Insights into Boosting Employee Training & Development in the Brewhouse –

For Kevin Moreland, Chief Operating Officer at Fretboard Brewing, building a brewhouse team is less about filling jobs and more about assembling the “perfect band.”

“We look for passion, personality and problem-solving skills,” Moreland said. “Technical skills can be taught, but a genuine love for craft beer, music and teamwork is essential.”

Fretboard, based in Blue Ash, Ohio, has an identity that is deeply intertwined with music, influencing not only its branding but its day-to-day operations. From hiring practices that prioritize teamwork and creative problem-solving (much like choosing bandmates) to fostering a brewhouse culture where mentorship and camaraderie are key. Music quite literally sets the tone during the workday — curated playlists from lead brewers rotate through the speakers, creating an energetic, positive environment. For Moreland and the Fretboard team, brewing and music are inseparable, forming the backbone of a culture where creativity, precision, and shared passion come together.

Fretboard’s approach to hiring, training and developing brewhouse employees offers actionable insights for others seeking to strengthen their teams. Here’s a breakdown of strategies that have worked for Fretboard — and may work for your brewhouse too.

Hiring for Culture & Potential

When recruiting new talent, Moreland and his team prioritize mindset over mastery.

“We are willing to train the right person, but having the right mindset is non-negotiable,” he said. The brewery targets candidates who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and show resourcefulness and initiative.

Both Moreland and Fretboard’s production manager participate in hiring interviews. While the production manager evaluates technical aptitude, Moreland focuses on soft skills — personality, attitude and cultural fit.

One of their go-to questions? “Do you carry a flashlight or a pocketknife?” While quirky, it offers insights into how candidates approach unexpected challenges.

“Our hiring philosophy is simple: find the right people, teach the right technical skills, and build a team that plays in harmony,” Moreland said.

Blending Formal Training With Hands-On Experience

Fretboard’s onboarding process combines structured education with immersive, on-the-floor learning.

Formal training covers safety protocols, equipment operation and standard operating procedures. But the cornerstone of development is the ability to get hands-on experience.

“New hires are paired with senior brewers, shadowing and actively participating in brewing processes,” Moreland said. “We encourage questions and critical thinking to ensure they grasp not just the ‘how,’ but the underlying principles that drive quality and consistency.”

This immediate feedback loop accelerates learning and embeds those best practices early on in development of a brewhouse employee.

Embedding Mentorship in Company Culture

Mentorship, Moreland said, is woven into daily operations at Fretboard.

“From Day 1, every new hire is paired with an experienced brewer who serves as a hands-on guide and mentor,” Moreland said.

These relationships transfer not only technical know-how but also problem-solving strategies and cultural expectations.

Moreland adds that he stays actively visible on the production floor to reinforce collaboration and communication. 

“When mentorship thrives, so does the team,” he said.

Tackling Common Training Challenges

Building a cohesive brewing team with varied experience levels can be tricky. Fretboard addresses this with detailed SOPs — what Moreland calls their “version of sheet music” — and task rotations.

“We rotate tasks across the team to keep the work engaging, build cross-functional skills and avoid burnout,” he said.

READ MORE: Employee Retention: Keep ’em After You Hire ’em

Safety, wellness and communication are prioritized, along with team-building activities. One example: during production rotations, the lead brewer’s curated playlist is broadcast in the brewhouse — a nod to individual personality and team unity.

“A disciplined, supportive team culture is the secret ingredient to great beer,” Moreland said.

Supporting Continued Education & Growth

Fretboard invests in both formal certifications and internal education. Employees are encouraged to pursue the Cicerone Certification Program for brewers and participate in sensory education.

Internally, the company holds training sessions on quality control, sensory analysis and equipment maintenance. Rotating employees through all production stages broadens their understanding of how their work contributes to the bigger picture.

“Our leadership team regularly attends brewing conferences and workshops to stay updated on industry trends,” Moreland noted.

Keeping Engagement High & Burnout Low

Preventing burnout is a core focus for any brewery nowadays and it’s a paramount key for Fretboard.

“We have a rotation program in place, where employees work in different areas of the production process,” Moreland said. This keeps tasks fresh and builds versatility.

Encouraging creativity — such as involving staff in pilot batches and recipe development — gives employees ownership and keeps morale high.

“We recognize milestones, celebrate successes and make sure music is always playing on the production floor,” Moreland said. “We strive to keep our team cohesive, motivated and passionate about what they’re doing.”

By intentionally developing people as much as process, Fretboard looks to offer a model that other breweries can learn from to craft both great beer and great teams.