Our Story
Michael Read
Michael Read began his fascination with craft beer and brewing way back in 1991. Though he had to take some time away from the hobby, in 2009 he renewed his passion and honed in his product. His meticulous nature about process and ingredients paid off when he gained multiple medals at the National Homebrew competition. Being an engineer with a savvy business mind, Michael always looks for process efficiency and a willingness to tread uncharted waters.
Jason Kelly
Jason Kelly dipped his toes in the homebrewing world in 2001. However, after only a few batches, a job relocation out of state would force him to take an extended hiatus. In 2016, Jason jumped back in head first, eventually earning multiple competition medals and became President of a local homebrew club. He knew pretty quickly he wanted to join the craft beer industry, and in 2019 did just that while maintaining a “day job”. By then middle of 2020, he was working full time in the industry.
The building Grainology chose comes to us with a rich history. This building was built in 1902 to house the US Wind Engine & Pump Company foundry. The company was founded by Daniel Halladay, John Burnham, and John VanNortwick and moved to Batavia, IL. in 1863. They manufactured windmills, feed pumps, farming equipment, and railroad fixtures. Our building was constructed to use as the foundry for the company. During World War II, this foundry, along with the other foundries operating in Batavia at the time, were used to make armaments and supplies for the United States Military. U.S. Wind Engine & Pump received the Army Navy E Award, an award recognizing “Excellence in Production” during war time.
