Ken Woods, CMA, President
Running Black Oak is very hard work, but it’s worth it when someone says, "I really like your beer." We’
ve been getting a lot of great compliments like that. Lots of sacrifices have to be made, but the goal of a successful business is still the driving force for Ken. Now that we have production stabilized, Ken can focus on growing the company and get our great beer out to those who enjoy it and those who need to be introduced to it. Coordinating and developing production, distribution and sales while creating a very strong team is Ken’s job. At the end of the day, after all of the hard work, Ken feels that we’ve got the right elements and can now grow Black Oak.
Ken Woods is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with Bachelors degrees in Business Management and Biology. Ken likes good beer. He has traveled through the Britain twice and researched many of England’s and Scotland’s craft brewed beers. During his off hours he cycles, sleeps and reads. Occasionally he’s able to get out for a pint.
Read more about Ken
Adrian Popowycz, Head Brewer
A native Montrealer, of Ukrainian descent, he received his Masters in Chemistry from the University of Montreal then spent time in a successful career in the Biotech Industry before he finally persued his dream of brewing beer. Adrian spent a year living in Berlin as he trained for his Brewmaster Diploma from the VLB in Belin, graduating with the best mark since the English program began in 1999. While in Berlin he enjoyed touring many breweries accross Germany and Belgium. He has been with Black Oak since the fall and now lives here in Toronto with his wife Donna.
Paul Dickey, Associate Brewer
Paul was the head brewer from January through March 2001, and developed our Summer Saison seasonal beer for 2001, and our winter Nutcracker for 2002. Both were raved about by all. Since that time Paul has been involved in helping to recruit and familiarize successive brewers to brew at Black Oak and is still involved as a relief brewer for Adrian. Paul is also the brewer at the Pepperwood Brew-Pub in Burlington and is a Master Judge within the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP).
