his day. Read below for more insight into this dude of excellent character we’re lucky to have behind the bar at Greenbush.
What do you do at Greenbush?
I am the Assistant Taproom Manager.
How’d you get involved with the brewery?
I was a patron and my friends Steve and Blake Murray worked there already for a few months. Steve had talked about moving from bartending to brewing so I saw an in. I probably was a bit annoying with the constant, “Can I start working yet?” but it was obviously worth it! Been loving it ever since!
What time is happy hour for you?
Any time there are good beers and good people.
You’re on a deserted island and can only have one case of mass-produced domestic beer dropped to you—what do you pick?
Coors Banquet
What’s your favorite non-Greenbush beverage to drink?
Water is a pretty tasty beverage.
What’s been your most memorable Greenbush experience thus far?
Oh man where to begin… The old Taco Tuesdays definitely come to mind. Some of the days were slow, but we always managed to have some fun. Also just seeing everything grow and change so fast. It has been so neat to be a part of the business.
What do your friends think about all this madness?
If they haven’t already applied or work here… then they gotta be jealous.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot or a doctor. Things kind of changed huh? No regrets!
If you were a Greenbush beer, which would you be and why?
Anger for sure. Unless we come out with one named Happy or Smiley… that would probably be a better fit.
What’s your favorite food?
I like food. All food. I don’t play favorites.
Where do you think you and Greenbush will be in 5 years?
I cant even fathom it. Have you seen what’s happened in the two and a half years we’ve been open?!?!
If you only had one item you could take with you to work, what would it be and why?
A smile… I never leave home without it.
What’s the most exotic place you’ve ever visited?
Mexico. My personal favorite place is Colorado. I wouldn’t count it as very exotic though.
Chicago or Michigan sports teams (or Indiana if you’re crazy)?
Chicago
Did you have a favorite brewery before Greenbush opened? If so, what and why?
When I lived in Indianapolis I really liked Sun King. It was one of the few, close to me and tasty.
What’s on your nightstand?
A water bottle, alarm clock and a phone. Not too exciting…
How many beers do you drink in a typical day?
It definitely varies… but if I had to average it out probably about 2?
Rhapsody Hero (where you try to pick the WORST song for everyone to enjoy)—what’s your pick?
Hocus Pocus by Focus. It’s fun to say and everyone can sing along!
BONUS QUESTIONS
How do you maintain such a level of mellowness?
Music. Also, don’t take life so seriously. Or if you do, just be good at hiding it 🙂
You’re a musician, right? Tell me about it.
I love music! I play piano and drums and am in a band called Tree! with Blake and Steve Murray. I started playing piano when I was in 3rd grade and then when I started to get my own passion for music in middle school I began to pick up the drums. It keeps me sane!
A Beer in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush 