A conversation with South Carolina Regional Brewery Representative for Stone Brewing Company, Jason Selby.
Before the new year rolled around, I had an opportunity to talk with the South Carolina Regional Brewery Representative for Stone Brewing Company, Jason Selby. I’ve seen Jason before many times at events in our area and upon this last visit to the Mellow Mushroom in North Myrtle Beach, it became apparent to me that this guy might have one of the coolest jobs in the world. It makes me wonder, as everyone is chasing dreams in the new year, what’s it really like in that field of work?
Jason has been working with Stone Brewing Company (San Diego, CA) for two years and he says the job picked him.
How did you get started working with Stone?
“I was working at my previous job, not even looking for new employment. An individual from Stone Brewing Company came to see me one day and handed me a ticket and told me to get on a plane to San Diego to interview for the position. Long story short, I was hand picked. Got on a plane, nailed the interview and got the job.”
I always see you at events in the area, and you seem to be quite the social butterfly – clearly, that’s got to be a strong point. What kinds of people have you met? What’s the typical reaction to the beer?
“I have met a lot of different people with this job. Craft beer is one of the only products where you can sit down next to a lawyer, school teacher, painter, doctor and student and all share the same affection for a quality crafted product. Stone Brewing Company is moving into its 20th year of doing business. So when you walk into a ‘Craft Centric’ establishment, usually around 80% of the customers are aware of our brands and have been fans for some time. Let’s just say, the proverbial ice has already been broken before I have even said word one.”
What’s an average day like for you?
“An average day includes a mix of administrative duties along with getting feet on the street. I usually use the early morning hours to return emails, communicate with our distributor partners in SC, and analyzing depletion and sales data from our online reporting sites. I visit retailers to check on code dates, display opportunities, shake babies and kiss some hands. The later afternoon is usually spent visiting bars and restaurants to either seek opportunities for placements, organizing events, or just to say thanks for pouring Stone!”
As silly as it seems to ask, What’s your favorite beer?
“Cali Belgique IPA aged in White Wine Barrels. Draft only. Hard to find, but it makes me smile on the inside every time I can get ahold of a keg. Pure glory.”
This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 8:56 AM with the headline "A conversation with South Carolina Regional Brewery Representative for Stone Brewing Company, Jason Selby.."