The people behind the scenes
CEO / Founder
Mike started brewing Kombucha in his garage back in 2012 because some hippy surfer in Santa Cruz told him it could make him shred harder. Surfing super powers aside, Mike’s primary Kombucha interest became sourcing organic and sustainable ingredients to create Whalebird’s core flavor line up. After many late nights of brewing followed by climbing sessions at the local bouldering gym, Mike stumbled upon the bold yet balanced base Kombucha that Whalebird still uses today for all of its flavors.
Numbers Guy
Jake joined what became Whalebird back in 2013 when Kombucha kegs were still being delivered on oversized commuter bikes and invoices were handwritten notes. The two loves of Jake’s life are the History Channel and Microsoft Excel. Outside of the brewery you can find Jake downtown swing dancing, spear fishing a secret spot, or playing along to some early 2000’s Eminem with his acoustic guitar.
Builder Man
Lee joined Whalebird in 2015 as the team’s Macgyver, and all around mad scientist engineer. He enabled the team to drastically improve production and ferment more with less by designing and building the systems in place today. Beyond his functional design, Lee possesses a skill set that many engineers lack — the aesthetic eye — which is why the Whalebird brewery also doubles as a constant art installment. Find him at the beach, in a drum circle, or in the water catching some waves on the central coast.
Partner
With 10 years experience in craft beer, Dustin joined up with Whalebird in the fall of 2016 just as things were really starting to pick up speed. He brought with him a knowledge and foundation for scaling production and distribution that has proven to be invaluable. The only time he doesn’t talk too much is when the waves are good — and then it’ll take a force of nature to keep him out of the water. He’s also got the cutest puppy on team.
Director of Operations
Sales Rep
Sales Rep
Daniel, Austin & Alec
The Dyno Team is a creative powerhouse led by their fearless leader Daniel Adoff and his awesome mustache. Together they have helped Whalebird rebrand, build a new website, launch new packaging, and design a whole host of marketing and sales materials. They are a quintessential part of the team and we don’t know what we’d do without them. Smooches.