Josh and his wife Michele relocated to Southwest Florida in 2022 with one clear goal: help build something special through Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co.

The Ongoing Journey

Today, Josh wears a lot of hats at the brewery. From leading the gluten-free one-barrel production program inspired by Michele’s celiac journey, to overseeing marketing, merchandise, and daily front and back of house operations, he’s deeply involved in nearly every corner of the business. Helping create a welcoming experience for both craft beer lovers and gluten-free customers alike has become one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey.

Our Life

Outside of the brewery, Josh and Michele have spent the last few years planting roots in Bonita Springs. After purchasing their home in 2025, much of their free time has gone into improving the property, rebuilding the yard, and taking on projects around the house.

Community

Josh also operates the Chubby Mermaid merchandise printing setup from his garage workspace, producing many of the brewery’s shirts and apparel during the quieter summer months. During the offseason, he also enjoys doing home watch work for a local business owner, appreciating both the change of pace and the opportunity to see some incredible local properties around Southwest Florida.

When brewery life allows for a little breathing room, Josh and Michele enjoy traveling and exploring new places together. They hope to continue seeing more of the East Coast over the years ahead, though family spread across California, Colorado, Oregon, and Hawaii always makes choosing destinations a challenge.

For Josh, Chubby Mermaid has always been about more than beer. It’s about building a life centered around creativity, community, hard work, and giving people a place that feels welcoming the moment they walk through the doors

Giving Back

As our name suggests, we love manatees—our “chubby mermaids.” That’s why we proudly donate a portion of every beer on tap to the Calusa Water Keepers as part of our annual giving.

By enjoying a beer at our taproom, you’re also helping protect these gentle giants. Want to do more? We encourage you to visit their website and consider donating directly or scan this QR code below to donate. Cheers!