General Manager, Owner

DENISE FORD-SAWADOGO

Denise Ford Sawadogo is a leading marketer and business developer having more than 25 years of experience. Her global branding, marketing communications, campaign development and product launch experience have led to sales growth and driving brand awareness in retail and business-to business markets. She’s a strategic leader with a Master of Business of Administration (MBA) from the City University of New York, Zicklin School of Business and a Project Management Certificate from the PMI Institute. Denise and Leo have been married for 18 years.

Brewmaster, Owner

LEO SAWADOGO

Leo Sawadogo has been home brewing for the past 13 years. In the last 3 years, he has been laying out the framework for starting up his own microbrewery in the place he proudly and affectionally calls home for the past 10 years: Montclair, New Jersey.

Leo’s background includes being a creator and owner of a small, trendy bar and restaurant for 8 years, in his hometown of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in West Africa. Before this venture, Leo studied being a pastry chef in Ivory Coast, West Africa and later helped to grow the customer base at an Ivory Coast bakery/patisserie.  Leo’s background also includes being a radio personality and journalist at one of the first FM stations in his hometown. His strong social personality honed at Radio Arc en Ciel combined with his multilingual skills contributes to the success of Montclair Brewery.

Office Coordinator

Joe Gentle

Joe Gentile is Montclair Brewery's Office Coordinator. Joe is a Montclair native and grew up in town.

Marketing Intern

Tara Alfano

Tara Alfano is Montclair Brewery's Marketing Intern. Tara is a senior at Montclair State University majoring in Communications and Media Arts with a minor in Business. Her favorite craft beer from the brewery is the "Baobiere" made from the baobab fruit. 

Bar Tender 

Brianna

Tara Alfano is Montclair Brewery's Marketing Intern. Tara is a senior at Montclair State University majoring in Communications and Media Arts with a minor in Business. Her favorite craft beer from the brewery is the "Baobiere" made from the baobab fruit.