Meet Adventure Guide, Chris Sturm
Meet Chris Sturm, our Adventure Guide since day one!
While the brewery and our beers are rooted in history, we bet you didn’t know this extended to our staff. When we come across people like Chris Sturm who share a love of history, and beer, we offer them an opportunity to be behind the bar sharing their passion for the past. We’re proud to call Chris an Adventure Guide since day one. Get to know him here and have him pour you a Basecamp beer or one of his special blends next time you stop by.
Where are your roots and how did you end up here?
Originally from New York State, I grew up a few hours north of New York City in the Hudson Valley. I took a leap of faith when I turned 30 and moved to North Carolina, and it has been a blessing! I love it here! Accessibility to the mountains and adventure, a thriving brewery culture, and great friendships has made this the perfect move. I’ve been here for five years now, and I look forward to many more in the Charlotte area!
What led you to Lost Worlds?
So, I actually work full-time as a middle school history and English teacher at Davidson Day School. Over the last few years I taught both of the founders’ children, and after building a great relationship with the family, I was offered a job through a mutual love of craft beer. I love that this position at Lost Worlds bridges our connection between our school community and our new brewery family!
What's the best part of being an Adventure Guide?
Sharing the stories behind each of our beers with all of you is my favorite part of being an Adventure Guide! As a history teacher, I love to research the history of practically everything. So, naturally, I gravitate to the stories behind each of our beers, and I appreciate that we as a brewery have a story to tell. As a traveler, I have a number of my own unique stories, and I love hearing travel stories of all the adventurers walking through our doors. I would love for you to share your travel stories with me!
What's it like being behind a mask during your shifts?
Getting to know all of you each shift has been wonderful! Seeing you spending time with loved ones and friends, laughing, and enjoying our beers has been nothing short of fantastic. However, at times I feel like you haven’t gotten to know me as well simply because I’m always behind a mask. Soon enough, Covid-19 will pass, and I look forward to shaking each and every one of your hands with a smile on my face that you can finally see!
Tell me about a favorite adventure you've been on?
I jumped in a car with one of my closest friends after college and traveled cross-country for two months. We drove through 27 states and camped and hiked in 23 National Parks. It was on that trip that I discovered the difference between going on a vacation and truly embarking upon an adventure and a journey. I discovered a love of spontaneous adventure and driving into the unknown. Ever since, I try to avoid taking “vacations” and instead try to plan new journeys around the country that will allow me to explore places I’ve never been to!
What can we find you doing when you're not pouring delicious Lost Worlds Beers?
You can find me visiting other local breweries, hiking, camping, fly fishing, playing golf, or playing disc golf on my days off. I love spending time outdoors! I’m also a huge Yankees fan, so you may run into me watching a ball game!
What's your favorite style of beer?
You’ll usually see me drinking a pint of IPA, but my all-time favorite style of beer is a smoked porter. I circle around as many styles of beer as I can each year, and I’m always trying as many varieties as I can. Since moving to North Carolina from Connecticut four years ago, I’ve been trading beer with a good friend of mine back up north. Our trading has exposed me to not only dozens of breweries around the North East but also numerous styles of beer! It keeps me looking for unique beers, new breweries, and interesting collaborations.
Do you have a favorite Food Truck?
To be honest, I’ve really loved all the trucks we bring to the biergarten! Chase does a great job booking a variety of trucks that offer a number of different styles of food. I always order something from each menu to try what each truck has to offer. That being said, I love BBQ, so I’ve really enjoyed the food from Dan Good Que and J.J. Langes Beatz & Eats. I can’t pass up any food truck though, and I would encourage you to try as many as you can like I have!