Ted and Becky Nagy, Co-Founders and Owners
Ted was first introduced to craft beer back in the 1980′s while he was living in the Pacific Northwest. This is where he first tasted Lew’s home brew and fell in love with the qualities and workmanship of craft brewing.
He was a machine designer for 19 years, and still fantasizes about the massive machinery, but has since focused on his entrepreneurial talents. Ted and Becky enjoy sailing, wine, beer and food tasting at locations around the world.
Lew Brewer, Founding Brewer
Lew started homebrewing in 1986 and later worked for Redhook on their old bottling line where he picked up tips from the pros. He learned to brew in a professional setting on Mike Hale’s original “low tech brewery” (as Mike used to say) in Kirkland Washington in 1990. Having moved to Kalona, Iowa from Seattle Washington, he connected with Gary Fitzpatrick in Iowa City, a pioneer of craft brewing in Iowa, whom he brewed for during the late 1990’s.
Lew has a special admiration for those pioneer craft brewers who in the 1980’s and 90’s went prospecting for gold in a terrain that was not nearly as open, hospitable, and acceptable as it is today. Beer wasn’t trendy back in those days, but those craft brewers put a stake in the ground with their passion and hard work. A tip of the hat to those folks, thank you for opening the door!
THE KBC TEAM
Dave Brown, Sales and Distribution Manager
An Eastern Iowa native and accomplished U.S. veteran, Dave brought his skills to Kalona Brewing in 2016 originally as a cook, then moving into the social role of bartender, and now armed with his extensive knowledge of KBC beer is now manager of the brewery’s self-distribution across Eastern and Central, Iowa. Besides sharing the joys of Kalona craft beer, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife Dyan (a Kalona Brewing front-of-house cornerstone) and their intelligent and dynamic children: Devin (KBC sales and distribution associate) and Danielle (a KBC host).
Winson Leaton, Cellaring and Packaging Lead and Production Asst.
Once upon a time Winson lived in Frytown. He grew up, emerging in adolescence as the class clown and a pretty good drummer (thanks to a lot of time listening to Rush, Pink Floyd, the Police, the Foo Fighters and Dave Mathews, in that order). Eventually he found himself with over a decade of experience in the food industry and in 2014 made the jump to craft beer. He originally began with Kalona Brewing Co. in sales and distribution, and now his work is focused on the brew floor. Winson likes being surrounded by great coworkers and friends, and lives in Kalona with his lovely wife Kim, daughter Azry and son Riker.
Shauna McKnight, General Manager
Shauna got to know Kalona Brewing Company as a front-of-house team member early on in the history of KBC before moving to Portland, Oregon, where she gained extensive experience in the hospitality industry in many roles including management, social media marketing, and even as a popular high-end whiskey review blogger. She returned to the Kalona area in 2020 and quickly became a key member of the KBC team. Her inclusiveness, attention to detail, and long-term outlook bring an industry freshness to her role as general manager.
Daniel Peterson, Executive Chef
Chef Daniel Peterson, the executive chef at Kalona Brewing Company, traces his roots back to the Kalona region, graduating from IMS High School (now Hillcrest Academy) in 2010. After honing his skills in kitchens across Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for 13 years, he infuses his creations with a distinct Western flair. Daniel’s culinary expertise shines in crafting hearty dishes, specializing in elk and bison, alongside a passion for pasta and Asian fusion. Inspired by a high school teacher, he pursued his culinary dreams. Now back in his hometown, Daniel cherishes the proximity to family and old friends while crafting new dishes to share with the community. His other passion, second to cooking is nerding out over anything “Lord of the Rings.”
Warren “W” Yoder, Head Brewer
Warren, or as called by his friends, “W” is a life-long resident of Kalona and attended Iowa Mennonite High School and Goshen College in Indiana. He was happy to return to Kalona to work in the family business, Kalona Builders Supply with his father and brother. Around 2008, W. began home brewing with friends, quickly gaining knowledge and experience. In 2013, KBC co-founder Lew Brewer invited W. to join the Kalona Brewing Company team, and it has been an incredible ride ever since!. When he is not at the Brewery, he spends time with his best friend and wife, Emily (who helps him to be a better person every day). He also loves being involved in community, singing in various choirs, golfing, gardening, being a Cubs fan, being in the kitchen, spending time in nature and with his family, and is an active member of East Union Mennonite Church just outside of Kalona.