Meet the Avery Rascal — Holly Pearson

We all have a little Rascal in us. A monthly feature of who makes Avery, Avery. This month’s Rascal is Holly Pearson, our lovely H.R. Director.

How long have you been at Avery and how did you end up here?
I’ve been a part of this wild ride since 2009. After visiting Colorado for the first time in 2008 for the Great American Beer Festival, I found myself a resident just 3 months later. I picked a random spot somewhere between Denver and Boulder to live, and transferred with my former employer to an office out here. I don’t remember that being stressful at all! I just remember a huge exhale like, “We’ve made it! We live in a craft beer playground now!”. One day I was visiting the Avery Tap Room and chatted it up with the Tap Room Manager about sour beers. He cracked a Sui Generis with me and I somehow landed a night job from the interaction. I was in heaven. I don’t think I ever applied for the job! With growth comes opportunity and from there I grew with the company from 25 employees to the 160 we have now.

What were you doing before Avery? What’s your background?
I have always worked two jobs. Either college and full-time work or a full-time and part-time job. My primary job before Avery was handling total loss auto insurance claims. Bartending in the Avery Tap Room by night was everything I wanted to balance the monotony of that. After eventually moving to full-time Human Resources at Avery, I picked up other part-time interests like volunteering at a Great Pyrenees dog rescue and helping out with child care for children in Boulder County Foster Care. I like to stay busy.

Any mischevious stories about the brewery that you want to share?
Ha! H.R. is a sealed vault.

What makes you excited to wake up every day and come to work?
These people. This liquid. Neither can be beat. We have an amazing and talented crew reminding me to show up as my absolute best self every day. The beer helps me cope on the days where I didn’t.

How has working at a brewery changed your life/made you think about the world differently?
Not all exceptionally brilliant people are doctors or lawyers. This brewery is full of people I admire, and they are constantly teaching me new ways to look at things.

Favorite Avery beer(s)?
Go Play IPA has been my go-to for a while.

Favorite non-Avery beer(s)?
Too many options here. I forget to venture out.

Weird hobbies that we should know about?
I home brew… Kombucha. I haven’t figured out beer making yet.