Employee Spotlight: Bryson Peters | Crosby Hops

Meet Bryson Peters - Crosby's Production Scheduler. Bryson’s role at Crosby Hops is to plan and schedule pelleting and leaf repack production throughout the mill season. He runs a cyclical schedule that revolves around customer hop selections. Not all selections are created equal! Sometimes the volume of a particular selected lot is available and it’s as simple as lot number plus volume. But quite often selections get complicated, blending multiple lots in order to create the perfect aroma or data profile desired by the selecting brewery. Once a brewery selects, the blend proposals go to him to see if he can make the math and timing work for production. “Putting together the production schedule is like solving a giant puzzle” Bryson says. “But keeping the mill running and providing customers with the hops they need for their beers is both challenging and rewarding.” During Harvest and production season, there are a lot of early morning and late nights, but the hops come first!

Bryson grew up in Cornelius on his family’s farm working long and rigorous hours. He enjoyed his time in that pursuit but ultimately decided that it was best for he and his family to find something a bit more consistent and predictable. He still works on his family farm from time to time, where they have a half-acre of hops. Bryson found out about Crosby Hop Farm from Austin Smith (B&D Farms/Blake Crosby’s Cousin). Austin didn't have any jobs available when they met, so he reached out to Blake to see if CHF was hiring. In August 2017, Bryson started on the bale receiving floor and eventually was hired on full time as the company continued to grow. Bryson really enjoys his co-workers here at Crosby including his adorable Duck Toller Retriever, Nova, who is a regular at the office. He also loves being in the hop and beer industry…who doesn’t!?

We asked Bryson a few questions to let the world get to know him a little more:

What are 3 words you would use to describe working at CHF?

Bryson: Fast-Paced. Enjoyable. Challenging.

What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Bryson: Growing up and picking strawberries on my folks and neighbors’ farm. There were early mornings, being on your knees in the mud and getting dirt in your face.

What is something most people don't know about you?

Bryson: I went to school to be an elementary school teacher. Discovering the politics of the school system, I realized it wasn't going to be a sustainable job for me. I loved working with the kids but didn't like feeling of not being able to meet the needs for them.

What is your favorite hop and why?

Bryson: Chinook - gorgeous cones, great yielder, and the aroma of pine. Such a versatile hop.

If you had to pick one beer that represents you, what would it be and why?

Bryson: pFriem pilsner – enjoyable and easy going.

What is your favorite beer?

Bryson: pFriem Pilsner

Where is your favorite place to be?

Bryson: Home property

What is your go to or favorite taproom?

Bryson: pFriem Family Brewers – I love Hood River and being close to the waterfront.