The People

Black Oak relies on great people to make great beer and get it to our customers.  The people we work with are our strongest asset. Each person’s contributions are very important to our success. Learn more about the specialized team that carefully crafts Black Oak into the beer it is.

	Ken Woods, PresidentRunning Black Oak is very hard work, but it’s worth it when someone says, “I really like your beer.” We’ ve been getting a lot of great compliments like that. Lots of sacrifices have to be made, but the goal of a successful business is still the driving force for Ken. Now that we have production stabilized, Ken can focus on growing the company and get our great beer out to those who enjoy it and those who need to be introduced to it. Coordinating and developing production, distribution and sales while creating a very strong team is Ken’s job. At the end of the day, after all of the hard work, Ken feels that we’ve got the right elements and can now grow Black Oak.
	Jorg Gutzeit, Secretary of TransportationBorn in Berlin, Jorg joined Black Oak after spending a significant amount of time in the insurance industry. In addition to making sure that all of our beer gets where it’s going, Jorg is a jack of all trades around the brewery. In his spare time, he’s a talented amateur marksman. Don’t cut off the Black Oak van.
	Simon Da Costa, BrewmasterSimon da Costa has worked for Black Oak Brewery for the past 5 years where he now holds the position of Head Brewer. He received a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has been very active in the brewing industry for over 10 years and has also spent time in various roles at Belhaven Brewery, in Dunbar, Scotland. Raised in the heart of cottage country in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Simon left Canada for higher education in the U.K. where he lived for over 10 years. In 2005, after much thought and debate, Simon packed his bags, said goodbye to close family and friends, and returned to Canada to immerse himself in the burgeoning craft beer movement sweeping across the country. In his spare time, you might find him sipping a beer in one of the many craft beer friendly pubs across the city. Simon is a proud member of both the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and the Master Brewers Association of America.
	Tracy PhillippiTracy Phillippi is our marketing, administrative and event gal who hails from the great craft brewing state of Wisconsin. After moving to Toronto to pursue a Masters of Environmental Studies in agricultural policy from York, Tracy founded the Toronto Youth Food Policy Council - the first of its kind in North America.In 2009, Tracy sucked up by the Ontario craft beer scene.  As a BJCP Certified Judge, Tracy enjoys judging competitions, home-brewing and writing for TAPS magazine about the local food and craft beer movement.  She’s also a secret beer bottling fanatic and loves helping out in the brew house. Although a hop-head at heart she’s now shamelessly developing a new found love for the lager.One day Tracy hopes to combine her two passions by starting an organic farm and brewery in Nova Scotia, featuring grilled cheese and craft beer pairings.
	Jonathan Hodd, Brewer
	Paul Dickey, Associate Brewer Paul began brewing in 1986.  By the 1987 Great Canadian Homebrew Competition he was ready to enter and won four medals and the Best of Show. Paul also started to judge beer in the 80s and took theBeer Judge Certification Program exam.  Paul is currently a Grand Master Level I Judge within the BJCP.In the late 80s Paul started an apprenticeship with Michael Hancock at Denison’s Brewing Company.  Following his early retirement from the Ministry of Health in 1999 he became the brewer at thePepperwood Bistro and Brewery in Burlington and Head brewer at the Black Oak Brewing Co. in Oakville.Paul’s latest venture is Cheshire Valley Brewing Co. – a Virtual Brewery.   Brewing at Black Oak, he is producing a variety of beers available on draught at better beer bars in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph and London. Over the years Paul has developed the Black Oak Saison, Nutcracker, Mill Street Coffee Porter,Kensington Brewing Co. Augusta Ale and most recently Double Trouble Brewing Company’s Hops and Robbers.