Our Story

CEO

Alan Beal

Alan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Armed Forces Brewing Company, Inc. Alan is a 35-year veteran of the food & beverage industry and has a passion for craft beer and the Military. He has led, operated, and grown profitable multi-unit independent food & beverage groups in the Denver, Kansas City, and Charlotte markets. Alan comes from a four branch Military family. His grandfather, father, brother, nephew, two uncles, and several cousins all served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. His cult-like dedication to Boston sports teams and Nebraska and Navy Football is annoying.

Chief Brewing Officer

Bob Rupprecht

Bob Rupprecht is Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Chief Brewing Officer and an award winning brewmaster. He is in rare company to be one of a handful of brewers to win the Maryland Governor’s Cup for Excellence in Craft Beer Brewing. Bob is an expert in all aspects of brewery operations, from recipe development to purchasing, to production and packaging. He has been involved in contract brewing for several international customers as well as fledgling Nanos. Bob has the mack-daddy of all home brewing systems in his custom man-cave where he created Armed Forces’ deliciously successful Cat Shot Lager and Special Hops IPA recipes. It’s pretty simple, Bob Rupprecht is a legacy brewmaster and he makes incredible beer.

Director of Sales / USA

John Galanti

John is the Director of Sales for Armed Forces Brewing Company. John is a US Navy Veteran and served on the USS Missouri Battleship BB63. He was one of the recommissioning crew members and is a plank owner. John served in the Persian Gulf during the Iran/Iraq war and is a proud Veteran.

After leaving the military, John entered the beer industry. He has spent the last 30+ years in leadership positions and managed sales teams in multiple States; twenty-five of those years on the distributor side and the last eight years at Lagunitas Brewing Company. While at Lagunitas, John incrementally grew the Lagunitas footprint from 50,000 cases in Florida to just under a half of a million cases, making it the 4th largest state of unit sales in the company.

John dedicates his life to God, family and charitable work through his church along with Veteran programs to help those who have sacrificed so much.

National Accounts Manager

Derek Stolp

Derek is born and raised in Florida, currently living in Jacksonville with his wife and two daughters. Growing up in the Sunshine State has its privileges and when he’s not tending to his mini farm he’s usually slaying redfish, surfing, golfing or mountain biking. He began his beer career in 1998 on the distribution side where he developed multiple beer brands in key retailers such as Publix, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Walmart and other major retailers before joining the team at Armed Forces Brewing Co in June 2023. His passion for providing excellent customer service and solution driven sales has resulted in tremendous sales and distribution growth.

Director of Logistics

John Newell

John Newell is the Director of Logistics for Armed Forces Brewing Company. John is a dedicated Army Reservist, and served from 1989 to 1990 before transitioning into Active Duty Navy as a medical corpsman from 1989 to 1994, embodying a commitment to service and duty. Post-military, he pursued his education at Temple University, Transitioning into the business world, John made a mark in the wine industry. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to establish a craft beer distribution company, highlighting his adaptability and passion for quality beverages. From military discipline to academic pursuits and entrepreneurial ventures, John launched Armed Forces Brewing Company’s beers into the Virginia market in 2018.

Chief Marketing Officer

Michael “MP” Levinson

MP is our Chief Marketing Officer at Armed Forces Brewing Company. He is a seasoned marketing executive with a distinguished military service background in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Holding a Degree in International Relations, an MBA and pursuing a Doctoral in Business Administration focused on Strategy and Innovation, he offers innovative marketing strategies to rise above the noise in today’s crowded, dynamic business environment.

MP lives by the following quotes, “Business is a combination of War and Sport,” and “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all-time thing. You don’t win once in a while… you don’t do things right once in a while… you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit.”

Controller

Chanel Davis-Hall

Chanel Davis-Hall is Armed Forces Brewing Company’s controller. She is a Texas-born native from a long line of Army veterans, but she chose to serve in our great Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA. Chanel transitioned into the civilian world of finance and accounting thanks to her stellar military experience. She is the CEO of her company, CD Hall Group, where she strives to provide honest, clean bookkeeping and administrative services to small businesses nationwide. Fun fact: Chanel only drinks a beer with a frosty glass.

Head Brewer

Dale Lazar

Virginia native Dale Lazar, is the Head Brewer for Armed Forces Brewing Company at their flagship location in historic Norfolk, Virginia. He is one of the few Registered Journeymen in Brewing as recognized by the Department of Labor and Industry under the CRAFT grant. Dale is a beer industry Educator for the University of Richmond/Old Dominion University cohort continuing education program, which offers a Beer Brewing Professional Certificate. He also holds a B.A. in Music Performance from ODU. Dale’s connection to the military resides with his late grandfather who was career Army and served in WWII and Korea.

Sales Operator - Florida

Brett Clark

Brett Clark is the Florida Sales Operator for Armed Forces Brewing Company. He is a twenty-plus-year veteran of the beer and beverage industry. He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing, and a master’s in Sports Management. Brett played football at USM from 1988-1992 as a placekicker/punter and was a part of two bowl teams: the 1988 Independence Bowl and the 1990 All-American Bowl. Brett’s passion is college football and tailgating!

Investor Relations Manager

Audrhei Encinas

Audrhei Encinas is Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Investor Relations Manager. Prior to working in Investor Relations, she worked in the craft beer industry, having even taken the Cicerone Certified Beer Server exam. Her favorite Armed Forces Brewing Company beer is Special Hops – in her opinion, the hoppier, the better.

Investor Relations Assistant

Stephen Boerenko

Stephen Boerenko is Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Investor Relations Assistant. Stephen is a US Navy Sub & Desert Storm Veteran who is now a Project Manager/Agile Scrum Master for NASA’s return to the Moon then on to Mars mission. Stephen has his B.S. in Computer Science and his MBA. He has worked in various industries as a consultant before moving into the Space Industry. Stephen is an avid cyclist who you will find on the beach when he is not riding.

Social Media Manager

Angelica Guingon

Angelica Guingon is Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Social Media Manager. Angelica is currently a dedicated Navy Midshipman, and she is on track to commission as a Naval Officer in 2025 upon completing her college education.
In her role, Angelica excels in crafting and overseeing compelling content for our company’s online presence. Her creative prowess and keen eye for innovative ideas ensure our social media platforms are engaging and dynamic. Beyond her professional skills, Angelica is a firm believer in embracing diversity, valuing individuals of all colors, cultural backgrounds, and political perspectives.

A true leader, Angelica leads by example, always at the forefront of initiatives, and maintains a consistently professional demeanor with those around her. Her commitment to excellence and inclusivity makes her an invaluable asset to our team and reflects the values we uphold at Armed Forces Brewing Company.

Distributor Business Manager

Tim Labbe

Tim is the Distributor Business Manager for Armed Forces Brewing Company based out of Virginia. Tim is a proud Navy Veteran whose service included serving on the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during Desert Storm. Since leaving the military Tim has split his time between a successful sales career and running breweries and restaurants in the Boston area. While serving at Brunswick Naval Air Station Tim got introduced to the craft beer world and has been wildly passionate about it since. He is a home brewer, Cicerone certified, and just spent two and a half years traveling to all 50 states, 48 by camper, visiting almost 400 breweries. While on the road he did a lot to help fellow Veterans in need. He shares the giving back to those who gave so much mindset and heart with that of Armed Forces Brewing Company.

Director

Jason Bailey

Jason is a Co-Founder of Armed Forces Brewing Company, Inc. He is a network systems engineer and team leader for the U.S. Department of Defense. He graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Computer Science in 2007. Jason’s expertise is in Information Technology, Information Security, System Engineering, Project Management, Change Management, Budgeting, Acquisitions, and craft beer. When he is not on-duty, Jason travels the United States to attend craft beer festivals and new brewery openings. He has been involved in Maryland craft beer legislation and testified before the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee on several pieces of legislation affecting Maryland’s craft beer industry and deaf business owners. Jason is also instrumental in the development of Armed Forces’ beer products and quality control.

Director

Amit Rupani

Amit is a Co-Founder of Armed Forces Brewing Company, Inc. He is an Administrator for Acquisitions and Grants at the United States Geological Survey. He graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Communication Studies in 2014. Amit travels the United States to attend craft beer festivals and new brewery openings. He has a keen finger on the pulse of the craft beer industry nationwide. He is also instrumental in the development of Armed Forces’ beer products and quality control. Amit advocates for and assists other entrepreneurs in the deaf community with their start-up businesses.

Director & Advisor

Robert O’Neill

Robert J. O’Neill is on the Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Board of Directors. He is one of the most highly-decorated combat Veterans of our time, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and was a Combat Leader for the infamous SEAL Team 6. Robert is also a highly sought after global public speaker, social media influencer, and best-selling author of the book “The Operator: Firing the Shots That Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior.” Since leaving active duty, O’Neill is also the founder of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, which provides individualized transition support for Special Operations heroes and their families.

Shareholder & Advisor

Ray “Cash” Care

Ray is a shareholder and advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. He is a Navy SEAL Veteran with multiple tours and other numerous overseas security details. Upon leaving SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two (SDV-2), Ray turned his passion and SEAL Team experience to the world of self-improvement and team building. Ray is the Founder of CONQUER, a leadership and team building program designed to push you physically, mentally and emotionally for individuals to break through personal barriers. He has also starred in the film “Captain Philips” with Tom Hanks and was selected by The United States Navy as the Ambassador to be featured in the “Indoctrination” film showed to all recruits at the Great Lakes Naval Recruit Training Command.

Shareholder & Advisor

Darren “McB” McBurnett

McB is a shareholder and advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. On the heels of a 24-year career as a Navy SEAL, Darren McBurnett has become an accomplished speaker and motivator, presenting to companies and groups including CDW, Rite-Aid, Walk-Ons, Albany Road Real Estate Partners, Hilton Hotels, BMO, National Quarterback Club, Fidelity Investments, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, and many others. He is also an award-winning photographer, his professional portfolio including work for NIKE, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, Rolling Stone, CBS SEAL Team, and the movie “Act of Valor.” His work has appeared on everything from album covers to billboards to walls of Fortune 500 companies and is in the homes of Charlie Sheen, Kid Rock, Jim McMahon, John Rich, Brent Burns, Roger Clemens, and John Daly. One of his eagle photographs hangs in the White House.

Shareholder & Advisor

Major Ed Pulido

Major Ed Pulido is a shareholder and advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. U.S. Army (Ret.) Major Pulido is the Founder and CEO of John Daly – Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation which provides mental, physical and wellness support to our nation’s children and Americas Veterans. Additionally, he was the Sr. VP of the Folds of Honor Foundation, a Veteran’s charity which provides the spouses and children of the fallen and wounded educational scholarships. Major Ed is also a founding member of Warriors for Freedom Foundation, a leadership institute focused on the mental, physical and wellness support of our wounded Veterans and their families. He is the spokesperson for AROGA Health. Finally, Major Ed is the Founder of Warrior Nation, a movement focused on the rights of liberty, freedom and patriotism with an autobiography entitled Warrior for Freedom: Challenge, Triumph and Change, the Major Ed Pulido Story.

Shareholder & Advisor

Gretchen Smith

Gretchen Smith is a shareholder and advisor in Armed Forces Brewing Company. Gretchen served in the Unites States Air Force as a SrA serving 3 years of her tour overseas providing physical and operational security assigned to the NATO AIRCENT HQ-Allied Air Forces Central Europe- at Ramstein Air Base. She is the founder of Code of Vets. The inspiration is her father an Airborne combat vet who lost his battle with PTSD. Her org has assisting thousands of veterans in crisis/need across the nation in real time utilizing social media platforms. Gretchen will be a key advisor for the company’s Airmen Brewery brand development and objectives.

Shareholder & Advisor

Dave Bray

Dave Bray USA is a Shareholder and Advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. Dave is a United States Navy/ Marine Corps Veteran and National Recording Artist. Dave considers his music to be a “Continuation of Service” and has dedicated much of his career to honoring our Veterans, Active Duty Military, Fire, Police and First Responders. He served as an FMF Corpsman for the USMC Sniper Teams and following his service went on to lead the Patriotic Rock band “Madison Rising” to national success with his rock rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Dave’s solo career took off with his album “Music On A Mission” which debuted at #6 on the iTunes rock charts.

Since then he’s charted numerous singles including “Last Call” a tribute to fallen Police, and his music videos have been viewed millions of times. Dave’s 2021 album, “Too Far Gone” released at #1 on the iTunes charts and garnered this God Fearing, Freedom Loving, Flag Waving Patriot national success!

Dave Bray USA has shared the stage with rock legends Aerosmith, Shinedown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kansas & Weezer as well as country stars such as LoCash, Craig Morgan, Charlie Daniels, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, Hank Williams Jr., Trace Adkins & Toby Keith. Dave has performed on the Golf Channel, Fox & Friends, and at NFL games, Special Olympics, World Police & Fire Games, Military Bowl, NASCAR, Sturgis Buffalo Chip, National Police Week, PBR World Finals, Wrangler Team Roping Championships, NRA Annual Meetings, Great American Outdoor shows and countless Military, Corporate and Formal events.

Shareholder & Advisor

Scott Mann

LTC (Retired) Scott Mann is a Green Beret and a shareholder and advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. Scott spent almost 23 years in the Army and 18 of that in Special Forces and Special Operations. Scott spent 10 years in 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) deploying to Central and South America, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Scott is a real estate entrepreneur, public speaker, best-selling author, military analyst, human connection expert, and advocate for veterans and veteran’s families. In addition to helping warriors find their voice and tell their story in transition, Scott wrote and acted in the play and film Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret and founded the company Rooftop Leadership.

Shareholder & Advisor

Chris Page

Chris Page is a shareholder and advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. He is currently a regulatory compliance consultant and an Information Operations (IO) Planner in the US Army Reserves. Chris was just mobilized in support of European Command’s (EUCOM) “European Deterrence Initiative”. He has been working in the Veteran Service Organization (VSO) space in NYC for many years now. Chris is also the founder of the Army Week Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving active military and veterans. Army Week hosts the annual Army birthday gala in NYC and recognizes a Veteran who has given back significantly to their community. He is also a board member on several Veteran non-profit boards dealing with wide ranging issues such as ending homelessness and highlighting the sacrifices of Veterans from generations past. Most recently Chris took command of the Weehawken American Legion Post and brought in a team of current generation Veterans in order to bring new life into the organization.

Shareholder & Advisor

Brian Knoblock

Brian Knoblock is a shareholder and advisor in Armed Forces Brewing Company. Brian served in the Unites States Marine Corps as a Corporal in the l Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. He was deployed in 2004 as part of the Operation Iraqi Freedom II mission where he took part in the 2nd Battle of Fallujah as a pointman on his Force Protection Team. Brian will be a key advisor for the company’s Jarhead Brewery brand development and objectives.

Shareholder & Advisor

Amber Miller

Amber is a shareholder and a marketing advisor to Armed Forces Brewing Company. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech University with a dual degree in Multimedia Journalism and Family Consumer Science. Amber was a collegiate cheerleader throughout her career as a Hokie, a member of Alpha Phi sorority, and worked closely with the VT Athletics Marketing Department. She is the CEO of her own social media marketing and digital advertising company PrettyAsPeaches.com and the Vice-President & Director of Iconic Collective marketing and talent agency. Amber is also the Marketing Director for the City of Suffolk, Virginia.