Drew Gillespie is the president of Pike Brewing, which has been making beer in the heart of Seattle since 1989. Most recently, the independently operated craft brewery introduced a refreshed look, a new head brewer (Leslie Shore) and three new beers. Learn about Drew Gillespie…

Hometown: Seattle

First job: Line cook at Pike Brewing. Not really, but almost, since I started here at 19 years old. I held a few other cooking jobs before Pike.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Swimming in Lake Washington.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Working my way from line cook to president of the company, spanning 23-plus years.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: The pandemic. It hit us HARD in ways we could never have imagined. I will never forget the day that I had to lay off the majority of our staff. It was heartbreaking.

Someone who inspires you and why: Jordan Morris. I’m a fan of soccer, and he is another local person who has fought adversity (two torn ACLs) and keeps coming back. Perseverance is something that I admire.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Treat everyone with respect. Seek out ideas and views that are different than your own.

Favorite quote: “No plan survives first contact.”

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I don’t drive.

What makes someone fabulous: Enjoying life.