Julie Broaddus, Owner-Operator
It's impossible to summarize everything Julie does for the company, but we'll do our best! Chances are, if it has to do with the beer, brand, or taproom, Julie has had her hand in it. Originally from San Jose, California, Julie has spent the last 35 years calling Virginia home. When she's not helping to create delicious and funky beers, you'll find her enjoying time outside in nature, working in the barnyard with her goats, chickens, rabbits, and ducks, completing a New York Times crossword, playing a game of bridge or attempting Chopin nocturnes on the piano. Her favorite OBH memory? Setting up our first Holiday Market!
Wes Nick, Brewmaster
Wes has been in the craft beer business for over a decade. He trained at the UC Davis brewers school in California, among other companies Nick spent time in the mega production brewery Omegang in New York. Wes brings not only brewing expertise, but is excited help do good for the environment, to build our contract and private label business, and spend time getting to know our taproom regulars. When you see him, ask him about his career in engineering as well including his time working on nuclear submarines!
Mark Mannix, Supply Chain Manger, Beertender, Team Lead
Mark, a seasoned member of the OBH team, plays a pivotal role as a beer tender and is an integral part of the Old Bust Head weekend crew. With a passion for brewing evident through his active home-brewing endeavors and his certification as a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, Mark is equipped to engage customers with in-depth beer discussions. Beyond his front-facing role, Mark efficiently manages taproom beer inventory and the supply chain, while also representing the taproom in all beer-related decisions, including selecting styles to feature on tap. Whether you're craving a gose, an Italian lager, or seeking out your favorite New Zealand hop, Mark is the go-to person behind the bar who can bring your beer preferences to fruition.
Email Mark at mark@oldbusthead.com
Erica Davidson , Quality Assurance Manager
Erica's job may be behind the scenes but, while her work begins in the lab, it ends with the beer in your hand and ensures that each glass maintains the consistent quality you've come to expect. A big fan of the outdoors, Erica has biked the C&O Towpath twice (184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD) and enjoys other nature-inspired activities like camping, especially when accompanied by her pup Ellie. Her favorite OBH beer? Graffit House West Coast IPA & Water Dog IPA!
Alexis Kuiper, Taproom Manager
Originally hailing from the mid-west (specifically, South Dakota) Alexis is one of the sweetest members of our taproom team! As a big craft beer fan, Alexis is a perfect fit for the team and a great person to ask when you need a recommendation—when she's not on the clock you can find her drinking her favorite OBH IPA or Imperial Sour or exploring other Virginia craft breweries. Some of Alexis' other hobbies include hiking, paddle boarding, painting and off-roading—say hi if you see her behind the bar!
Cara O'Neal, Marketing and Events Manager
Photographer, graphic designer, social media guru, customer inquiry response specialist, events manager, what more could you ask for? Starting as a beertender and now working in the back office, Cara loves that her job looks a little different every day and stokes her creative fire. When she’s not having a glass of her favorite OBH beer, which includes any of our Sour Ales, she’s off exploring new levels of spiciness from her growing collection of hot sauces.
Carol Goode, Accounting
Carol would like you to know accountants can be funny too! Having been here from the very beginning, she remembers our very sophisticated accounting system back in the day when we served our beer out of the production warehouse. It involved bags of raffle tickets and let's just say she's happy we've moved on to more traditional methods of keeping track of our inventory! Although she was born in Turkey, Carol has been a longtime resident of Virginia. When she's not at work, making home improvements indoors and out, cooking and catching up on anything PBS Masterpiece—her favorites include The Durrells in Corfu, Unforgotten, and All Creatures Great & Small. Carol's favorite OBH beer? Vixen Irish Red.
Carolyn Rudder, Private Events Manager
Raised in Prince William County, Carolyn brings a warm, organized, and people-first approach to the private events at Old Bust Head. With a natural love for details and being creative, she enjoys turning clients ideas into smooth, memorable gatherings.
Now based in Culpeper, Carolyn spends her free time exploring local food spots, visiting farmers markets, and relaxing at home with her husband, stepson, and three cats.
She believes the best events feel easy, welcoming, and thoughtfully planned and loves helping guests bring their celebrations to life in the brewery.
Dan Barrett, Special Projects
From designing new merch for the taproom, booking our live music, accounts payable, responding to customer questions, (his most common question: Is Old Bust Head dog friendly? Answer: Heck yeah!)—Dan wears a lot of hats here at Old Bust Head. No matter the task, Dan brings a fresh perspective and his favorite part about his job is seeing the payoff when customers are enjoying great beer and each others company. When not at work, you can find Dan enjoying his time off playing music, spending time with his wife or supporting his favorite sports team the Washington Capitals. "C-A-P-S caps caps caps!"
Kevin Predmore, Office Admin
KEVIN PREDMORE’s deadpan humor is not lost on OBH regulars. But don’t let the kilt, pirate, or St. Patrick costume throw you off. In addition to completing the 2 year BJCP training at OBH, Kevin is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, and gives a straight answer when it comes to anything beer-related. #1 in devotion, Kevin has made the brewery his home since nearly OBH-day-one, and can always be found there—whether on or off the clock—making the customer experience and the OBH team as good as it can be.
Kirk Heydt, Beertender & Chalk Artist
If you happen to catch lights still on at OBH at 1am, chances are it's Kirk Heydt, busy creating new chalk art to greet customers as they arrive—although his modest demeanor likely keeps many unaware of this hidden talent. With a background in home brewing alongside his family-in-law, Kirk's beer expertise is a blend of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Having spent considerable time beer tending at OBH and completing a two-year BJCP training program in-house, Kirk's wealth of experience, coupled with his kindness, humility, and artistic skill, has endeared him to the hearts of OBH's patrons.
Mark Libby, Equipment Tech
Mark is responsible for keeping the wheels turning here at OBH! Easily one of the handiest people we know, if something goes wrong in the taproom, warehouse, or production facitliy, chances are we're calling Mark. His favorite part of the job is working with all the great people at OBH and the flexibility he has to complete the many diverse maintenance and repair requirements of a craft brewery (for which, we are all thankful). His favorite OBH beer is Made in the Shade or any hoppy, citrusy IPA. When he's not at work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Deborah, weekly golfing, and spending time with his two grandkids.
Christa Bauserman, Beertender
Christa loves craft beer almost as much as her Border Collie Jet, glamping, and rewatching Bloodline (she's watched it about 10 times and has even been to some of the filming locations!) Christa is a real craft beer lover who loves meeting new customers and working side by side with the OBH crew. Her favorite OBH beers are our sours and Sky Meadows Blonde Lager!
Keith Miller, Beertender
Combining a passion for craft beer and welcoming hospitality, Keith enjoys sharing his knowledge and creating an exciting experience for new friends and old at OBH. Always happy to guide people to new favorites; ask for his favorite flight of the day and you will definitely be toured through IPAs and current special releases. When not behind the bar in the taproom; he is usually enjoying the open roads in the mountains with his son on one of their four motorcycles! Ride safe!
Kelly Stone, Beertender
Although she used to work at wineries, Kelly has her feet firmly planted in the beer industry now (and we're lucky to have her)! Kelly enjoys talking to customers and helping them have a great experience at the taproom. If you ask, she would probably recommend one of our seasonal ales (her current favorite is our Summer Ale) but she's also branching out into IPAs. When she's not at work, Kelly enjoys hiking and has a goal to make it to all of the National Parks—currently at 25!
Ricardo Padilla , Beertender
Juggling his role as Head of School alongside part-time engagements in television, film, and theater, Ricardo took on the additional title of Beertender. For Ricardo, the appeal of craft beer lies in the diverse array of individuals he encounters while serving behind the bar, engaging in conversations spanning music, pop culture, and, naturally, craft beer. Topping Ricardo's Bucket List is the dream of retiring to a European village, where he envisions enjoying leisurely sips of easy-drinking lagers, his preferred beer style
Stephanie Fitzpatrick , Beertender
A long time Virginia native (Northern VA to Richmond and then back again) Stephanie is a mom of two girls, two corgis, and a member of our taproom team! You'll find her behind the bar most trivia nights, catching up with our regulars, or helping new customers find their favorite beer. When she's not at the taproom, you’ll probably find Stephanie working up a sweat as a fitness instructor (sign up for one of her spin classes at Lifetime)! Her favorite OBH beer is a good DIPA or a classic like our Vixen Irish Red.
