Matthew A. Hawkins #peopleofoldyalebrewing

MatthewHawkins

I'm a Small business owner, Fishing Guys fellow, up-and-coming BBQ chef and pretend YouTuber

If you look back at your life, is there one moment that stands out to you as a memorable moment (good or bad)?

To pick one moment would be too tough.

I’ve been fortunate in my life to have met my wife. We met when I was 19, she was 18 and we’ve been together ever since. Meeting her has no doubt changed my life. She’s the love of my life.

Becoming a father three times is a badge I hold very proudly. My kids bring me a joy and pride that I never knew I could attain. I love being a father, it’s not always daisies and buttercups, but I love walking through life with my three kids.

I’d also have to say stepping out into business on my own. I left a previous job that had it’s trials and difficulties, but walking out of that place was a catalyst to a lifestyle of learning to create the things I’m passionate about and live the lifestyle I’m so fortunate to lead now.

Who is the most influential person in your life – can you tell us about how they’ve shaped who you are?

Kevin Fricker is someone that I look up to a lot. Having someone that believes in you through your successes and failures makes you feel like you can keep moving. I don’t get to spend as much time with him as I used to, but he’s someone I look up to and have learned so much about life from.

Have there been any ground breaking moments in life that you just can’t get out of your head? What did that moment teach you?

Driving all around the province meeting with and talking with theatre owners to convince them to work with me on an advertising opportunity. I spent a lot of time on the highway by myself, with little to no money in my pocket and the worry that this crazy idea wasn’t going to get me anywhere.

I had a lot of personal revelations and experiences on those trips that have propelled me into the future. It’s those trips that set-up my small business and many other opportunities all across North America.

What motivates you on a day to day basis?

That I can always improve upon myself. If I can be better tomorrow than today, than I’ve won, but if I don’t, then I got work to do for the next day.

I want to better myself every day in my mind, body and soul. I want to be a better husband, father and human being. The world offers too much possibility and opportunities, I want to try and seize as much of it as I can.

What are you passionate about?

Batman, comic books, vinyl, cartridge gaming and 80’s nostalgia.

Creating more than consuming. If I can create more than I consume on a daily basis, I’ve done my job. I have too many ideas in my head that need to move from ideas to actualization. I have talked with too many people that have said they have such great ideas but they’ve never done anything with them. I don’t want to be one of those people.

I love my family. Spending time with them, growing with them, encouraging and watching them step out and fail or succeed is a thrill of life I never knew I would have.

What makes you angry?

People that are too afraid to be themselves because of what they think other people think about them. Stupid social complexities that we think exist but in actuality don’t.

Complacency. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a difference between being content and complacency, it’s when people feel like their work is done and they don’t have anything to improve on. We can be content but still push to do or be more.

And poor font choices.

How often do you come to Old Yale, and why do you like coming here?

I stop in to the tasting room almost monthly, but will load up on a few bomber bottles and growlers for different occasions at home. I enjoy coming because of the quality of beer and people I’ve come to know at OYB.

How’d you hear about Old Yale?

I first heard of and tried OYB when it was set-up on the corner of Vedder Rd and Keith Wilson. A friend had a beer pig in his fridge and was introducing me to craft beer for the first time. From there I would enjoy some Jolly Miller wings with the OYB IPA on tap.

What do you like about Chilliwack? How is it different than other cities?

I grew up in the Fraser Valley, but Chilliwack is home. It’s distance from Vancouver is far enough, but not out of reach. Chilliwack is a fishing mecca, there are very few places in the world that offer the fishing opportunities here, from Sturgeon to Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. It’s a bit of fishing paradise.

I love the literal space the outdoors of Chilliwack offers, but I also love to downtown core that makes Chilliwack so unique and unlike any other community.

Are you a long time resident of Chilliwack? New to the area?

I’m a longer time resident, but my roots are here. I moved here because my wife is from here. We’ve made Chilliwack our home. I became an adult here. I married my wife here, my children were born here. Our roots are setting in deeply here.

How often do drink craft beer?

A few times a week. It’s just about the only kind of beer I drink, except for my guilty pleasure of some PBR. I’m also a wannabe hipster, so I try and cover all of my bases.

What’s your favourite style/type of craft beer? Your favourite OYB beer?

It really depends on the occasion. If it’s after playing a hockey game, then an ice cold pilsner; or, if it’s while I’m grilling up some meat on the BBQ then a Pale Ale or IPA. Hanging out in the evening and talking with good friends, then a good stout.

Either the West Coast IPA or the Fresh Hop Double IPA. I guess I’d have to say that IPA is my all around go to then.