Bret Hausner
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Beverage enthusiast who is always looking to improve and learn. 6+ years of experience in brewery operations/distillation. With a proven track record of innovative problem-solving and team collaboration, enhancing production efficiency and quality control.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Brewer
Confluence Brewing Company
Des Moines, IA
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Oversaw brewing operations ensuring consistency and quality in production processes.
- Developed innovative recipes enhancing flavor profiles and expanding product offerings.
- Implemented process improvements reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency in brewing cycles.
- Collaborated with sales teams to align production with market demand and consumer trends.
- Conducted regular quality control assessments ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Troubleshot issues within brewing equipment promptly to minimize downtime while maintaining high-quality outputs.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring timely procurement of raw materials and minimizing waste.
Draft Tech
Keg 1 Iowa
Ankeny, IA
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Swing shift position, responsible for training new employees, drive multiple routes throughout Iowa, Clean draft lines, repair lines, repair kegs, and handling any customer issues that arise.
Production
Iowa Distilling Company
Cumming, IA
12.2023 - 05.2025
- Operate bottling line ensuring efficiency and quality control
- Assisted in production of spirits, bourbon, vodka, rum, moonshine
- Maintain and repair bottling equipment, enhancing productivity
- Knowledge of barrel aging and harvesting product
- Collaborate on distillery projects, supporting team success
- Contributed to record monthly sales
Cellarman/Packaging Lead
Kinship Brewing Company
Waukee, IA
12.2020 - 11.2024
- Brewery safety, chemical handling, cleaning, and maintenance
- Keg cleaning and operation of commercial keg washer
- Packaging beer into kegs and cans
- Milling grain and preparation of brewing ingredients
- Assisting brewers with wort production
- Fermentation and quality control procedures
- Cleaning and sanitization of fermentation and brite tanks
- Transferring and handling of finished beer
- Draft line cleaning and maintenance
- In charge of the canning line and packaging of product
- Able to use a pallet jack and forklift
- Completed frequent inspections to identify and resolve problems affecting performance and performed sensory tastings
Bar Manager
Elix Brewhouse
Des Moines, IA
01.2017 - 07.2020
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events
- Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings
- Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions
Bartender
Hy-Vee Market Grille
Waukee, IA
01.2016 - 07.2025
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication
Bartender
Twisted Fork Restaurant
Omaha, NE
06.2015 - 12.2015
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands
- Made drinks and waited tables
- Closed down the restaurant and cash till
Education
Beer Server Level 1 -
Cicerone
High School Diploma - undefined
Abraham Lincoln High School
Council Bluffs05-2010
Skills
- Avid homebrewer continuing to learn and improve my craft
- Fermentation
- Grain Milling
- Wort Production
- Cellar Management
- Stock Rotation
- Product Inspection
- Equipment Maintenance
- Problem Solving
- Forklift Operation
- Pallet Jack Operation
- Chemical Handling
- Beer Packaging
- Quality Control
- Draft Line Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- Bartending
- Team Management
Timeline
Brewer
Confluence Brewing Company
08.2025 - 06.2026
Draft Tech
Keg 1 Iowa
05.2025 - 08.2025
Production
Iowa Distilling Company
12.2023 - 05.2025
Cellarman/Packaging Lead
Kinship Brewing Company
12.2020 - 11.2024
Bar Manager
Elix Brewhouse
01.2017 - 07.2020
Bartender
Hy-Vee Market Grille
01.2016 - 07.2025
Bartender
Twisted Fork Restaurant
06.2015 - 12.2015
High School Diploma - undefined
Abraham Lincoln High School
Beer Server Level 1 -
Cicerone