Title: Quality Manager
Company: Bissell Brothers Brewing Company LLC
Location: Gorham, Maine, United States
Matt Nelson, Quality Manager at Bissell Brothers Brewing Company LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Quality Control.
Mr. Nelson is recognized as a leading expert in the brewing industry, currently serving as a quality control manager at Bissell Brothers Brewing Company LLC since 2016. Upon joining the Portland, Oregon-based brewery, he was tasked with building a comprehensive quality control program from the ground up, as no formal system previously existed. Drawing on his background in biotechnology, Mr. Nelson implemented rigorous protocols for yeast management, fermentation monitoring and packaging oversight. Today, Mr. Nelson’s responsibilities include ensuring yeast health and viability during beer fermentation, maintaining consistency across batches, overseeing can sealing and product fill levels, checking beer color and bitterness, and measuring oxygen levels to preserve product integrity. He also plays a pivotal role in new product development.
One of Mr. Nelson’s most significant professional achievements since joining the brewery was the creation of an on-site, fully equipped laboratory. Under his leadership, this laboratory now operates with a dedicated team. Mr. Nelson considers this accomplishment the cornerstone of his career, reflecting both his technical expertise and commitment to operational excellence.
Before his tenure at Bissell Brothers, Mr. Nelson served as an associate scientist at EnviroLogix, a biotechnology research firm in Portland, from 2011 to 2016. There, he advanced from working in the dry room to becoming a production chemist, mastering techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detecting genetic modifications in crops. This experience provided Mr. Nelson with foundational skills in laboratory management and analytical testing that have informed his approach to quality control in food and beverage production.
Mr. Nelson’s educational journey began at Southern Maine Community College, where he earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences with a focus on liberal studies in 2006. The broad-based curriculum fostered critical thinking and adaptability, qualities that have been instrumental throughout his career. Beyond his degree, Mr. Nelson is an active member of the American Society of Brewing Chemists and participates in the Quality Control Collaboratory, furthering his engagement with industry peers and advancing brewing science.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Nelson is dedicated to supporting students and fostering educational opportunities within the community. He collaborates regularly with local universities and organizes an annual internship program at Bissell Brothers, offering college students practical training that bridges academic concepts with real-world applications. Through this initiative, Mr. Nelson aims to inspire future generations of scientists by providing mentorship and hands-on experience.
Mr. Nelson’s reputation for innovation and hands-on scientific work has earned him invitations to speak at industry events, including the New England Beer Summit in Portland, Oregon. Although he was also invited to present at the Craft Brewers Conference, COVID-19-related circumstances prevented his attendance.
Crediting much of his success to the mentorship he received early on, Mr. Nelson developed a strong sense of independence and a “do-it-yourself” mentality. This mindset is encapsulated in his personal mantra that “nothing is hard.” Instead, Mr. Nelson believes that challenges are often more daunting in thought than in practice, a philosophy that has propelled him through complex projects and leadership roles.
Looking ahead, Mr. Nelson intends to expand the reach of his laboratory by transforming it into a teaching resource for both the brewery and local academic institutions. He envisions welcoming more students into the laboratory environment to demonstrate universal quality control principles applicable across various industries, including dairy, thereby strengthening ties between industry practice and education while maintaining exceptional standards within his department.
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