Solemn Oath Brewery Appoints Eric Hobbs Vice President

“Eric is a proven leader who understands the industry, and most importantly, this market,” says John Barley, President of Solemn Oath Brewery. “Our operations team is making world-class beer, we recently made a massive infrastructure investment, and now we’re building the team that’s going to help our company take the next step forward. We’ve been ready for it, but now we have the guy to help get us there.”

Previously, Eric served as President and Co-founder of Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva, Illinois. There, he oversaw operations, sales and marketing, and led a ten-person team charged with managing the brewery’s wholesale and retail relations. Prior to that, Hobbs was High-End Regional Manager for Anheuser-Bush InBev, overseeing its craft and import portfolio of beers for a five state region in the midwest. Additionally, he spent five years at Goose Island Brewing Company, where he served as Market Manager and Key Account Manager.

At Solemn Oath, Eric will lead and execute an aggressive, new sales strategy aimed to grow its statewide footprint. Currently, the brewery markets and sells its portfolio of Belgian-inspired beers in 28 counties in Illinois, including the Chicagoland region and a recent expansion to the Rockford, Bloomington/Normal, and Champaign/Urbana areas.

“I was in the unique position to watch Solemn Oath grow from its early days, and formed a close relationship with its leadership team,” said Hobbs. “Seeing what they’re doing and understanding their strategy for the next five years, made my decision to come on board an easy one. They’re ambitious and progressive thinkers. I’m excited to get in there and start selling beer.”

Hobbs will begin his role at Solemn Oath Brewery on September 6, 2016.

Sometimes at Solemn Oath we listen to rock and sometimes we listen to rap. On occasion you might hear some jazz, pop, or a splash of early punk. The important thing to realize is that we’re always lively. Always accomplishing something. Always planning for what we hope will not be your favorite new thing, or the brewery’s favorite new thing, but our favorite thing together. Never complacent and always adapting. Changing the world, probably. For more information, visit www.solemnoathbrewery.com.