Drawn to craft beer, we found chaos and opportunity.
In 2008, the hop industry didn’t give much thought to craft breweries. Global brewing companies dominated beer markets, and even craft breweries were largely fueled by hop scraps that fell from global brewery selection tables.
We were in Oregon, and craft breweries had already become important to most communities here. It felt like a cultural movement, and state by state protectionist laws were faltering under the will of the people. Craft would spread, we believed, and they’d need their own hops.
Roger majored in law at UT in Austin, with a minor in Shiner Bock. Jim majored in Anchor Steam at Stanford, with a minor in Economics. In the ’70s, we were snot-nosed kids in Corvallis, Oregon sneaking into Oregon State events and running from the campus police. Was it possible that we could supply Oregon hops to the craft beer industry, and maybe even get OSU involved? We had the combined experience and resources to give it a go, so we did.
We took three major steps in the very beginning:
- We struck an agreement with OSU where we funded a hop breeding and research effort that would feed new genetic material into our own hop development program.
- We also built Oregon’s first hop pellet mill, engineered for the craft market.
- We established relationships with two outstanding Oregon hop growers.
And so we set out to be hop suppliers to craft breweries.
2009-2021
Milestones along the way
Inspired by brewers
We had a plan in place to develop new hop flavors and supply craft. So what would we call ourselves?
Our company name was inspired by the craft marketplace itself full of small, independent brewers.
Independent & creative—like craft
We liked the word independent and what it stood for, but Independent Hops was a little cumbersome. And we needed something a little more creative like the marketplace that we wanted to be a part of. So we shortened it, and boom–Indie Hops was born!
“Indie Hops looked like it would be a trailblazer in re-orienting the breeding, growing and processing of hops…”
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
Matt Sage
In 2010, Matt Sage was working at Portland’s iconic Bridgeport Brewing when Indie Hops founders Jim Solberg & Roger Worthington stopped by the brewery to try and drum up business for their crazy new venture, which was solely focused on the hop needs of craft brewers.
READ MOREThe team
Most of us have been part of Indie Hops since the beginning. It’s exciting to be part of a team that produces new hop varieties--and that we get to taste what we produce in beer!
Marketing & Communications
Anca had a front row seat as the strategy for Indie Hops was formed. We’re a very patient, product focused, and long-term oriented group. As the strategy took life and we reached the point of introducing our own hop varieties into the market, Anca couldn’t take it any longer and insisted we communicate about what we do. She knows our story thoroughly, so we’re happy having her here to tell it!
Anca Solberg
Marketing & Communications
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
HOPPY PALE ALE
Packaging Lead
We have two Palafox brothers on our team. The younger sibling, Filemon, brings an attention to detail and orderly nature that play a big role in the strong packaging results we achieve: super low residual oxygen and great seal integrity.
You won’t receive any “pellet bricks” from us while “Filet Mignon” is leading packaging!
Filemon Palafox
Packaging Lead
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
NEW ENGLAND IPA (HAZY)
Co-Founder/CEO
Charting a course and grabbing the helm of a new hop effort was a no-brainer when Roger first whispered the idea. Jim is an avid home-brewer, believer in craft beer, and grower of hops at home.
He enjoys the challenge of building things from the ground up, and applying previous business development experience to this irresistible industry has been the perfect challenge.
Jim Solberg
Co-Founder/CEO
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
CRISP LAGER, WITH A REFRESHING HOP FINISH
Packaging & Inventory Support
Anybody can operate a fork truck (sort of) but there are only a few “fork whisperers” out there. We move a lot of hop bales and pallets, so it’s great to have Jorge’s skills on our team. He backs up Waldo in shipping/receiving and fills in as needed on pelleting/packaging.
Jorge Ramos
Packaging & Inventory Support
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
LIGHT AMERICAN LAGER
Hop Sales & Collabs
Kevin graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Mass Communications. Not knowing exactly how he wanted to apply that major, he naturally found his way into the craft beer industry.
Kevin has honed his experience through various cellar and brewhouse roles at both small brewpubs and large production breweries.
Kevin is a passionate craft beer enthusiast who is always game for conversation over a shared beer. He greatly enjoys the camaraderie of the craft beer industry, and finds connecting talented brewers with flavorful hops incredibly exciting. In his words, “That’s when the magic happens…”
Kevin Kutras
Hop Sales & Collabs
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
GERMAN PILSNER. CRISP, ASSERTIVE & EXTRA DRY.
Brewery Ambassador
Our first employee and resident historian, Matt has a rich brewing background that started during the first wave of craft beer growth in the mid 80’s. He provides the insight into brewery operations that helps us stay focused on customer needs and has an uncanny palate that helps us sniff out amazing new hops!
Matt Sage
Brewery Ambassador
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
“THE ONE IN MY HAND.” -Fred Eckhardt
Inventory & Shipping Manager
“Leave it in my hands!” is something of a catch-phrase for Waldo. We’re more than happy to have our on-site inventories, shipping and receiving in his capable hands. Plus he’s always keeping us laughing…
Oswaldo Lopez
Inventory & Shipping Manager
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
ANYTHING! BUT PREFER DOUBLE IPAs
Co-Founder
Roger is largely responsible for IH’s existence by his willingness to take the risk of launching a new hop company during the dark times of 2008. Roger is always channeling energy into something to prevent exploding!
He still moonlights for his law office, AND built a brewery in Bend, Oregon that encourages people to pontificate the heavens and cherish/care for our precious planet.
Roger Worthington
Co-Founder
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
DRY-HOPPED ITALIAN PILSNER
Mill Operations Manager
We have two Palafox brothers on our team. The eldest, Sergio, is the lead operator of our pellet mill–that’s a lot of machines!
He makes it all look easy–a sure sign of someone who is outstanding at what they do.
Sergio Palafox
Mill Operations Manager
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
ROOT BEER!
Plant Breeder & Genetics Scientist
Shaun heads up breeding efforts that feed new genetic material into our hop development program. Although he’s technically an employee of Oregon State University, we consider him part of the Indie Hops team. Even as he sleeps, Shaun is dreaming up new approaches to hop breeding that might lead to a future cultivar that will be in your favorite beer.
Shaun Townsend
Plant Breeder & Genetics Scientist
FAVORITE BEER STYLE:
WELL-BALANCED IPA OR PALE ALE
GET IN TOUCH
Let’s chat.
EMAIL US
- Brewing questions: matt@indiehops.com
- New account setup: kevin@indiehops.com
- Marketing inquiries: anca@indiehops.com
