Ian Caldwell
Arvada,CO
Summary
Game-focused community leader with extensive experience creating engaging, welcoming environments and facilitating social play. Deep knowledge of Magic: The Gathering across Commander, Standard, Modern, and Pioneer, with hands-on experience across Arena, MTGO, and Paper Magic. Brings a curious, analytical approach to gameplay, strong active-listening and communication skills, and a passion for exploring how mechanics, player interaction, and community dynamics can create memorable experiences. Eager to bring a unique player-focused perspective, creative iteration, and collaborative mindset to Magic game design.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Beertender
Denver Beer Co
Arvada, CO
08.2018 - Current
- Educate public on craft beer, fostering appreciation and knowledge
- Deliver exceptional customer service to enhance guest experiences
- Troubleshoot draft systems, ensuring reliable performance and quality
- Perform line cleaning to uphold beer quality and maintain cleanliness
- Founded and managed a weekly Magic: The Gathering community event for 7+ years, growing it into a flagship Sunday night fixture for the Denver gaming scene in which I educated hundreds of new players on Magic: The Gathering mechanics and lore, translating complex rules into accessible, spark-joy experiences
Beertender and Member of the Safety Team
Freemont Brewing
Seattle, WA
05.2014 - 07.2018
- Managed keg hauling and restocked fridges to ensure consistent beverage availability for customers
- Implemented safety protocols to enhance team operations and reduce hazards.
- Executed draft maintenance and ensured cleanliness throughout the bar area
- Maintained high cleanliness standards through regular line cleaning tasks, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment
Taproom Manager
Pike Brewing
Seattle, Washington
05.2010 - 05.2015
- Promoted craft beer offerings in high-volume family-owned establishment in Seattle
- Ensured proper alcohol service and delivered exceptional customer service throughout facility
- Managed inventory to optimize stock levels and support seamless operations
- Prepared end-of-day financial reports to accurately track revenue and expenses
- Conducted till counts to verify cash accuracy and prevent discrepancies
Education
General Diploma -
Ottawa Hills High School
Grand Rapids, MI06-2001
Skills
- Magic: The Gathering: Expert knowledge of Commander, Standard, and Modern; strong familiarity with Pioneer
- Formats & Play Expressions: Arena, MTGO, and paper Magic
- Game Design: Card evaluation, gameplay analysis, mechanic exploration, player experience, and iterative design thinking
- Game Analysis: Identifying gameplay patterns, evaluating card interactions, assessing balance, and considering multiple player perspectives
- Creative Thinking: Curious, exploratory approach to mechanics, themes, and evolving gameplay
- Collaboration & Communication: Active listening, constructive feedback, articulate discussion, and team-oriented problem solving
- Community & Player Experience: Building welcoming play environments, facilitating social interaction, and understanding diverse player motivations
- Leadership: Coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, operational decision-making, and maintaining high standards
- Adaptability: Self-motivated learner with a flexible approach and strong enthusiasm for expanding game-design knowledge
Personal Information
Title: Enthusiastic Leader | Community Architect | Aspiring Game Designer
TECHNICAL SKILLS & INTERESTS
Competitive Analysis: Maintain a consistent Diamond Rank in MTG Arena, demonstrating a fundamental understanding of the current Standard and Limited metas and the technical "card-by-card" nuances required for high-level play
Personal Interests: Fermentation Nerd, Avid Home Cook, Passionate about "Finding the Party" through tabletop gaming
Timeline
Lead Beertender
Denver Beer Co
08.2018 - Current
Beertender and Member of the Safety Team
Freemont Brewing
05.2014 - 07.2018
Taproom Manager
Pike Brewing
05.2010 - 05.2015
General Diploma -
Ottawa Hills High School