Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Firster.
Hi Josh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really comes down to two things: a love of fermentation and bringing people together.
I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, experimenting, and sharing those experiences with others. Homebrewing became a natural extension of that curiosity, and eventually that passion led me to help establish the Lakewood Fermentation Club (LFC).
What makes LFC special is that we’re about much more than just brewing beer. We’re a community of people who enjoy exploring all kinds of fermentation, whether that’s beer, wine, cider, mead, or fermented foods. Some of our members have decades of experience, while others are just getting started. That’s exactly the environment we want to create: a place where anyone can show up, ask questions, share ideas, and feel welcome.
Over the years, we’ve grown into an active nonprofit organization hosting monthly educational meetings, guest speakers, brewery tours, friendly competitions, social gatherings, and collaborative brewing projects. One of our proudest accomplishments was winning the 2024 Front Range Circuit, proving that even a relatively small club can make a big impact.
Today, I serve as Co-President of LFC, and what I enjoy most is watching the friendships and connections that have developed through the club. There’s something pretty rewarding about seeing people come together over a shared interest, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships along the way.
For me, LFC has always been about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about the people around it, and I’m excited to see where we go next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone would describe starting a club in January 2020 as perfect timing! Just a couple of months after we launched the Lakewood Fermentation Club, COVID-19 brought nearly everything to a standstill.
We had started with the idea of bringing people together through a shared passion for homebrewing and fermentation, and suddenly, getting people together was the one thing we couldn’t do. It’s pretty difficult to build a community when you can’t actually be in the same room!
Like so many other organizations, we had to adapt, rethink our plans, and figure out how to keep people engaged during a time when everyone was dealing with their own challenges. Building momentum for a brand-new club is difficult enough under normal circumstances, let alone during a global pandemic.
Even after things began returning to normal, there were still challenges. Keeping members engaged, attracting new faces, organizing events, finding interesting educational opportunities, and balancing everything with our personal and professional lives takes a lot of time and energy. We’re a volunteer-run organization, so nearly everything we accomplish comes from people generously giving their time.
One thing I’ve learned is that building a successful club isn’t necessarily about having the largest membership or the most elaborate events. It’s about consistency, creating a welcoming environment, and giving people a reason to keep coming back.
Looking back, I’m actually pretty proud that we started under some of the worst possible circumstances and managed to build something that continues to bring people together. If anything, those early challenges reinforced why having a community like LFC matters in the first place.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our organization is the **Lakewood Fermentation Club (LFC)**, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting homebrewing, fermentation, education, and, most importantly, community.
While beer is certainly a big part of what we do, we’re about much more than just homebrewing. Our members share interests in making beer, wine, cider, mead, and fermented foods. At its core, LFC is about bringing together people who enjoy creating things, experimenting, learning new skills, and sharing what they’ve learned with others.
We host monthly educational meetings, welcome guest speakers from across the fermentation and craft beverage industries, organize brewery tours, participate in homebrewing competitions, and put together social events and collaborative projects throughout the year. Some of our favorite experiences have been the ones where members get their hands dirty, try something completely new, or learn from someone with a different background or perspective.
**What I think really sets LFC apart is our approach to making everyone feel welcome.** You don’t need expensive equipment, years of experience, or even know how to brew beer to be part of our community. Whether you’ve been brewing for 30 years or are just curious about making your first batch of something, there’s a place for you. We try to keep things educational without being intimidating, and we certainly don’t take ourselves too seriously.
I’m especially proud of the relationships we’ve built, both within the club and throughout Colorado’s craft beverage community. We’ve developed friendships with local breweries, industry professionals, and other homebrew clubs that have opened doors to some incredible experiences. Winning the 2024 Front Range Circuit was also a particularly proud moment for us and a testament to the talent and dedication of our members.
As a volunteer-run organization, none of this happens without people willing to contribute their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Watching members step up, share their expertise, help each other improve, and celebrate one another’s accomplishments is easily one of the most rewarding parts of being involved.
**If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know about LFC, it’s that you don’t have to be a homebrewer to join us.** You just need a little curiosity and a willingness to learn. Come to a meeting, grab a beer, meet some great people, and see what we’re about.
At the end of the day, great fermentation might be what brings us together, but it’s the friendships and experiences that keep us coming back.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who deserve credit, but I really have to start with **Old 121 Brewhouse**. Without them, I’m not sure LFC would have ever gotten off the ground. They welcomed us from the very beginning, gave us a place to call home, and have continued to support us along the way. They’ve been more than just a meeting location; they’ve become part of the LFC family. I can’t thank them enough for believing in what we were trying to build.
I also owe a lot to **Sam, my fellow co-founder and friend**. We took an idea and decided to give it a shot, not knowing exactly where it would lead. I’m grateful we took that leap together, and it’s pretty incredible to look back and see what came from those early conversations.
Then there are our members and the people who have served on our managing committee over the years. I genuinely appreciate everyone who has volunteered their time, shared their knowledge, helped organize events, or simply showed up and supported what we’re doing. It’s easy to overlook how much those little things matter, but they really do.
And I can’t leave out the local breweries, homebrew shops, guest speakers, and friends throughout the Colorado brewing community who have opened their doors to us and generously shared their time and expertise.
**One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most is just how generous people can be with their time when they believe in something.** None of these folks had to help us, but they did, and many continue to do so. That means a lot to me personally, and I hope they know how much I appreciate them.
Pricing:
- Free Membership – $0/year: Everyone is welcome to join LFC, attend meetings, connect with fellow fermentation enthusiasts, and participate in club activities. Some events may have an additional fee.
- Paid Membership – Approximately $35/year: Supports the club’s educational programs, guest speakers, events, and activities. Paid members also enjoy additional benefits, including waived fees for most regular club events.
- No Membership Required to Visit: Curious about homebrewing or fermentation? Come check out a meeting, meet the members, and see what we’re all about!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakewoodfermentation.club/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakewood_fermentation_club/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakewoodFermentationClub/
