Ken Woods is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with degrees in Business Management and Biology. Ken also likes good beer. He has traveled through the Britain twice and researched many of England's and Scotland's craft brewed beers.

After graduating from high school, Ken attended Carleton University in Ottawa, and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The study of science, the knowledge of biology and chemistry lab work would give him the necessary discipline to examine procedures, methods and ideas. Upon graduation, the job market for biologists was severely limited. Ken was able to get a job in a new restaurant that was being created in his neighborhood. This experience was invaluable to him. He learned how restaurants operate, developed sales skills and training procedures. He worked his way up from waiter to headwaiter, bartender, assistant manager to floor manager over a two-year period. He was also an integral part supporting the creation of a new restaurant concept. This experience was good, but it didn't provide him with enough knowledge. Ken decided to return to school and pursue a business degree. He resumed part time studies at Ryerson Polytechnic University with the desire to focus on business and accounting. Accountants owned the restaurant and he learned a great deal from them.

After leaving the uptown restaurant, Ken looked for a job downtown close to school. Denison's Brewing Company was opening in the fall of 1989. This was Toronto's newest Brewery Restaurant/Pub located in the heart of the growing theatre district. This is where Ken gained the majority of his understanding of the craft brewing industry. Exposure to customers wanting quality craft brewed beer and seeing the how it is produced, gave Ken the idea of developing a microbrewery. He also spent several sessions in the brewery, getting some hands on experience in the creation of beer. His customer service skills were honed as he worked as a waiter, bartender and assistant manger.

Ken's curiosity about beer began after his first university degree. Friends introduced him to imported beer, which had more flavour and character than the domestics. Throughout this time, the craft microbrewed beer industry was growing. Ken also began to examine all the products (craft and import) that were available on the market. He learned about shelf life, distance traveled and presentation of the products.

While Ken worked part time at Denison's he attended Ryerson full time and earned a Bachelor of Business Management majoring in accounting. He then wrote the entrance exam for the CMA designation. The CMA program focused on management techniques and strategies for helping enterprises be successful. He was hired by an IT (Information Technology) Company and got his practical experience in the finance department while attaining his professional designation. Throughout this time he still worked part time at Denison's. With over ten years experience Ken has developed an understanding of the consumers need for quality craft brewed beers. Ken also has a network of friends within the restaurant industry. They have expressed interest in selling Black Oak's Beers. This combined with his business and organizational skills, has encouraged an entrepreneurial desire within him. While the experience at the IT Company has been invaluable, the restrictions of a large corporation did not offer the opportunities that he would like to pursue. Creating a new craft brewery would combine his science and business skills. Ken has left the IT Company and is now devoting himself growing Black Oak with John's help.During his off hours he cycles, sleeps and reads. Occasionally he's able to get out for a pint.