Mike Gerhart is Senior Advisor, Technical Services at First Key, where he works with breweries on quality and process optimization initiatives. His work includes operational oversight and management support, developing reporting metrics and SOPs, supporting employee development, and contributing to business plans and feasibility studies. Mike partners with both start-up and established brewery clients on facility design, equipment procurement, construction oversight, operational readiness, and commissioning. He also supports new product innovation, process upgrades, the development and implementation of education and training programs, and provides expert witness services related to brewery operations, quality, and process performance.

Prior to joining First Key, Mike accumulated more than 20 years of experience working with breweries including Hill Farmstead, Dogfish Head, Otter Creek, and Coors. At Hill Farmstead, he served as Chief Operating Officer, during which time the brewery consecutively earned the distinction of Best Brewery in the World from RateBeer.com.

Mike obtained his Master of Brewing from the Versuchs- und Lehranstalt für Brauerei (VLB) in Berlin and holds an undergraduate degree from Johnson State College in Vermont. Outside of First Key, Mike enjoys spending time with his two daughters, snowboarding, being outdoors, and enjoying a good beer at the end of the day.