Meet the Beer Team
In 2022, Blue & Gold Brewing Co. was born with the purpose of crafting beer products that would embody and celebrate college nostalgia. This translated into creating a student-run business venture dedicated to producing exceptional products that celebrate Marquette's tradition and lively base of students and supporters, past, present, and future. During National Marquette Day 2023, the first Blue & Gold Brewing Beer Team collaborated with five Marquette alumni to brew something Authentically Milwaukee and Uniquely Marquette - the ’77 Golden Ale. We invite you to follow us as the second Beer Team cohort continues the legacy and crafts new unique beer products. Stay tuned for new cheers!
Our Team.
Blue & Gold Brewing's Beer Team is composed of five undergraduate students from Marquette University who love brewing up a good time: D'Angelo, Lisa, Owen, Stella and Sarah. With a shared passion for all things beer, we're crafting beer that goes beyond just satisfying your thirst. Whether you're into hoppy tales, malty memories, or a bit of both, we've got something brewing for you. It's not just about the beer; it's about sharing those Marquette moments in every sip. Join us, crack open a cold one, and let's make some memories. Cheers and connect with us!
D'Angelo Alvarado
Director of Entrepreneurship & Finance
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Bourbonnais, Illinois
Lisa Gandolfi
Director of Strategy & Marketing
Carpi, Italy
Owen Krappman
Director of Logistics & Operations
Chicago, Illinois
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Sarah Richardson
Director of Engagement & Promotions
Streamwood, Illinois
Stella Quinlan
Director of Graphic Design & Creative
Antigo, Wisconsin
Our Mentors.
Meet the brewers behind our beer team! They guide us, inspire us and well... They teach us how to brew a good time! Raise a toast to Dan Katt, JP Graber, Joe Yeado, Kevin Brauer, Richard Leinenkugel, and Tim Pauly. Get to know our beer experts below, cheers!
Dan Katt, Good City Brewing
Co-Founder
In 2016, Dan co-founded Good City Brewing LLC and continues to hold this position. Before that, Dan owned Craft Development, his own company, starting in 2013. He was actively involved in community development, serving as a board member for the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation and as a member of the Emerging Leader Council for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
Dan also contributed to charitable causes by holding positions on the Board of Directors for the Real Estate Alliance for Charity and the Building & Properties Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Dan held positions at J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., including Business Development Manager, Business Development, and Project Engineer from 2004 to 2012. He started his career as an intern at Knutson Construction Services in 2003 and the University of Iowa's Facilities Management department in 2002.
Dan obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in 2019. Before that, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Civil Engineering at the University of Iowa in 2004.
JP Graber, Beechwood Sales
Business Development Manager
With 12 years of experience in sales, merchandising, and cultivating new business opportunities, JP Graber currently holds the role of Business Development Manager at Beechwood Sales & Service.
JP Graber's professional journey began at Beechwood right out of college, starting as a merchandiser and swiftly progressing to Sales Supervisor within a year. In 2011, JP assumed the role of Business Development Manager.
JP Graber's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marquette University, which he earned in 2002.
Joe Yeado, Gathering Place Brewing Company
Founder and President
Joe Yeado, Class of 2007 and 2010, double-graduated from Marquette in Business Economics as an undergraduate, and then decided to return at Marquette to pursue a Master's in Applied Economics. In 2017, he decided to open Gathering Place, an European inspired brewery with an American twist. Joe's favorite memories of Marquette include representing Marquette across the country as part of the Rowing Team and helping to run Hunger Clean Up.
Kevin Brauer, Draught Guard
Director of Business Development
Kevin Brauer, Class of 2019, graduated from Marquette’s Business School of Administration. Currently in the role of Director of Business Development, Kevin has worked with a Milwaukee-based water technology company since 2018. One of his first projects was co-developing a new division for the company specifically focused on draught beer. Today, Draught Guard’s beer line cleaning technology has been embraced by iconic breweries including Leinenkugel’s and Broken Bat Brewing, as well as major beer equipment manufacturers like Milwaukee-based Perlick Corporation, to improve draught beer quality and make draught maintenance practices more sustainable. Two of Kevin’s favorite experiences at school were being on the Marquette Cheer Team and playing the role of ‘Toad’ in children’s musical “A Year with Frog and Toad.”
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Richard Leinenkugel
Retired President and Chief Beer Merchant, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Richard Leinenkugel, Class of 1980, graduated from Marquette with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. After working for 21 years at Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, where he acted as President and Chief Beer Merchant, in 2008 he decided to serve the State of Wisconsin by taking on the role of Cabinet Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Ever since, Richard continued his career by contributing as Member of the Board of Directors for various successful Wisconsin businesses. His favorite memory from his time at Marquette is, along with roommates and friends, winning the best band at the air guitar contest at Brooks Memorial Union, performing "Rosalita" by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Tim Pauly, Broken Bat Brewery
Owner and Operator
Tim Pauly, Class of 2010, graduated from Marquette with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Public Relations. After spending six years working for several top-notch organizations in Direct Supply and Routine Baseball, in 2016, Tim and one of his closest friends and business partner decided to pursue their dream of owning and operating a craft brewery in their hometown, Milwaukee. One of Tim's favorite memories from Marquette is having been a full-time member of the Women's Basketball Team practice squad for 3 years, and being part of the teams' success.
ps: "Shout out to coach Mitchell, they won the NIT Tournament in 2008!"