Get to Know Natural State Beer Company

 Mark's expertise comes from over 18 years of experience as an award-winning home brewer, several years leading local home brew clubs, and 2 years on the Arkansas Brewers Guild.  He has led Tatum Smith Welcher Engineers, Inc. for 26 years. 

Kat is mother to 4 children and has been the creative force behind our social media platforms.  Her creativity and instinctive know-how has helped us launch the business, drive traffic, and lead successful events in our taproom! 

Dan has over 30 years of professional domestic and international business experience, calling on large retailers in Northwest Arkansas for most of the time.  Starting as a homebrewer and 1 year as president of Ozark Zymurgists brew club; Dan's also leads NSBC's charitable events and co-founde www.Ale-truism.com (a 501c3 focused on supporting the local beer community giving back to NWA).  

Renée and Dan have been married for 4 years and are active in the community.

 Ryan Smith apprenticed under our original head brewer and co-owner, Will Sonneman for the first 2 years.  In 2021, Ryan was responsible for brewing our GABF Gold Medal winning Maibock Lager which will be released each Spring.  In 2022, Ryan took on the role of Head brewer when Will Sonneman and his family returned East.  

Ryan brings a passion for great beer, meticulous adherence to formulas and beer production and has been responsible for our great beer quality.

Will Sonneman helped Natural State Beer Company get our brewing feet established and helped lead the back of house for three years before returning to the East Coast for family.  His fingerprints are embedded within our DNA and he was instrumental in coaching several aspiring, young brewers.  

While he is no longer actively running the back of the house, Will retains a portion of the original ownership and checks in on us from time to time.