Our Team

 With over 18 years of experience as an award-winning home brewer, 2 years as the vice-president of Ozark Zymurgists (NWA’s home-brewing club), multiple years at the President of Fayetteville Lovers of Pure Suds (FLOPS), and 26 years leading Tatum Smith Welcher Engineers, Inc., Mark combines his leadership, passion and small business ownership experience to Natural State Beer. 

Dan has over 30 years of professional domestic and international business experience, a Master’s degree in Marketing, 1 year as president of Ozark Zymergists brew club, and 5 years leading charitable fundraisers including co-founding www.Ale-truism.com (a 501c3 focused on supporting the local beer community giving back to NWA).  

Kat is the Vice-President of Social Media and Marketing.  Married to co-founder, Mark, and Mother to 4 children she is the driving force behind all social media platforms.  Her creativity and instinctive know-how has helped us launch the business, drive traffic, and lead successful events in our taproom! 

 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.

Matt Smith joined the team full-time in 2022 after graduating from University of Arkansas this past Spring.  Matt's responsibility includes all things taproom and events.  He manages the front of house team to making sure you are getting the best customer service in Northwest Arkansas.

Matt is our contact for live music, karaoke, Singo, holiday parties, company parties and patio reservations, etc.   

Josiah Cauthren joined the team full-time in Summer of 2022 as taproom staff; however, he has jumped in quickly to head of distribution and assistant brewer.  He is responsible for bring Natural State Beer to all of Northwest Arkansas.

Josiah brings his passion for all things beer and excels in both the distro and brewing worlds.