Voices Discovered: David Armstrong
What do you get when you combine the passion to provide a unique experience for people, desire for a great bottle of beer and an entrepreneurial spirit? David Armstrong, owner of the Brewer’s Kettle in High Point and Clemmons. Armstrong was born in Morganton, NC, yet moved at the early age of 3 to the Triad, where he graduated from Ledford High School in ‘98. Early in his career, David spent an abundance of time working in the kitchens at High Point Country Club, Chick-Fil-A, and Steak Street. It was in 2007 that David started to extensively study beer and wine, which led to his desire to become a part of the beverage industry. Due to his extensive knowledge, David was able to recognize the untapped (pun intended) and underappreciated market for craft beer, before it became largely popular in 2011. The Brewer’s Kettle has now been in business for 9 years and continues to offer a large selection of the best high-end craft beers, bottles of wines and cigars. He and his wife, Crystal, have an 11-year-old son, Aeden.
Read below to learn more David and his company!
Q. What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?
A. I would probably be cooking, I still love to prepare food for people.
Q. What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?
A. The importance of maintaining and servicing refrigeration. Routine maintenance goes a long way. This really applies to anything though.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. I love chardonnay.
Photography by Alisha Schwanke
Q. What motivates you?
A. I enjoy helping people get out of their comfort zones to find something new. I am always on the hunt for the unique, unknown or interesting choice for people.
Q. Best career advice you have ever received?
A. “You should open a beer store” Mike Olasin. Thanks, Mike!
Q. Favorite book?
A. Catcher in the Rye
Q. Best vacation you have taken?
A. My wife and I went to Oregon on our honeymoon last year. It was such a beautiful place. I can’t wait to get back there.
Photography by Alisha Schwanke
Q. Where will find you on a Sunday afternoon?
A. At the Kettle on the “right side” of the bar or hiking with my family.
Q. Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A. Gin and Tonic
Q. What makes you truly happy?
A. I love being outdoors on trails with my family. I have always enjoyed the woods and I find great peace among the trees.
Photography by Alisha Schwanke
Q. As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. What three pieces of advice would you give them?
A.
- Always focus on your goals, but don’t lose focus on who helps you achieve those goals.
- Find a way to leave work at work.
- Have a set of principles and stand by them.
High Point Favorites
Q. Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?
Q. Restaurant you can’t get enough of?
Q. Local shops doing everything right?
A. OrganicAF
Q. Favorite place to grab a drink?
Q. Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?
Q. Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?
A. Liberty Brewery and Grill. They have been a staple in High Point for years. It’s always been a great spot to grab a drink and catch up with friends.
The Brewer’s Kettle
1813 N. Main Street #101, High Point, NC
(336) 885-0099
Voices Discovered is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their view. Consider it a peek into the heart and soul of our local businesses. We hope you will be inspired to investigate more. Past guests have included Lisa Hawley and Dr. Nido Qubein.
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