Mike Gerhart is Senior Advisor, Technical Services at First Key. He works with breweries on quality and process optimization initiatives including developing reporting metrics, SOPs, employee development, as well as business plans and feasibility studies. Mike works with start-up and existing brewery clients on design, equipment procurement, construction oversight, operational readiness and commissioning efforts. He also works on new product innovation, existing process upgrades as well as the implementation of educational and training programs.

Prior to joining First Key, Mike had over 20 years of experience working with breweries such as Hill Farmstead, Dogfish Head, Otter Creek and Coors. At Hill Farmstead he was the Chief Operating Officer where during his tenure the brewery consecutively earned the distinction of Best Brewery in the World by RateBeer.com.

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