In the latest Arizona Good Business Radio episode, Thomas Barr explores Arizona’s craft beer scene with Cale Aylsworth with OHSO Brewery + Distillery, Andrew Bauman from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and Brad Miles from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.
Despite being 43rd nationally in breweries per capita, Arizona’s craft beer industry is booming. Six new breweries just opened in the last 3 months, and Arizona now represents 100+ local breweries.
This episode highlights the challenges breweries face, and how the brewery community comes together and relies on each other for the industry’s success. The guests predict a mix of prediction for the future of the industry, and discuss the opportunity to learn from national trends.
Since being establish in the Valley in 2011 O.H.S.O. has taken on a life and community of its own. Not only deeply entrenched in its AZ community, they are huge advocates and supporters for new local breweries and small local businesses.
With nearly 10 valley wide locations O.H.S.O.’s success directly reflects its support in its communities. Weather it be Teachers, First Responders, Mental Health Awareness/Resources, Animal Shelters, ALS or MDA, or even the Neighborhood Community Garden, O.H.S.O. believes that libations brings people to gather, and when good people gather, good things can happen.
Born at St Joseph’s Hospital in 1985, a third generation Arizonan, Cale Aylsworth’s claim is “Arizona is a place like no other”. He entered the restaurant industry to pay for college, started out as a food runner, to head expo, to server, to bartender all before age 20.
Cale found his path intersecting with a brand new local brewery in 2011 by simply enjoying a locally crafted beer at the bar. Thirteen years later he holds the title of Director of Sales and Relations, manages a majority of O.H.S.O.’s community outreach and is the “not by choice” face of the company.
Combining his passion and love for this one of a kind state, his journey with O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery has be a harmonious fit as his personal views and the company’s views align with the goal to be grateful for the individual people that make this community and to make sure to give it back. 
The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is the state-wide organization that represents Arizona Craft Breweries through legislative efforts, community partnerships, presenting beer festivals all over the state, and providing educational opportunities for the entire craft beer community.
Supporting local small businesses is our number one goal.
Andrew Bauman has been in the Arizona Craft Beer industry for over 12 years as a Head Brewer, Director of Brewery Operations, and currently as Deputy Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.
Prior to entering the beer business, Andrew managed restaurant and catering businesses in the Phoenix metro area.
Follow Arizona Craft Brewers Guild on Facebook and Instagram.
Arizona Wilderness is a Brewery and Restaurant specializing in Craft Beer, Burgers, and Sustainable business practices in Arizona.
Brad Miles is the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. He has been at Arizona Wilderness for a little over a year. He has a decade of experience in Craft Beer ranging from small breweries to large regional craft breweries.
Brad started his journey in Craft Beer as a Homebrewer then started moonlighting at a small brewery in Southern California where he spent a year learning. He then moved onto Firestone Walker Brewing Co where he started as a Cellarman, moved into the brew house, lead the filtration operations, managed the yeast, and eventually spent the last two years in Research and Development and new product development.
After 8 years at Firestone Walker he took a leap and started as the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co, where he is responsible for all beer being produced, served, and distributed.
Connect with Brad on X and follow AZ Wilderness on Instagram.
About Arizona Good Business
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About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state.
A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the strategic partnerships and business development at Local First through advancing the organization’s statewide business coalition and technical assistance resources deployed to entrepreneurs.
As the Vice President of Business Development, Thomas guides the direction and execution of Local First’s key initiatives and partnerships, as well as the collaboration of 60+ staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs and access to capital, rural and tribal community development, and local food economic development. He speaks to groups both locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First through demonstrating the organization’s effectiveness in building economic opportunity for more than 20 years.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has contributed his time throughout his career to many causes and organizations including the American Independent Business Alliance, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Equality Arizona, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and Young Nonprofit Professionals. He currently serves on the small business advisory council for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, as a member of the multicultural advisory board for ONE Community, and as a member of the board for Tempe Tourism.
Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine and 2020 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
