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This issue, we take ten minutes with Megan Maguire, Mid-Atlantic Market Manager for Duvel Moortgat USA. We linked up at the new Pennsport bar, The Industry so I could pry into her day-to-day.
ON THE SIMILARITIES OF TEACHING AND SELLING BEER:
I taught four different grades: 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th. Sure, it’s similar. You’re giving people information. You’re telling a story. In both roles, you find yourself often speaking to a room full of people. I traded in the classroom for beer dinners, and wholesaler sales presentations.
WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD? HINT: THE BREAD SLICER WAS BORN IN 1928.
I’m going with slacks, the invention of a “pant option” for women. I couldn’t deal with all those long skirts and that petticoat bullshit. Editorial note: This didn’t actually happen in the Western World until the 1960s, but I’ll let her slide. Plus, some areas refer to pants or trousers as “kegs” – tie in!
IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE IN PHILLY -WHERE WOULD YOU LIVE?
I absolutely love living in Philadelphia. I am originally from Northeast Philly, and I bought a house in South Philly a few years ago. Everything that is so great about the city is literally 5-10 minutes away. The only other city I could live in is Chicago. So clean. So beautiful. So fun. It’s got a mid-west sensibility in a big, big, city. I’ll always remember the first drive into the city. It’s got fantastic architecture.
WHERE’S YOUR HIDEOUT?
Izumi. It’s not really a hideout because it’s on one of the busiest corners on East Passyunk Avenue, but it IS the best sushi in the city. It’s also a byo where I can drink some Duvel or maybe some non-beer bubbly. I prefer the designer rolls.
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT BEER CRUSH?
Duvel is my favorite beer. I love the experience of romancing the beer, pouring it in its signature glass, and explaining the 90 day process from beginning to end. I also love the story of the Moortgat family, a fourth generation family of farmers/brewers. It’s special to me. It’s my ‘go to,’ and nothing makes me happier than seeing it on a menu.
ON BEER:
I’ve tried them all. I went to Belgium last year and finally met face to glass with Westvleteren. I knew I needed to get some stateside, so I left my voluminous hot rollers behind so I could squeeze more beer in my bag. I figured I could buy the rollers again.
YOUR FIRST CRAFT BEER WAS YARDS THOMAS JEFFERSON’S ALE- TELL ME ABOUT IT.
I was at City Tavern with my brother and his then girlfriend-now wife Christine. We got a “Founding Father’s” flight. I enjoyed them all but Thomas Jefferson’s ale stood out as a favorite. This was 2003.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FLEDGLING BEER REP?
Always, always return all calls and emails in a timely manner. Every call is important. Follow up is key to everything in sales.
IF YOU OWNED A RESTAURANT- WHAT TYPE OF CUISINE WOULD YOU SERVE?
All food that can be served on a stick. No utensils, just sticks. Corn dogs, Kebabs… seafood- all served on sticks. How great would that be?
IF YOU COULD BE A SPOKESPERSON FOR ANY PRODUCT WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Keurig® Platinum Programmable Single Serve coffee maker. Now that’s the best thing since sliced bread.
