Ann Fahy – Gust
Ann Fahy-Gust began her unexpected beer journey at Coors in Colorado. As a graduate in biochemistry, her initial position in the laboratory provided a foundation, but her inquisitive nature led her to explore the world of brewing. Upon requesting a transfer to the brewing department, she was encouraged to find a sponsor. Fortunately, the manager of the brewhouse recognized her potential and became her guiding sponsor. Ann soon found herself in the role of a supervisor and eventually became a brewery engineer, contributing to the design of breweries for Coors around the world.
Different cultures and prejudices created some difficulties, but nothing that Ann could not handle. Listen to Ann talk about becoming an honorary man in South Korea.
After being headhunted by Guinness as International Director of Quality Worldwide, Ann got the opportunity to see more of the world. While in Africa, Ann was able to help the community while also growing the loyalty and belief in the company.
Once again headhunted to run the largest brewery in Britain, Berkshire Brewing in Reading for Scottish Courage. At the time, the brewery employed 550 people and produced over 5 million barrels of beer. When Scottish Courage proposed a move to Finland, Ann made the heartfelt decision to prioritize her family’s well-being, leading them back to the United States, where they settled in Minnesota.
However, life presented Ann with profound challenges. Upon her return to the United States, her husband passed away. She prioritized raising her children while later embarking on a career in consulting. Fate introduced her to her current business partner, Tessa Leung, culminating in the creation of the South x SouthEast Minnesota Brewing Company in 2020. Ann’s resilience and unwavering dedication shine through as she not only leads her brewery but also imparts her knowledge by teaching classes at the Siebel Institute of Technology.
During my visit to South x SouthEast, I had the privilege of sampling their diverse range of beers, each one a testament to Ann’s dedication to the craft. Ann’s determination and positive attitude are an inspiration.
Ann Fahy-Gust began her unexpected beer journey at Coors in Colorado. As a graduate in biochemistry, her initial position in the laboratory provided a foundation, but her inquisitive nature led her to explore the world of brewing. Upon requesting a transfer to the brewing department, she was encouraged to find a sponsor. Fortunately, the manager…
