Brewing Community and Innovation with Evan Westervelt of Midland Brewing Company

In this episode, we’re joined by Evan Westervelt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Midland Brewing Company. From a PBR-fueled epiphany at the Sawmill Saloon to homebrewing misadventures in Colorado, Evan shares how he found his way into Michigan’s craft beer scene—and why Midland Brewing has become a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community connection.We talk about:* The legacy and rebirth of Midland Brewing, including its roots in the 1930s and its transformation into a full-on beer and food destination* Creative collabs with breweries like Stiggs and nonprofits like the Four Lakes Task Force (featuring their fundraising “Damn Good Beer”)* Cross-industry partnerships with Northwood University and the Great Lakes Loons baseball team* Using innovation and alternative ingredients to adapt to industry shifts* How beer dinners (including vegan pairings!) are bringing people together one pint at a time* Why collaboration isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for building a thriving craft beer communityKeep up via midlandbrewing.com, where you can join their newsletter and loyalty club. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe