(San Diego, CA) — The past year at Modern Times has been one of both challenge and change. Alongside the rest of the world’s independent businesses, we’ve experienced one of toughest periods imaginable. We’ve also had our own moment of reckoning as our industry was called to the long-overdue recognition of its—and our—shortcomings in critical areas of representation, equity, and accountability. We’ve made some difficult decisions and dealt with some even more difficult realities, and we’ve done everything in our power to listen, reflect, learn, and come out the other side a wiser, stronger, and more equitable company. It’s taken time; we’re nowhere near done, and we’ll never be perfect, but those of us who are still here haven’t stopped striving toward what we know this company can be for both its employees and its supporters.
To that end, we’ve made some crucial leadership decisions that we feel will be instrumental in both the financial and cultural health of Modern Times. As we move forward into the next phase of our journey in beer, coffee, and hospitality, we’re incredibly lucky to be guided by some wildly talented, experienced, and just all-around amazing people. Allow us to make some introductions.
We are immeasurably pleased to announce that industry icon, business magician, and all-around badass Jennifer Briggs has agreed to step in as our new CEO. Jennifer served as VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development with New Belgium Brewing for over 12 years, creating a winning ‘best of’ workplace. She now serves as Senior Strategy Consultant with the Beyster Institute, Rady School of Management at UCSD, and as an independent outside director to corporations. Building healthy, profitable, growth-oriented companies with a dedication for integrated impact with shared capital ownership is her passion. She brings a non-traditional leadership viewpoint focused on values, communication, and community. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, graduate studies in Enterprise Project Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health. She’s also a pretty amazing person with an incredible story, and we could not be more fortunate to have her on board as we move into the new year. A few words from Jennifer:
“Re-entering the beer industry is exciting to me. I have so many friendships built around making and selling beer, and I am looking forward to extending that community. Modern Times has been a company I’ve watched since my time with New Belgium; the business’s approach to having a strong connection to the consumer is unique and special, and something that is much needed as we work our way through the social austerity COVID has created. Modern Times has a unique opportunity to share a genuine connection with a community desiring to live a new, vibrant social experience using the lens of tasting, flavor, and human connections. This company has made many of the right moves to address issues, and they have learned and grown from the experience – now it…
