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Can you describe your current role and the path that led you there?

I am the owner and head brewer at ODD Muse Brewing Company. My journey to this role follows a path that’s somewhat typical in the brewing industry, but my unique background and skillset have given me a distinct advantage.

After earning a B.S. in Economics from the University of North Texas in 2005, I began my career as a residential loan sales analyst in Austin. It was during this time that I discovered homebrewing as a hobby. In 2007, I returned to Denton to pursue graduate studies, putting homebrewing on hold. By 2009, I had completed my M.S. in Economic Research and reentered the corporate world, ultimately building a career in Marketing Analytics.

Starting as an analyst, I progressed to a director-level role, managing a team of seven over the course of a decade. Despite my growing responsibilities, my passion for homebrewing never waned. What began as a hobby evolved into an obsession, driving me to shift gears and pursue a career in beer.

In 2019, I founded ODD Muse Brewing Company, leaving behind my corporate career to dedicate myself fully to building and running my own business.

How did your degree from UNT Economics contribute to your career development?

My journey to brewery ownership mirrors a familiar story in the craft beer industry: a homebrewer becomes obsessed and leaves their job to pursue a passion for beer. However, my educational background and skillset provided me with unique preparation that set me apart.

With degrees in Economics, I developed an analytical approach to problem-solving, honed data-mining skills, and built a strong mathematical foundation. These abilities not only allowed me to excel in a career in Analytics but also equipped me to thrive as an entrepreneur.

Throughout my professional career, I applied the skills I gained at UNT to advance in my field, ultimately leading a team of analytical professionals. More importantly, the combination of my education and career experience provided me with the foundation and knowledge necessary to succeed as a business owner.

What did you most enjoy about your time studying economics at UNT?

UNT is a fantastic university that gave me countless great memories and opportunities. Among its many strengths, the Economics department holds a special place in my heart. My journey with Economics began when I took Professor Rous’ Intro to Microeconomics class and decided to change my major. From that moment, I knew I had found my passion and my community.

Every Economics course I took expanded my understanding of the field in unique ways. While some courses were more challenging than others, each played a vital role in shaping a well-rounded education for which I am deeply grateful. The department excelled in structuring the curriculum to keep topics relevant, engaging, and practical.

I thoroughly enjoyed the coursework, the faculty, the staff, and the sense of camaraderie within the department. My positive experience was so impactful that I chose to return to UNT for graduate school, continuing my journey with the institution that had already given me so much.

Do you have any advice for someone considering an Economics degree at UNT? What advice would you give to current and prospective students who are considering a similar career path?

For anyone considering a degree in Economics at UNT, I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re seeking a challenging and rewarding degree that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, Economics is an excellent choice.

For those exploring the idea of majoring in Economics, I suggest starting with some entry-level courses to get a feel for the program and its approach. If you’re aiming for a career in analytics, I highly recommend pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics. This degree offers a strong foundation in both analytical thinking and mathematics, equipping you with the tools needed to excel in multiple fields.