Meet the outcasts that make up our crew.
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Sumit Vohra
CEO & Chief Drinking Officer
CEO & Chief Drinking Officer
What’s your favorite Lonerider Beer?
Pretty much all of them.
What’s your background?
Very proficient in consuming multiple pints of beer with alacrity. In addition, I am fond of saying that technology drove me to drink.
What made you want to work at Lonerider?
I enjoy working with our team. As a guy from India, by way of Alabama, running a West Texas Themed brewery in Raleigh, NC, and shipping a German-Style Hefeweizen all the way to Amsterdam pretty much describes my desire to be here.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw?
I believe that being an Outlaw is a state of being. It’s unapologetic, decisive, and an instrument of change. It’s also self-deprecating with a twinkle in the eye sort of humor. It’s the handshake with somebody who is in the know; an us against the world fist bump. Whether we choose to defy social norms or we do a simple act of kindness for somebody when they need it the most, we end the day with the same promise. We are here to stay, and we will not apologize for what we do. You may see us and choose to ignore us, but be certain that we will affect change.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider?
A new Lonerider that is ready for the next ten years and beyond. And that only happens with the great Band of Outlaws I am proud to work alongside every day.
Joseph Wheeler
Head Brewer
Head Brewer
What’s your favorite LR beer: I have been enjoying Gold Dust Light IPA recently. My favorite tends to change with the season.
What’s your background? A homebrewer for two years until I was hired on in packaging. After a year in packaging, I moved to the brew stand, where I spent the next six years with Lonerider. During that time, I went back to school and finished my food science degree. When I graduated, I moved to logistics, where I handle packaging and shipping needs.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? When I moved back to Raleigh from Wyoming, I visited a lot of breweries. I asked around, and everyone said that Lonerider made great beer, and was the most consistent brewery in the triangle. Knowing what I knew about brewing, I knew consistency was much more impressive than occasionally producing a new fun beer. I applied and pestered the company until they gave me a job.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? The decisive way I approach something when I want it. When I met my wife, I lived in Wyoming and courted her from across the country for four months until I got to Raleigh. We have been married for seven years. When I decided I wanted to work in craft beer, I looked into every brewery in the Triangle, even though none of them were hiring. I called Lonerider every day until they gave me a chance. That was eight years ago. When I decided to go back to school to finish my degree, I jumped through every hoop I had to. It was exhausting, but working full time and going to school part-time led to my graduation a year ago with a 4.0 GPA in Food Science courses. I will approach my next challenge with the same enthusiasm. It’s the only way I know how to.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? I love the direction that Lonerider is moving with the Everyday Outlaw series, as well as the beer plan for next year. It’s always fun to make new beers and showcase the talents of the brewers. This plan will allow us to do that.
Drew Kostic
Brewer
Brewer
Favorite LR beer: I am definitely enamoured with our True Lime Pale Ale right now – crisp, delicious, and beer-forward with just a hint of lime; this beer is perfect at any time – whether it’s a 7:30 am sensory check, or a 11:30 pm nightcap….or, likely, both.
What’s your background: Believe it or not, I am a retired attorney (that’s right, folks, you can retire in your 30s…sorta), having practiced litigation for six years and having spent the majority of that time dreaming of brewing beer. It all started while I was still a homebrewer, and between college and law school; I had a unique opportunity to pursue a Fulbright Scholarship in Poland, where I met two of my best friends in the world: “The Belgian Barts.” After having them educate me in the brilliance of European beers, I fell down a rabbit hole of brewing from which I’ve never returned. And I don’t really plan on doing so any time soon! In fact, if you’re interested in checking out my story further, please look into the documentary Brewmaster from 4th Row Films. It follows my path from law to beer (and all the craziness in between); it’s streaming across many services and for free on Amazon Prime.
What made you want to work at Lonerider: As a Duke grad (sorry, haters!), I knew I wanted to relocate to the Research Triangle after my stint in NYC and Lonerider has long been a respected name in all things beer in this area. When I heard there was a possibility of joining the brew team, I jumped at the chance, knowing I’d learn more and do more here as a professional than anywhere else I could hope. Also, doesn’t hurt that the beer is fantastic!
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw: Well, as you might expect, jettisoning a successful legal career and pursuing my love of brewing is a little bit outlaw-andish…but it is who I am and it’s why this team resonates with me. Our time on this planet is so finite, I try to live my life making sure I am the one leading my horse into the sunset, and not the other way around.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider: There are an infinite amount of variables to beer and I love that Lonerider is committed to exploring them all. From Kviek yeast to seltzers, dark lagers to blondes, Lonerider is seeking to push the envelope and that’s where I love to brew. I’m super excited to throw some of my crazy brew ideas at the Lonerider team and see where it takes us!
Chris Lutkowski
Director of Sales
Director of Sales
What is your favorite LR beer: Gold Dust Light IPA – it’s my marathon drinking beer. Great taste, easy-drinking, and low calories – a perfect combination.
What’s your background? Many, many years with consumer goods companies, mostly with Adult Beverages. I keep trying to move away from this business, but it keeps pulling me back in. Selling craft beer is the funnest thing that I’ve done during my career – definitely no difference at Lonerider.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? Our owner – Sumit Vohra. I’d heard a ton of great things about him through working in the industry over the past few years and what he was doing with the Lonerider brand. Since you’re never too old to learn something new, I decided to jump on board when I saw the opportunity. Zero regrets.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? Never accepting the status quo and always questioning how we do things. I’m not a fan of change for change’s sake, but we should always take a step back and ask the question, “Is there a better way to do this particular process?” If yes, let’s get the ball rolling and make the move – don’t delay. If not, move on to the next process and start all over again. Adapt or die. Every….friggin…..day…..IHSV
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? We’re taking an established brand (10+ years) and injecting new life into it. We’ve got an awesome track record with our quality of beers. The lineup that we’re pulling together for the upcoming year is going to amaze a lot of folks – beer nerds and newcomers alike. With all of these new beers, there are a ton of challenges that go along with getting these new liquids in front of our retailers and consumers. Those challenges are what gets me going every day – a new opportunity to introduce someone to Lonerider and turn them into an Outlaw!
Tom Simon
Head Of Marketing
Head Of Marketing
What is your favorite LR beer: True Britt
What’s your background? I’ve had a long career in marketing. I spent nine years doing international marketing and promotions for Universal Records, then on to channel and EMEA marketing for a 3D company. I co-founded a company called Source3 that was later acquired by Facebook and immediately started a new company called Zookies Cookies afterward that was part of Shark Tank Season 10.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? I’ve always loved a challenge and an, in particular, something that I am passionate about and has a tangible product in the end that I enjoy. I’ve lived in Raleigh for 11 years now and remember the first time the brewery opening up. It’s been great to become part of the family.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? I’ve spent the majority of my career as a chameleon. Whether it was marketing Akon worldwide to running EMEA marketing for a 3D software/printer or co-founding two different companies, I’ve always been able to blend in and provide a renewed approach to what I’m working on at that particular moment. The ability to pivot and take challenges heads are what get me fired up.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? We purchased a labeler this year, which has allowed us to expand our seasonal/limited release offerings. It’s something new for us at Lonerider, and we’re going to have a lot of fun with it and bring out some great beers because of it.
Bill Smith
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Manager
What is your favorite LR beer: Gold Dust
What’s your background? Maintenance and field service in several different industry’s
What made you want to work at Lonerider? After talking with the owner and CEO Sumit. I could feel the family atmosphere. I was sold. Best decision of my career.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? I will do whatever it takes to help and protect my family and friends. Drinking a Gold Dust at 7:30 in the morning helps out too.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? The dedication and enthusiasm of the team that we have in place to continue to grow LoneRiders Outlaw nation.
Caitlin Blackerby
Production Manager aka Smooth HOPerator
Production Manager aka Smooth HOPerator
What’s your favorite LR beer: SMaSH IPA
What’s your background? A little bit of everything including janitor at a karate school, caseworker for the elderly at a law firm, and office manager/HR/event coordinator of a brewery, crazy crochet lady, and lover of the oxford comma. The Jill of All Trades.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? I actually met Joseph and Bill a while back when picking up spent grain to make dog treats, and they were so laid back and helpful, even though they were clearly crazy busy! When I found out there might be an opening, I high-tailed it over here to hand-deliver my resume the same day. I already knew from my previous experience that Lonerider was a place I could call home and that logic has proven to be more and more true as time goes by.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? I’ve always been compelled to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. I’m not afraid of being unpopular or unliked because I made the right choice vs. a convenient/easy choice. I think my glasses probably exemplify that I’m not afraid of going against the grain. In this case, it’s likely spent grain from the mash tun.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? Umm… what am I not excited about?! We’re stepping up our seltzer game with the new cans and I think that’s a great example of Lonerider being able to jump into a market without being afraid of the unknown. It’s also exciting to think about the new 2021 lineup and what we are going to be able to offer our fellow Outlaws this upcoming year. Get ready!
Kyle Bennett
Facilitator
Facilitator
What is your favorite LR beer:
What’s your background? Facilitation of getting things done at the brewery and for the brewery.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? They were the first suckers I could get to hire me when I moved to Raleigh from Charlotte.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? I love doing things outside of the norm.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? To open!! Also, excited to be apart of the next line of beers coming out. It’s a great representation of us behind the brand.
David Seyler
Controller
Controller
What is your favorite LR beer: Pistols at Dawn
What’s your background? I have an MBA from St. Bonaventure University; I have worked in public accounting and the garbage industry, and I am working on a Certified Brewer’s Apprentice certification from Wake Tech Community College. I started with Lonerider in December 2019.
What made you want to work at Lonerider? Lonerider is an amazing family that makes great beer. I left corporate America to pursue a career in craft beer, so it was a match that was meant to be.
What makes you an Everyday Outlaw? I will try any beer once! I’ve been enjoying craft beer for a decade now, and my palate is always ready to try something new and unusual.
What are you most excited about, what’s next for Lonerider? I’m excited to see us challenge the status quo of craft beer and put out some great new products.
