We sat down over a couple of pints with our newest brew team member, Art Conner aka Artimus, to get to know this Pacific Northwest transplant a little bit better. He has roots in MO, but he has been all over the world trying delicious beers and enjoying the journey. Let’s pick the brain of this brewery ops mastermind.

Where are you from and how did you end up in Springfield?
I was born in Wisconsin, came to Koshkonong, MO (35 miles southeast of West Plains, MO) in high school. Joined the Military after that and moved to Hawaii. Next spent some time in Costa Rica. Moved to Seattle, WA after Costa Rica and spent that past 21 years there. Came back to MO on a whim and got the job at SBC!

How did you start brewing beer?
Originally I started brewing beer to try and save money instead of buying my beer, but during the process I really started to enjoy the science behind it!

Favorite beer memory?
Walking into my first profession brewery interview. My boss set to interview me was late, so I spent some time talking to the brew team getting to know more about the industry getting that behind the scenes perspective, and at that moment I knew I was home and this is where I belong.

Dream beer vacation?
Already did it! I studied in the Master Brewers Program in Munich, Germany. It was an experience of a lifetime.

Favorite style of beer?
Northwest IPA

First time brewing, What happened?
I was impatient. I wanted to drink it too soon, and I did. Still tasted great, though. It was an IPA with Cascade, Centennial, and Mt. Hood hops

Worst beer memory?
It was my most difficult homebrew. 28 gallon batch of an Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Flaked oats were 18% of the grain bill, and it took hours to get it to lauter properly. Well worth the wait because it tasted great! Called it “Stuck Mashed Stout”

Favorite SBC beer?
McDaniel’s Draught Dry Stout, and when that is not on tap it’s Greene Ghost

Best part of the brewing process?
Drinking the beer, Duh!

Oldest piece of beer history?
My Grandfather owned a Tavern in Wisconsin, and I used to raid the basement for the old beer signs and tins. I would grab whatever I could hold and line my walls with the signs. I’m bummed I don’t have the signs anymore.

Favorite beer-related move or book?
Strange Brew

Favorite way to cook with beer?
American lager or Brown Ale used for boiling brats and onions.

What super power would you want to have?
I already possess it, I turn water into beer!

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I owned an ISP company, several .coms and an Electronic Repair company.

If I could have a meal with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
Leonardo DaVinci because of his variety of interests and his artistic skill. He was a true Renaissance Man.