Hi, I’m Jeff Zierdt with Lupulin Brewing Company. I have been brewing beer since 2008 and opened Lupulin in 2015. I have lived in the area for about 17 years and enjoy time with my family – especially my grandchildren! Big Lake has been, and continues to be, a great place! I have gotten to know so many people since starting the business process here in 2014. I’m proud of what we do at Lupulin and how much we’re able to work with other community organizations like Options, The Wave, Big Lake Fire & Police Departments, Spud Fest, and more.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of two brothers. We grew up in Spring Valley, MN with my parents. We lost my brother to cancer at the age of 51. I have been married for 37 years to my wife, Shelly. She is my rock. We have our son, Aaron and daughter Abby. Aaron works for Lupulin as the Head Innovation Brewer. Abby lives in Big Lake Township and has our two grandsons, Gunnar -3 years old and Soren -15 months
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I was born in Winona, then we moved to Howard Lake until was a first grader and then we settled in Spring Valley, MN. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, we moved to Wisconsin Dells – before it was it is today – while Shelly finished up her schooling at the University of Madison and I commuted to work at Consolidated Papers, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1988, we move to Wisconsin Rapids, WI and started our family. In 2004, we purchased property with a home on the Mississippi River in Monticello and then moved here in 2005.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I spent 20 years in the manufacturing business with a pulp and paper company. I always wanted to brew. In 2008 I started brewing out of my mom’s 5 gallon enamel canning pot in the kitchen of our house. In 2010, I joined the BYOB -Brew Your Own Beer- Club in Annandale. I was making brown ales and stouts on my own and then partnered with Matt Shiller. We started brewing in my garage and started thinking about a brewery. In 2012 we began planning for Lupulin Brewin Company and then in we met with Raeanne Danielowski and city officials in 2014. There were no existing ordinances for brewers here at that time. We were the 50th brewer in the state. We signed the lease in April, 2014 and started ordering equipment in June. in 2015 we passed inspection and officially opened April 3rd, 2015.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
Yes, my nickname in the manufacturing world was Grease Zerk.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I like the new movie, Maverick. I loved Top Gun. I watch Yellowstone and enjoy Tom Clancy books – when I have time to read..
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza for sure. Or anything Mexican! My drink would be craft beer, specifically, IPA.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Fishing in the summer. I have always loved fishing. My wife’s family had a cabin near Park Rapids on Big Sand where I was able to do some fishing. I like most outdoor stuff like hunting small game – grouse and pheasant and hiking in the outdoors.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to spend 3 months in Europe traveling.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would retire and spend more time with our grandkids.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
I had to overcome the fear of failure. Starting a business can cause worry over failing and I had to move forward to accomplish everything I wanted to accomplish. I overcame the fear of failing as a young baseball catcher, Eagle Scout, and in my career as an engineer. Many times I was told I couldn’t do these things so I fought harder to get it done.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
I have had a lot of great people in my life, all the way back to Mrs. Kappers, my chemistry teacher. My brother, Jonathan was, and still is, my hero.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I don’t know if many people know I was in Boys Scouts all the way until I was an Eagle Scout
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely my kids and grandkids.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
I like Willy’s on the Water, Trails, El Loro, and Third Rail.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The people here are friendly. We can usually have open and honest conversations. I also like our lake area in the summer for things like Music in the Park and the Refuge area.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Be open and try new things. Learn from the people who live here and know things you do not.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Gloria Vande Brake, Bob Dockendorf, Joel Hagberg, Kristi McAlpin, Hanna Klimmek
