Beer is only part of the story.

Chad Ritter spent eighteen years in the commercial printing industry, winning awards for quality, accuracy, and speed, which led to supervisory roles in training and quality control. That same drive for perfection has served him well over the years as an amateur race car champion, a seven-time marathoner, a cyclist, and a triathlete in his spare time. It also led him to start his own business and, now, to develop great-tasting beer.

In 2011, Chad began experimenting with home brewing. While perfecting his brewing technique and repertoire, he created a significant network of suppliers and professional brewers. In 2013, he earned the first of his gold medals for brewing. His son was also born in 2013, and Chad stepped away from commercial printing to spend more time with his family and experiment with brewing.

Chad served as president of the James River Homebrewers, the oldest continuous homebrewing club in the United States, from 2016–17. He has won gold medals for his Saison, Pumpkin, and Dry Stout styles and later served as head brewer at Blind Dog Brewery.

Chad’s wife and son are the two great loves of his life, followed closely by brewing. His commitment to quality and excellence continues to show in his role as head brewer at Hidden Wit.

Andrew and Kimberly Taylor both bring extensive backgrounds in business management and ownership to their venture in craft brewing. Andrew worked for 21 years in manufacturing before leaving his career to open their first automotive repair store with Kimberly in 2004 in South Chesterfield, Virginia. They went on to own and operate multiple successful locations of their automotive repair business.

Both Andrew and Kimberly have always been passionate about not only the success of their business, but also the success of their community. Throughout their years of business ownership, they have overcome numerous obstacles, and showing appreciation for the communities that support their businesses remains a top priority.

In 2014, they received the Small Business of the Year award from the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. Kimberly was a founding member of the Women’s Business Council and has served the Virginia Automotive Association and Virginia House of Delegates. Andrew has served as a board member of Grace Home Ministries, which provides mentorship to teenagers.

With over 40 years of industry experience, Stephan understands not just the day-to-day operational needs of a restaurant, but also the big-picture planning and execution of concepts that turn into successful ventures. Stephan attended James Madison University and began his restaurant career by owning and operating CARS, a college bar in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He then went on to manage Morton’s – The Steakhouse in Washington, D.C.

In 1986, he helped build and manage the Occidental Restaurant, a high-profile Washington destination. His success led to his hiring as vice president of operations for Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where he oversaw all East Coast locations and opened new restaurants. From there, he used his experience and knowledge to start his own management company.

He now owns and operates Parry Restaurant Group, which includes food and beverage establishments, boutique hotels, and a winery. PRG also provides construction and operational management, consulting, and business advisory services. Stephan’s hospitality expertise supports Hidden Wit’s operations and long-term success.

David Butler was a foodie from an early age. Not only was his mother an amazing cook, but David’s grandmother owned and ran an Italian market and deli in Northern Virginia. Born and raised in Richmond, David went to Philadelphia after high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and business administration from Drexel University. After Drexel, David went to work at Morton’s – The Steakhouse in Washington, D.C.

Starting as a line cook and wine captain, he quickly rose to assistant general manager. He helped open the Richmond Morton’s location and later became general manager of Old Original Bookbinder’s, a Parry Restaurant Group restaurant.

In 2008, he helped Parry open the first Q Barbeque location. After acquiring an ownership stake, David became managing partner of Q Barbeque Restaurants and Catering. He brings more than 20 years of experience in multi-unit operations, startups, human resources, business finances, branding, and marketing, along with extensive culinary, wine, and beverage training.