Josh began his professional career as a mechanical engineer and his journey into the world of craft beer as a homebrewer.  With a mind for science, creativity and art coupled with a good palette developed over years of experimenting in the kitchen, he realized that craft beer was a rewarding balance of all these skills, and he set out to make craft beer his life.

 

Mike discovered in college that he had a propensity for bringing people together and bringing out the best in them.  This led him to the restaurant industry where he honed his skills in service and his love of craft food and drink.

 

The name Witchdoctor presented itself to Josh as he sat amongst the trees and the stars pondering what craft beer meant to him. Craft beer was ancient.  It was brewed like a mysterious potion that changed over time to a drink that made people feel different and brought them together.  Sometimes throughout its history, it was imbued with various herbs and ingredients meant to have healing effects.  Over the course of time, there have been many names for the those who make potions, tinctures and are regarded as greatly important to the wellbeing of the community.  Out of these, Witchdoctor seemed to provide the mystique he was after.

 

After quite some time of market testing his brews at beer fests, business planning, searching for the perfect location, Josh found the perfect home for Witchdoctor at Factory Square in the heart of Southington.

As the buildout of the brewery began, chance and a mutual friend brought Josh and Mike together for the first time. They were instant friends.  Mike was enchanted with the idea of a new brewery going into his town and wanted to be a part of it.  He helped through the rest of the buildout and began as Witchdoctor's Lead Bartender.  Over the next couple of years, Josh and Mike realized that they worked very well together and shared a common vision for the growth of the brewery.  Mike realized that this was his home and made it official by becoming a partner.

​

Together, Josh and Mike have passionately and relentlessly worked to further and better the Witchdoctor family, brand, product and experience.

 

Josh Norris

Witchdoctor Brewing Company