Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
, Jason ParkerCo-Founder, PresidentJason was raised in Kentucky and may have a touch of bourbon in his blood. Maybe that’s what got him into craft beer brewing in the early days before there was even a microbrew scene in Seattle. With degrees in chemistry and microbiology and a love of fine beer, he became the first brewer at Pike Place Brewery in 1989. He went on to refine his craft with Fish Brewing Company, Redhook, and work as Brewmaster at Pyramid Breweries. He partnered with Micah Nutt to open Copperworks in 2013. A long-time advocate for craft brewing, craft malting, and craft distilling, Jason served as Board Member and chair of the Washington Distiller’s Guild. He led Copperworks to become a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and now serves on the Board of Directors of the Craft Maltsters Guild.
Jeff KanofCo-Owner, Vice PresidentJeff is a recovering attorney, having left his law firm job in New York City for the Northwest to focus on his passion for fine spirits. He cut his teeth in Seattle by helping to launch Letterpress Distilling. Always an avid beer fan, Jeff spent a month in Belgium seeking out some of the world’s best beers. His interest in complex flavors and craftsmanship led him to explore American whiskey. Countless bottles later, he realized he had fallen in love with spirits and the art of mixing drinks. Jeff joined Copperworks in time to help bottle the first batch of spirits and now directs sales and a huge range of other functions at Copperworks. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Craft Spirits Association.
Micah NuttCo-Founder, Distiller EmeritusWith a background in computer programming, Micah has been a skilled and passionate homebrewer since the 1980s. He and Jason spent two decades homebrewing together before cofounding Copperworks Distilling Company. Micah oversaw the development of the distillery and headed the production department until his retirement. In 2018, Micah was named Distiller Emeritus, having trained several distillers to follow in his footsteps. He now enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife. Among his many talents is wood working; he rebuilt and refined the stunning antique bar featured in Copperworks’ tasting room in downtown Seattle.
Thomas PaesslerHead DistillerThomas joined Copperworks in 2019 after several years distilling at Sound Spirits Distillery, the first distillery opened in Seattle following Prohibition. Originally from Kentucky, Thomas came to the Pacific Northwest by way of Texas where his career in spirits began behind the bar. In early 2021, Thomas took charge of production operations at Copperworks. Driven by quality and with a clear passion for his craft, he is fascinated by the transformative process of distilling and sees “something very romantic about the relationships in nature and in distillation,” believing that the how and why of doing something is just as important as the technical process.
Matt "Skinny" RobertsDistillerHailing from Houston, Texas, Skinny made his way to Seattle in 2016. After a decade as a professional brewer, during which he oversaw barrel aging, special projects, and a recipe development program, Skinny made the transition to distilling by joining the Copperworks team. With a passion for quality and efficiency of process, Skinny takes pride in the act and art of creating. He enjoys building vintage motorbikes and vehicles, playing music, and spending time in the wilderness where he draws inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s diversity of climates and scenery.
Abigail BelknapMarketing & Communications ManagerBorn and raised in bourbon country, Abigail recently transitioned from the Bluegrass to the Evergreen State. And, from bourbon to single malt whiskey. After studying journalism and teaching English abroad for several years, she realized her aptitude for storytelling and love for bringing people together through education or a bottle of whiskey. This led her back to her roots in Kentucky where she took her first official steps into the spirits industry at Castle & Key Distillery. After four years focusing on hospitality and sales, Abigail is excited to explore the world of marketing and communications at Copperworks.
Addison FrandleTasting Room ManagerAddison is a lifelong Seattleite and began his professional career with the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, bringing educational museum programs to schools around Washington. After impulsively taking an “Intro to Distilling” class, he began thinking of how to combine his passion for education with a newfound interest in craft spirits. After starting out as a tour guide and occasional bartender for another local distillery, Addison now oversees Copperworks’ tasting room and tour operations. His favorite part of the job? Being able to make other people’s days a little bit brighter while sharing his knowledge and stories. And the whiskey, of course. He appreciates that “every decision at Copperworks is made with our mission in mind, from our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices to prioritizing a fun, authentic, educational experience for all guests.”
Jack FilipponiSpecial ProjectsJack recently moved from sunny San Diego to Seattle in search of a new adventure. While studying and playing soccer at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Jack felt a connection with the Pacific Northwest and, after graduating in 2020, found his way into the spirits industry thanks to a fellow alumnus. Jack finds that when it comes to craft spirits, people are committed to producing an excellent product they are proud to share and he enjoys being part of the collaborative nature of the industry. He currently works on a wide variety of special projects at Copperworks and helps manage a soccer league in the Seattle area.
Stefanie GoldsteinBookkeeperStefanie brings over 30 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience to the Copperworks team. She has previously worked for such esteemed organizations as the San Francisco Ballet, Lucasfilm, and Glide Memorial Foundation. A classical singer and voice teacher, she plays regular gigs in the greater Seattle area in a band alongside her husband.