As we move into to-go and delivery orders only, the team at DBco is working just as hard and we are so lucky to have an amazing team at the Brewery, both the front Tap Room and back of the brewery! If you’ve visited the Tap Room recently or stopped by for a beer pickup, you may have run into Steph Berman, a Tap Room Manager, who came on board last year! Read on to learn more about her journey to joining our team:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I was born and raised in New England and have been here all of my life.  I love all of the changes in the seasons, with summer being my favorite!  I enjoy going to the beach, BBQ’s, beers, and all done with good company.  In my free time, I can be found hanging out with my son, daughter, wife and our new dog, Sawyer. My guilty pleasure is watching reality TV, particularly (and shamefully), I have watched every season of The Bachelor and Bachelorette. I also love tattoos and am working on a passion project about them and promoting body positivity (I have 17 tattoos so far).     

How did you end up in the hospitality industry?

I started as a hostess and server when I was a teenager but then took a long hiatus from it. After I graduated college, I worked for my family business for 15 years, which specialized in the distribution and marketing of women’s medical devices. During my time there, I also started my own business where I created and launched a new product. One fun fact about the product I invented is that I was awarded a US patent for it (which makes me feel like Laurie Greiner on Shark Tank). After leaving the family business, I got back into hospitality and haven’t left since!  

What do you like best about the beer and hospitality industry?

I love the unpredictability of each day.  Things can change by the minute, so you always have to think and move quickly. I also love getting to meet such a wide variety of people. If you take the time to engage with guests, you can really learn so much about them and create an experience that makes them want to keep coming back. I strive to have every guest that walks into this place feel that way.  

Favorite part of your job?

We have such a wonderful staff and crew here. We all spend a lot of time with each other, so we really become like a second family to one another. It’s also so refreshing to work for a company that promotes diversity and welcomes everyone. I love having an open and comfortable platform to share my ideas and be myself!       

Favorite beer style?

I love fruit beers. One of my all time favorites is Forbidden Fruit in VT. I also love everything from Burlington Beer Company. In the fall/winter season, I am partial to a nice red ale.  

Favorite DBco beer?

The Warp Rider quickly became my favorite, as it’s a perfect red ale.  Otherwise, my go to would be the DOT’s Buzzwig Cider. It’s awesome that DBco has so much variety in their offerings. It makes it hard to pick a favorite!  

Favorite M&M BBQ item?

Dumpster fries are my favorite indulgence. However, when I don’t have the luxury of taking a nap after eating them lol, I am partial to both of their salads with the smoked chicken on top. The cornbread croutons are my favorite! I could eat them alone as a snack!