There are some things that are just clear favorites. For instance, quality designer fashion (of course we were going to say this!), the Florida sunshine, walks on the beach, Buccaneers and USF football, and a chill place like Cigar City Brewing where you can hang out with friends and grab a delicious cold drink. We had the chance to catch up with Joey Redner, founder and CEO of Cigar City Brewing and get his take on Tampa Bay style. We knew he’d be a great person to interview, because we can relate to this line on Cigar City Brewing’s about page: “We acknowledge that what we do at Cigar City Brewing isn’t for everyone, but we welcome all.” That’s just like fashion and staying true to your own unique tastes! Enjoy a bit of Joey’s story…

What inspires you daily?
Family is my biggest inspiration. Watching my kids become their own people is especially inspiring to me.

How did you pursue your career field?
I had a passion for beer styles that when I was growing up were very hard to find. Through educating myself about those styles I became passionate about the history and variation in beer.

Joey’s favorite Cigar City Brewing beer: Bourbon Big Sound

How do you or your company help the Tampa Bay community?
We have partnered with hundreds of charities both big and small. Everything from providing free beer for fundraising events to buying and building bikes for an entire elementary school.

How do you encourage creative thinking at Cigar City Brewing?
By example. We had a lot of unique challenges when we started and I was always willing, sometimes even preferentially, to look for the less obvious solution.

If you won a “Best Of” award, in what category would you win? (real or made-up category)
Best: Self-Hair Cut.

A well-dressed person always has…
My eye.

Describe your signature style in one sentence.
Blue collar work shirt practicality.

What piece of clothing do you wear every day or what item in your closet can you not live without?
Do accessories count? Watches. I gotta wear a watch or I feel naked.

Joey’s favorite store. He has great taste!

Do you have a favorite designer or What celebrity is your style icon?
Tom Ford.

What’s your favorite fashion trend?
I tend to eschew the trends in favor of the classics. So my favorite trend is when people rediscover/re-popularize classics.

Speed Round
Less or More? Less
Favorite Color? Royal Blue
Favorite Store? Neiman Marcus
Best spot to relax in Tampa? Davidoff of Geneva
Sneakers or dress shoes? Dress shoes
Tie-dye, hot or not? Not. Never was.
Pants or Shorts? Depends, most of August….shorts
Button up, Polo or T-Shirt? Button Up

Follow Joey and Cigar City Brewing on Twitter: @JoeyRedner @CigarCityBeer  and Instagram: @joeyrednerccb @cigarcitybrewing