MEET US
Mike Smylie, Owner
Mike Smylie, oldest of the five brothers, has brewed beer for over ten years since his intro to craft beer while a student at Colorado State University. After ten years as a commodities broker, he decided to follow his passion and study at The Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago where he earned another degree in Business Management and Culinary Arts. He cooked at Café Lucci in Glenview, Landmark Grill in Chicago (where he met Smylie Brothers Brewing Company Head Chef Grant Carey), and Aigre Doux in Chicago. When not brewing beer or cooking Texas barbecue, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons.
Favorite Beer Style: Well-balanced and hoppy.
Brad Pulver, Head Brewer
As head brewer, Brad Pulver brings years of professional brewing experience to Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. Most recently, he held the senior brewing position at Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek, Michigan—one of the few 100% open fermentation breweries in the country. He also honed his craft at the Michigan Brewing Company in Webberville as well as Midland’s popular—and sadly now-extinct—Artful Dodger Brewing Company. Originally hailing from Mason, Michigan, Brad studied brewing at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and the Doemens Brewing Academy in Munich where he earned an International Diploma in Brewing Technology. Aside from brewing beer, Brad loves exploring his new hometown Evanston with his wife and two young children.
Favorite Beer Style: Anything Bavarian.
Grant Carey, Executive Chef
Chef Grant Carey met owner Mike Smylie while working at Landmark Grill, where the two formed an instant friendship over their love of Midwestern American Cuisine, barbecue, homebrewing and Belgian beers. Chef Carey comes to Smylie Brothers Brewing Company most recently from an Executive Chef position at The Zodiac Room in Chicago. Prior to the Zodiac Room, he was Sous Chef at Boka Group’s Landmark Grill in Lincoln Park. His extensive experience includes three star fine dining restaurants, private clubs, bistros, catering, and gourmet retail stores. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College.
Favorite Beer Style: Belgian, a wide range of yeasty flavors.
Chris Rimer, General Manager
General Manager Chris Rimer brings a passion for service and management experience from both the restaurant and craft beer sides of the business to Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. Originally from Glenview, Illinois, Chris got his degree from Orange Coast College and management experience at the Yard House, the Rusty Pelican, and Jerry’s Famous Deli in Southern California. He most recently managed the Harry Caray Restaurant Group’s Navy Pier location, and can’t wait to put his years of experience to use at 1615 Oak.
Favorite Beer Style: American lagers.
The Brothers
Mike: Left.
Bart: Top middle.
Jim: Middle.
Matt: Top right.
John: Bottom right.