Erik Coleman
BEERst (Erik Coleman) was raised in Ellicottville, NY a ski-village an hour outside of Buffalo. He earned his undergraduate degree at Hamilton College a Master’s of Education at Niagara University then attended Canisius College. After leaving twenty years of education, he decided to take the plunge and go all-in on his journey with craft beer and beverages and start his own business. He is the owner of Beer By Coleman & Co-owner of 716Craft (serving as a Craft Beer Consultant & Concierge). He is also Director of Trocaire College’s Brewing, Distillation & Fermentation Program, also serving as the Buffalo/Niagara Brewers Association Events Chairperson.
He has over 25+ years in the craft beer & beverage industry. He has participated in the opening and operating numerous brewing companies in both Western NY and NY state (with some of the biggest craft brands), as well as throughout the country and abroad.
A near-death experience forced Erik to have a wake-up call at age 41, which has sent him off on a mission to follow his passion to help the ultimate craft beer & beverage experiences for the masses.
Bougie (Jodi Coleman) is coming to us from Williamsville, NY, a suburb of Buffalo and has spent twenty years working as a high school counselor. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University at Buffalo. Her work is not what defines her but it is her incredible family and many (each one special) vivacious friends. She serves as Queencess of BEERst’s realm, hard loving clown to people in her world and prefers to be under a chandelier, surrounded in sparkles if she is not dressed in the creative theme of show…..because life is too short.
She had spent a total of zero time drinking craft beer before meeting BEERst and is vocal about being the novice of the two. Shockingly, she put down her wine glass to give craft beer a try and is loving the journey. She asks the questions that any newbie would like to know and is also never afraid to try a new style!
She is not without depth, as the tragic loss of her younger sister has catapulted her passion to enjoy every minute of life in her honor. She continues to remind us that every day of life is a celebration.
The Journey:
The Pandemic brought a rising cry from all that knew them to create an outlet where they could go and experience something other than the atrocities that the COvid-19 pandemic was unfolding around them and the rest of the world. BEERst took to FB Live and started on his own. However, fate had a different thought and when a special guest canceled last minute…BEERst turned to Bougie - his wife, his rock, his “Ride or Die” and asked her to come on the show.
Well, that’s when the real magic began! Now, nine months later they are still going strong with quite a following amongst craft beer & beverage aficionados and newbies alike. They have created this podcast to serve as another outlet for you to be able to enjoy this Fabulous & Delicious Libation Experience.
Cheers!
