Student Stories

A Dream Distilled: Meet SPSCC Student Arron McGinnis

By SPSCC Staff

October 2, 2025

SPSCC student Arron McGinnis

“South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing & Distilling program definitely prepared me to work in the industry,” said SPSCC student Arron McGinnis. “I have a good idea about most things I see or work with here in the [Talking Cedar] distillery. That basic background has helped a lot.”

Arron didn’t expect to change careers, let alone industries, before the pandemic hit. But after years of working as a Community Corrections Officer for the state, the global shutdown forced him to reevaluate everything.

Arron had already been homebrewing since 2010. He’d always imagined himself becoming a brewer one day, but a trip to Ireland with his wife changed everything. While visiting the Jameson distillery, he stepped into the barrelhouse and was struck by something unforgettable.

“Just the smell of the barrelhouse was…well, for the lack of a better word, intoxicating,” Arron laughed. “I always thought I’d be a brewer, but there was just something about that experience that made me want to focus on distilling instead.”

As a Marine Corps veteran, Arron had access to VA benefits and was accepted into the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Arron was already an alumnus of SPSCC, having earned his associate’s degree in 2012. When it came time to choose a new path, SPSCC’s Craft Brewing & Distilling program stood out, not just for its location but for its promise of hands-on experience in a field he was passionate about. He joined the program in January 2024 and quickly found himself immersed in a supportive, collaborative learning environment. Within no time, he became the program’s first paid intern.

“The staff and faculty have been amazing. I have nothing but great things to say about them,” Arron shared. “At first, I was unsure how being an intern worked or if it was even allowed. One day, I just asked a faculty member if the opportunity existed. It was really out of character for me, but they made it happen and made me feel welcomed.”

One day, while working as an intern, Arron was approached by Chris Patrick, SPSCC’s Assistant Director of Craft Brewing & Distilling, and Lead Brewer and Cider Maker, with a potential job opportunity. Talking Cedar, a local restaurant, brewery, and distillery in nearby Rochester, WA, was looking for a distiller to join their team. Chris believed Arron was perfect for the job and encouraged him to consider applying.

“Chris said to take a day or two to think about it. Then, about ten minutes later, I told him I wanted to apply,” Arron recalled.

At first, I was unsure how being an intern worked or if it was even allowed. One day, I just asked a faculty member if the opportunity existed. It was really out of character for me, but they made it happen and made me feel welcomed.”

Arron McGinnis|SPSCC Student

Today, Arron works at Talking Cedar as a distiller. The facility doesn’t yet have a barrelhouse, but plans are underway to acquire one soon. For Arron, it’s a full-circle moment. He hopes to work toward becoming a Barrel Program Manager, a role that aligns perfectly with the dream sparked in Ireland.

“This is exactly what I signed up for,” Arron shared. “I can’t believe that I walked into the job that I always wanted.”

While he finishes up his final classes at SPSCC this fall, Arron already feels well-prepared for the industry. The program gave him a strong foundation in both brewing and distilling, and he relies on that knowledge every day at work. He also remains in close contact with many of the staff and faculty who helped him on the way, regularly seeking advice and sharing updates.

“I had an issue with a barrel while I was on the job, so I texted my mentor, Jake Holshue (SPSCC Adjunct Professor, Craft Brewing & Distilling), and he instantly gave me advice,” said Arron. “It’s not just Jake. I talk to Chris Patrick, Sarah Lee (SPSCC Assistant Director of Craft Brewing & Distilling, and Lead Distiller), and Myriam Boyer (SPSCC Instruction & Classroom Support Technician). I know I can rely on them.”

He encourages current and future students to be proactive and curious, because his own internship started with a simple question: can I be an intern?

“Always follow your heart,” Arron shared. “That’s what I did. If it’s your passion, be passionate about pursuing it.”