Our Team

President / Owner 

Pete the founder of Big Axe Brewery. Originally from Newfoundland. 

Pete saw great potential in Nackawic as a beautiful location to establish a business along the St. John River.

Pete has always been passionate about brewing and use to do home brews. In 2013, he took the initiative to start up a 1bbl brew system, and his dedication and skill in creating delicious brews quickly gained recognition.

In 2018, Pete embarked on an ambitious expansion project, working tirelessly to establish our new Brewery. His hard work and determination paid off. Pete has always been a hands-on owner in the brewery, taking on the role of master brewer, cellarman duties, sales and overseeing production to managing operations.

Pete's is a passionate, patient, and caring individual who values the importance of teamwork and equality. 

Pete recognizes that running a brewery can be complex and demanding, and he remains calm and composed even during challenging times. Pete strives to create an environment where every team member feels valued and appreciated, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among us all.

His favorite Big Axe is Kick Axe DIPA and Shakespeare Chocolate Oatmeal Stout - Named after his first brew dog

Operations Manager 

Krystle has been an invaluable member of our team over 9yrs. Initially hired to work in the taproom, it quickly became apparent that Krystle had a genuine interest in the brewing process. Her curiosity and eagerness to learn led her to take on the role of a brewer, where she excelled in both the taproom and brewing beer.

From the beginning, Krystle demonstrated exceptional qualities that made her an asset to our team. She is a quick, efficient, and reliable worker, always going above and beyond to ensure that every task is completed with great attention to detail.

In 2018, when our brewery expanded to a 10bbl Brewhouse, Krystle's passion for brewing led her to take on the role of head brewer. For 4 years, she maintained the reputation of Big Axe Brewery as a producer of excellent quality beer.

Recently, Krystle has taken a step back from brewing and embraced the position of operations manager. Alongside this new role, she still actively participates in cellerman duties, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the brewery. 

 We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for her hard work and dedication over the past 9 years. She has played a significant role in shaping the success and growth of our brewery.

 We are greatful to have her part of our team with her knowledge and experience for the smooth running of our operations.

Her favorite Big Axe is the Kick Axe DIPA

Head Brewer  

Chris, an experienced brewer, joined our team in July of 2022. After seeking a change in his career. 

Having worked at various local breweries, Chris moved and bought a home outside our little town, making Big Axe Brewery the perfect place for him to work. 

He is a key member of our brewery team. We consider ourselves fortunate to have someone as passionate as Chris taking control of maintaining our existing brews while also spearheading the development of new ones.

 His dedication to the craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him an invaluable asset to our team.

One of Chris's  strengths lies in his ability to utilize local, fresh ingredients in his creations. He understands the value of sourcing ingredients from the surrounding area, not only supporting local producers but also ensuring the highest quality and freshness of our brews.

 He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. . With a deep passion for brewing, Chris consistently delivers exceptional results. 

He plays a pivotal role in maintaining Big Axe Brewery's reputation for producing top-notch, delicious brews with unwavering quality.

Chris's strong work ethic is evident in his dedication to staying until the job is done, making him a reliable and dependable member of our team!

His favorite Big Axe brews are Blonde Hatchet and our seasonal Harvest Moon Helles!

Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador / Taproom supervisor  

Karie-Lynn has been an invaluable member of our team for over 4 years, primarily working in the tap room where she serves our esteemed customers with our delicious brews. 

Her consistent presence and unwavering commitment make her someone we can always count on. 

Karie-Lynn not only fulfills her responsibilities diligently but also takes initiative to go above and beyond in ensuring a smooth operation. No matter the task, she tackles it head-on, ensuring exceptionl results!

One of Karie-Lynn's standout qualities is her quick wit and sense of humor. Her witty comebacks and lighthearted banter never fail to keep us laughing and create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for both staff and customers alike. 

Beyond her entertaining personality, Karie-Lynn's passion for the brewery is truly inspiring.

 We consider ourselves extremely fortunate and grateful to have someone like Karie-Lynn as a part of our team and cannot imagine the brewery without her.

 Her contributions have played a significant role in our success, and we look forward to many more years of working together. 

Thanks, Karie-Lynn, for you passion for the brewery!

 
A couple of her favorite Big Axe products are the Blonde and Lizzy Borden Red

Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador / Taproom supervisor  

Amanda has been a invaluable member of our team for over 2 years, and her presence has been nothing short of awesome.

 From day one, she has consistently shown her dedication and commitment, making her someone we can always rely on. Amanda's unwavering reliability is a trait we greatly appreciate. Amanda is always a delight to engage conversation and have a laugh!

In addition to being dependable, Amanda consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She not only fulfills her responsibilities with excellence but also takes the initiative to ensure that everything is done efficiently and effectively.

 Amanda's proactive approach and willingness to go the extra mile have made a significant impact on our operations.

When Amanda's not pouring beer, you can find her down in the brewery, working diligently on our canning line. 

Amanda's contributions to our team are truly invaluable, and we cannot imagine the brewery without her.

 Her commitment, work ethic, and attention to detail have made a positive impact on our overall success. 

We are incredibly grateful to have Amanda as a part of our team and look forward to continued growth and success with her by our side.

Her favorite Big Axe isn our Pur Soleil Cider

Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador

Jenicca, has been an invaluable member of our team for over 5 yrs. She dedicates her summers to working with us, when she's not studying her law degree.

One of the most remarkable qualities about Jenicca is her incredible passion and enthusiasm for the brewery. Her genuine love for what she does shines through in every interaction with customers and fellow team members. 

Her infectious energy and positive attitude create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back, eagerly awaiting her return each summer.

Jenicca's warm smile and vibrant personality have made her a favorite among our customers. She effortlessly connects with people, making them feel valued and appreciated.  Jenicca's ability to build lasting relationships is a testament to her sincere and kind-hearted nature.

As much as we appreciate and value Jenicca's contributions to our brewery, we understand that her future lies in her law career.

 While we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments, we cannot help but feel a sense of sadness at the thought of no longer having her with us on her summer breaks!

However, we are also excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter in her life, knowing that she will bring the same level of dedication and enthusiasm to her legal career as she did to the brewery.

Her favorite Big Axe Is our Pur Soleil Cider

Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador 

Marianne, our newest team member, has quickly become an integral part of our work family. 

Since joining us this season, she has brought  knowledge and experience to the table, making her a valuable asset to our team. 

Marianne's initiative and proactive nature have proven invaluable in tackling any challenges that come our way.

 Marianne's personality shines through, brightening our days with her infectious smile and positive attitude. She effortlessly fits in with our team, and we are grateful to have found such a wonderful addition to our staff. 

 We are excited to watch Marianne's growth within the business. We anticipate that she will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our team, propelling us forward and helping us stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. 

Her favorite Big Axe Is our Lizzy Borden Red

Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador 

 Andrew would frequently visit, taking a seat and enjoying his favorite Big Axe brew. He always loved the atmosphere at the Brewery.

Whenever Andrew noticed a need for assistance, he would eagerly jump in and lend his support. Through these acts of kindness, a friendship blossomed between Andrew and our staff. We all got to know him on a personal level, and together, we built a sense of camaraderie.

Around a year ago, Andrew officially joined our team, becoming an integral part of our operations. His versatility is a tremendous asset, as he works with canning, special events, and in the taproom, and is always ready to lend a hand wherever it is needed. 

Andrew's dedication and reliability have earned him the trust and gratitude of our entire team.

Beyond his contributions to the brewery, Andrew's service to our country is an inspiration to us all. Having served for over 20 years, he has demonstrated immense dedication and sacrifice. In honor of Andrew and all the troops who serve and have served, we were inspired to create the Green-Eyed Pale Ale. 

This beer is a symbol of our appreciation for their commitment to protecting our country and ensuring our safety.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Andrew for his service and for everything he does for us at Big Axe Brewery. His selflessness, kind heart, and unwavering support make a significant difference in our community. We can always count on Andrew to be there for us, both as a friend and as a valued member of our team.

 His official joining of our team has only strengthened the bond we share. We extend our deepest thanks to Andrew for his service and for everything he does for us. His presence enriches our brewery, and we are grateful to have him as part of our family. 

His favorite Big Axe Is our Green Eyed Pale Ale and Kick Axe DIPA

  Customer Experience & Brand Ambassador and our Kick Axe Kitchen Cook 

Summer joined our team in the spring of 2023. As a student studying to be a teacher. Although hired to work in our kitchen, you will also see Summer working up in the taproom serving our beer. 

She has been learning lots about the craft beer industry.

We can always count on her to be present and ready to contribute her best efforts. Whether it's prepping ingredients, cooking delicious meals, or ensuring our kitchen runs smoothly. Her funny and bubbly nature brings a positive energy. 

It's been great to get to know Summer this season and she is a great fit to our brew family.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue to work with Summer and we are confident that she will continue to thrive in her position and contribute to the success and growth of the brewery. 

Thank you Summer for always being there and your passion for the Brewery.

Summer does not drink beer, but she does enjoy the occasional Giver River from Ole Foggy Distillery

 Kick Axe Kitchen Assistant

Leah, a high school student who joined our team this summer 2023. Originally hired as a table busser, Leah's interest in the kitchen has quickly become apparent, as she eagerly learns and assists with cooking tasks.

Although we have not had the opportunity to get to know Leah extensively, we are excited about the possibilities she brings to the table. Her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and explore new areas within the brewery demonstrates her curiosity and desire to learn.

Despite being relatively new to our team, Leah has already shown great dedication and a genuine enjoyment for being a part of our team. Her positive attitude and eagerness to contribute makes her a valued member of our staff. 

We appreciate her commitment to continuing her work with us as she explores her options and figures out her future career path. We are grateful to have Leah as part of our team and are excited to see her flourish and grown with us and taking initiative.

Deliveries 

Kevin, a local resident in our town, has been an avid supporter of Big Axe Brewery since its inception.

 From the very beginning, he could be found in our taproom, enjoying his favorite Big Axe Brew while interacting with customers and staff. 

However, 4 years ago, Kevin made the courageous decision to quit drinking. Despite no longer consuming alcohol, Kevin has remained a familiar face at the brewery. 

Kevin often said the main thing he missed about drinking was the social aspect of it. Which inspired us to create our first Non-Alcoholic brew Sociable.

 We are incredibly grateful for Kevin's continued support, his assistance with deliveries.

On his days off, he willingly lends a hand with deliveries.  We greatly appreciate his dedication and the valuable contribution he makes to our team.

Whether it's making runs to St. John or delivering locally, we rely on his reliability and dedication to ensure our customers receive their orders promptly. 

Kevin's loyalty and dedication remind us of the importance of community and the impact that individuals can have. 

Brew Dog & Brand Ambassador

Portia our brew dog will be the first to greet you with her wagging tail.

 She never fails to bring a smile to everyone's face. 

Her presence adds an extra dash of warmth and comfort to our workplace. she's also an avid fan of belly rubs and treats.