Our taproom and brewing team (L-R) – Taylor Owens, Josh Parvin, Megan Smith, Andrew Beal, and Ben Pollard
My name is Deborah and I’m a co-founder and co-owner of Koi Pond. I’m also a craft beer convert. Wine and food have held a place in my heart for years. I studied both voraciously, reading and absorbing (literally), even completing the Level 1 course certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. I oversee the wine list at Koi Pond and even poke around the brew house when I can. I love the way craft breweries bring people together and create a welcoming space for everyone in our community as well as those visiting from lands near and far.
I’ve always enjoyed beer, particularly craft brew, but it was not my passion until I began tasting the amazing beers coming across the State of North Carolina. These were beers with a sense of place, a place that I know, demonstrating artistry, ingenuity, optimism, and boundless creativity. I grew up on a farm in Greenville, NC, and take great pride in eastern North Carolina. Witnessing the success of new craft brewers in the region has been an inspiration. We can grow things here, and we will.
My husband Matt and I moved to Rocky Mount 20 years ago and have practiced law here ever since. I am a partner in the Financial Services section of my law firm, Poyner Spruill LLP. I am also the practice group chair for our firm’s Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Law Group. When we are not practicing law or building a brewery, we focus on friends, family, our adorable dog Amos, and seizing every possible travel opportunity.
My name is Matt. I am a co-founder of Koi Pond Brewing Company. Here at KPBC I am the Consigliere and Taste Master General. I grew up in Morganton, North Carolina and went to school at UNC-Chapel Hill and NCCU School of Law. As you just likely guessed, I am a lawyer. I have a wife, Deborah Sperati. She is also a co-founder and a lawyer. We have an awesome brew dog named Amos. Amos loves beer, but he also loves being outside, treats and love.
When I’m not lawyering, I love to watch all things Tar Heels, drink good beer (and wine), eat good food, participate in mud runs, read a good book, go to the beach and travel around the world. I’m a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do but I have never used said skill as I am also very laid back.
I don’t like the sound of squeaky Styrofoam or watermelon but otherwise I like just about everything else.
I am a freak about perfection, integrity, honesty and quality. I think you will see that in our beers.
As far as beer, I like IPAs the best, but also a good stout, but really I just like drinking good beer with good friends.
I’m Josh Parvin. I am an Owner and oversee all Koi Pond operations including managing the taproom and distribution. I’ve been with KPBC since before we opened and love sharing our beers with our customers. In my spare time I like to spend time with family and try new and different beers.
I’m Ben Pollard and I’m the head brewer at Koi Pond. I’ve been brewing here for almost 2 years now and love to experiment as well as honing my craft with our flagship beers. Sometimes you might even find me behind the bar! In addition to brewing I’m also a musician and play in several different bands including The Balter Brothers, Matty Begs, and my latest creation – Mucho Future.
My name is Megan Smith. I’ve been at Koi Pond Brewing since the end of 2016 as a bartender. I am a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan college and enjoy bringing a fun and fresh approach to Koi Pond events! I run the theme trivia nights and a variety of other events and media communications for Koi Pond.
My name is Taylor Owens. In addition to being an art teacher, I often tend bar at The Pond. I’ve assisted in the brewhouse, even helping brew a beer dedicated to my girlfriend that we named Dair 2 Luv. Come see me!