Life and Work with Theresa Schirner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Schirner.

Theresa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
If you asked me five years ago how much I actually liked beer, I’d probably say,” Sure, Bud Light, Blue Moon, whatever fits the mood.” Today, I would choose Bud Light if it was the only option on a stranded island.

The world of Craft Beer consumed me in 2014. Before that, I was what I consider lost, desperate to find the right job, my future, a career. Since graduating college in 2008, I knew deeply that I wanted a career that made a difference, had an impact and could affect a community in a positive way. What that career was… I had no idea.

It wasn’t until I was offered the opportunity to pour beer at the Alamosa Beer Festival, ‘Rails and Ales’. There I went with my best friend Megan, Echo Brewing owner Dennis and manager Scott. We were at the Friday night block party and I learned that regulars from the Echo Brewing taproom in Frederick had come all the way down to Alamosa to support the brewery. I remember thinking what dedication it was to drive 261 miles just to say hi and drink the same beers you could drink where you live. They preceded to tell me how they fell in love with the beer and the brewery. This gave me an overwhelming sense of community that I hadn’t felt before and changed my perspective about “pouring beer”.

I began employment with Echo Brewing the following month as a beertender and never looked back. There is something about craft beer that just made sense to me; it clicked. I began reading beer books not only to make me better at my job but because I was actually interested. After a year or so, Head Brewer Mic took notice to my new found passion and invited me to intern and learn how to brew. I LOVED IT! Brewing was everything I could have hoped for and more. I was like a sponge. I learned about valves, cleaning processes, mashing, hops and yeast care. Super exciting stuff! Then sadly, there was a turn of events and my husband, Steve, was promoted and we had to move. I left Echo with the hopes of staying in the industry and hopefully opening our own location someday.

I was lucky to be able to stay in the industry. Soon after we moved, Elk Mountain Brewing was hiring a taproom manager and I applied for the position. Little did I know that the brewery was in transition and Tom and Marcia had decided to sell the business to Jake and Doug. Elk Mountain was now becoming Downhill Brewing. My experiences with both owners led way to further my knowledge of the brewing industry. I got to see the financial side, how to manage people, how to inspire change and acceptance. It was an incredibly valuable experience and has forged a new family who continues to support and inspire me. I am so incredibly thankful.

So, 2019. A big year for my now family, we had our son Vincent in December 2017. Daniel and Dennis of Echo Brewing in Frederick gave us the opportunity to purchase into the company and be partners. They had a new project on the Western slopes and needed someone to run the place. Steve and I worked it out and moved back up north. Not only was this our dream, but it was an opportunity for us to manage a schedule around our son. Who knows maybe someday he will want to run a brewery or be a brewer and work for the family business?

Brewing was like riding a bicycle. I had a month for a refresh course and it was time to get busy. Flying solo in the brewery was not only intimidating but left me with self-doubt. I am fortunate to have many great brewers and owners to help me along the way. If I had questions, I could find someone to help. This is what I love so much about the brewing industry. There is an incredible amount of support and camaraderie.

What I find difficult is managing my schedule. One day I’m doing payroll and paying taxes, the next I’m helping out in the taproom for an event or brewing in the back, all while trying to get as much time in with my son and/or husband as I can. It is difficult and I struggle sometimes. What I have learned is that I cannot do everything and its OK to admit that and accept it. Communication is so important. I have an incredible team and husband surrounding me and its important to ask for help when I need it.

We re-branded to Mirror Image Brewing in July to reflect our new partnership and it has allowed us a fresh start. We have made subtle changes to our menu, purchased new merchandise, brewed new beers and added lots of little creative touches that will continue to pop up as we grow. I am excited to see where the future takes us. One thing that will never change is our love and connection to our guests. We want you to feel right at home and share stories over a beer.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If you are passionate about being in the Brewing Industry, you must have thick skin. It is not only physically demanding but in a male-dominated industry, it can be intimidating. Never back down and never stop being who you are. If you accept yourself, they will accept you too. Also, always have fun, be silly, dance like there’s no tomorrow. These things will keep you happy.

Please tell us about Mirror Image Brewing Company.
I am currently the Managing Partner and Brewer at Mirror Image Brewing. I do the financial aspects, the hiring, the managing, oversee a kitchen and taproom and brew all our beer. I pretty much do a little bit of everything. The future will not look so busy, as my husband and I will be working side by side in the future. Until now, I will work hard to push Mirror Image to the next level. We recently won a Silver Medal for our Balefire Irish Red at Great American Beer Festival 2019. It was very exciting to win an award my first year brewing but now feel the pressure to “keep it up”. World Beer Cup, here I come!

Brewing beer is my favorite aspect of the business and keeps me very busy. I am constantly tasting, smelling and feeling textures, plants, foods and drinks. Anything to inspire a new recipe or idea. A majority of my job is cleaning. I feel as though 85% of being a brewer is cleaning. I love it. Everything has a place, a method, a process. This helps my sometimes Type A personality maintain control. I turn on some good music and feel as though I could accomplish anything!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I am sort of obsessed with Nordic culture and Scandinavian food. I podcast Norse Mythology and practice Norwegian on Duolingo. I was a Viking warrior for Halloween and you all will see some Norse ideas popping up around the brewery. Someday I’ll get to go to Norway.

In my spare time, when I’m not chasing a two-year-old around the brewery, I read beer books, magazines and listen to Hop and Brew School Podcast. I want to make sure I am constantly learning and keeping up with trends.

Pricing:

• Beer 5oz – 20oz, $2 to $8 depending on style and size
• Pizzas, 3 different styles of crust, $12-16

Contact Info:

• Address: 5969 Iris Parkway Unit C
  Frederick, CO 80504
• Website: www.mirrorimagebrewco.com
• Phone: 720.445.5969
• Email: info@mirrorimagebrewco.com
• Instagram: @mirrorimagebrewingco
• Facebook: MirrorImageBrewing

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