<< BackWilkes-toberfest: Alumni in the Beer Industry
Their degrees range from business to biology. Some like lagers while others prefer pale ale. Regardless of their talents and tastes, there's always something brewing for Harry Pecuch '74, owner of J&H Beer; Leo Orlandini '84, Operations Manager and Master Brewer at the Lion Brewery; Bob '76 and Patty '77 Spinelli, owners of Roc Brewing Co.; and Jennifer Keegan '10, Contract Planning Supervisor at the Lion Brewery. If you are a Wilkes grad who works in the beer industry - we'd love to hear from you! Tell us about yourself and we'll add to this story.
Harry Pecuch '74
Owner of J&H Beer - Wilkes-Barre, PA
BA Business Administration
Fun fact: Wilkes students are currently helping Harry develop J&H Beer's website
How did you get into the beer industry?
My son Jon & I opened the business because of our passion for beer. We have our favorites but are always looking to taste new and different beers. This hobby of tasting, rating and pairing beer with food grew into a business. We enjoy all aspects of the beer business which makes our day go by very quickly. We also look forward to interacting with our customers. We consider them friends. We love what we do.
Do you have any advice for people who might like to try their hand at brewing beer?
Go for it. Brewing beer can be tons of fun and very satisfying. If you can, get advice from someone who has experience brewing. It can make the process a little easier and put you more at ease.
Personally, what's your favorite beer to drink?
Westmalle Dubbel. This is a Trappist ale made by monks in Belgium. It has the right amount of complexity and is very flavorful. I enjoy it best with a good steak.
Pictured - Harry (left) with Wilkes professor Dr. Andy Miller at Pints with Professors at Homecoming 2012.
Leo Orlandini '84
Operations Manager and Master Brewer at the Lion Brewery - Wilkes-Barre, PA
BS Biology
Fun fact: Leo's son, Justin, is a 2011 graduate of Wilkes
How did you get into the beer industry?
While at Wilkes, one of my courses was Microbiology, which was taught by Dr. Doty. One of the sections covered fermentation process and how beer was made and I was hooked! Upon graduation, I unsuccessfully tried to get into the brewing industry. I kept on applying to The Lion Brewery and finally in 1988, I was interviewed for an entry level Quality Assurance position. I absolutely loved it and immersed myself into the job. Fast forward to 2012 and I have been at the brewery for 24 years and I have been the Master Brewer and Director of Operations since 1995 and I have loved every minute of it.
Do you have any advice for people who might like to try their hand at brewing beer?
Make sure you have the best possible ingredients, the best process and impeccably clean equipment, healthy yeast and a big bladder, for all of the taste testing!
Personally, what's your favorite beer to drink?
One of my personal favorites is Stegmaier Pale Ale! It is a great session Pale Ale, has a great hop flavor and aroma and terrific balance and only has around 4.5% ABV, which means you can enjoy several at a time in moderation.
Pictured - Leo, his wife Darlene and sons Josh and Justin.
Bob '76 & Patty (Cullinan) '77 Spinelli
Owners, along with their son Chris, of Roc Brewing Co. in Rochester, NY
Bob - BA Political Science, Patty - BA Education
Fun fact: Bob and Patty are Wilkes sweethearts
How did you get into the beer industry?
Our son, Chris and a classmate, Jon Mervine, began home brewing in our kitchen, When the hobby took over multiple rooms in our home, they (along with Bob and my support) decided to venture into the microbrewery business. Rochester had 2 microbreweries when we opened and this year there will be 7-8. This is a growing segment of the industry and we were opportunistic.
Do you have any advice for people who might like to try their hand at brewing beer?
Get a kit and have fun... but be careful - it can take on a life of its own. Friends show up when they know you have beer to spare. One thing I've learned in the past few years is that many people home brew, and there are clubs in every community. So if you want to try your hand at it, lots of folks are there to support, teach, encourage and sample.
Personally, what’s your favorite beer to drink?
When drinking Roc Brewing Co's beers, I drink Cullinan's Revival Irish Ale and Bob always drinks our Dark Mild. I loved Susquehanna Brewing Company's lager at Homecoming. I could make that a favorite in my rotation when I'm in the area. Lagers are probably my favorite style.
Pictured - Patty and Bob at Pints with Professors at Homecoming 2012.
Jennifer Keegan '10
Contract Planning Supervisor at the Lion Brewery - Wilkes-Barre, PA
BA Business Administration
Fun fact: One of the things Jennifer is involved with is the rebranding of the Stegmaier beer line
How did you get into the beer industry?
By accident! I applied to a position listed as "Company Confidential" on Monster.com. I received a phone call from the brewery and immediately fell in love with the idea of working at a brewery. Looking back, I was fresh out of college and had no idea what I wanted to do with a business degree. I just wanted a full time job! The call from Lion was like a light bulb turning on - the brewing industry could be a great start to a career.
Do you have any advice for people who might like to try their hand at brewing beer?
Just have fun with it! Don't be afraid to think outside the box when coming up with new recipes. It's the craft brews that are really making a statement in the industry these days.
Personally, what's your favorite beer to drink?
What a hard question! At the moment, I'm loving the pumpkin seasonals, especially our local Stegmaier Pumpkin!