Meet Adventure Guide, Tim Bamford
Adventure Guide and Pilot, Tim Bamford, gives new meaning to our beer flights.
Next time you pull up a seat at the bar and order a flight of our award-winning beer, you’ll likely be served by our own Chief Pilot. Tim Bamford, born and raised in Rochester, served 20 years in the Air Force after college, where he took part in the ROTC Air Force program. Flying in and out of 80 countries throughout his career, Tim spent the last 5 years in the important role of piloting Air Force 2. He’s moved his military family seven times until he recently retired and chose Cornelius as their final destination. “We love the community here and the lake vibe, everyone is so friendly and happy to be here which makes it a great place to raise our three children. We've been here just over a year now and couldn't have picked a better place to live!”
What led you to become an Adventure Guide?
I love breweries and craft beer, and being new to the area, I was looking for ways to get involved in the community, so when I saw that Lost Worlds was opening just down the street it was almost too good to be true! After meeting the founders, Dave and Allison, and hearing about their vision for Lost Worlds, I knew it was a perfect match. They have created an incredible place for the community to come together and enjoy good times and great beer, and I'm just thankful to be a part of it!
What is it about working at Lost Worlds that you enjoy most?
Tough question because it's hard to pick one thing, but I'd have to say it's meeting and getting to know our fantastic customers! From talking about our beers, to helping them pick a beer they'll love, to hearing about their backgrounds and stories and what brought them here, no two days are the same which keeps things interesting and exciting. But of course I also have to mention the great team that I get to work with! Everyone from the owners to the brewers to my fellow Adventure Guides, everyone strives to make Lost Worlds a great experience for all. Being part of this team and watching the brewery thrive has been incredibly rewarding.
Tim spent his last 5 years in the Air Force flying both Joe Biden, Mike Pence and the first families on
Air Force 2
What’s the most exciting adventure you’ve been on?
This one is tough, after 20 years of flying all over the world, in and out of over 80 countries, it feels like one long adventure! I was very fortunate to have the travel opportunities I had in the Air Force, but now my travel focus is about going back to these places with my family, and sharing the experience with them. Exploring with our kids is a completely different kind of travel, and seeing them experience the world is so much fun. Of course COVID has put a temporary pause in that plan, but we'll be back at it soon hopefully!
What’s your favorite style of beer?
Whatever DG and Harrison are brewing! My style changes with the season but I generally prefer lighter beers like Pilsners and Kolschs or light Lagers. Of course this time of year, nothing beats a good Oktoberfest or Porter! For me, where I am and who I'm with is as important as the beer itself, there's nothing better than enjoying great beers with family and friends!