Craft Brew Legend Tony Magee Named Entrepreneur in Residence at Sonoma State University

Lagunitas Brewing Company founder to advise campus entrepreneurship and innovation programming, mentor students, and guest lecture

Rohnert Park, CA – Lagunitas Brewing Company founder Tony Magee joins the entrepreneur in residence program at Sonoma State University. Mr. Magee is working in close collaboration with SSU Entrepreneurship and Innovation program faculty and staff to develop innovative co-curricular programs in support of SSU students interested in launching their own business. On October 6, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Mr. Magee will launch the new First Tuesdays program with an inaugural virtual talk on how to craft a new venture’s brand to target specific customer segments. First Tuesdays is a series of virtual chats that will take place on the first Tuesday of every month to promote innovation, science, and entrepreneurship on the SSU Campus. The series is open to the public and complimentary tickets can be reserved at http://sbe.sonoma.edu/entrepreneurship.

“In these uncertain times, entrepreneurial thinking can help our students devise new ideas, respond to rapid changes and emerging needs, and navigate our new world with agility,” said Dr. Jean-Francois Coget, dean of the School of Business and Economics at SSU. “California has long been at the forefront of where the American Dream comes true. We can’t wait to see how Tony Magee will help our students keep California dreaming.”

“After so many years of interacting with Sonoma State and its students over a beer it’s a great thing to be able to share with them how the Lagunitas beer came to be and how that experience might shape their own thinking,” said Magee.

Tony Magee is founder of Lagunitas Brewing Company, the Petaluma-based local beer powerhouse. Magee grew Lagunitas from a garage brewery in 1993, into one of the top five craft breweries in the U.S., producing one million barrels a year in 2018. That year, Magee sold Lagunitas to beer supergiant Heineken in a landmark deal that permanently raised the profile of the craft beer industry. During his tenure at Lagunitas, he played a key role in the industry rebranding from micro-brewing to craft beer. He also ignited the current status of the IPA as a leading beer segment through his creation and marketing of the iconic Lagunitas IPA.

“Tony Magee truly embodies Sonoma State’s values of community engagement, sustainability, and adaptability. His focus on local and craft business and his humility and resourcefulness reflect the character of our university and the North Bay,” said President Judy Sakaki of Sonoma State University.

Mr. Magee joins a team of entrepreneurs in residence serving all SSU students. The team includes Chris Stewart, owner of Pocket Radar, who began his inaugural position as entrepreneur in residence in spring 2019, and Cristina and Michelle Wilson, co-founders and co-owners of Ooh La Luxe, who joined this fall semester. Chris Stewart brings over 35 years of experience in leading technology companies and startups, with expertise in design, new product development, strategic business planning, patents, and consulting. Michelle and Cristina Wilson have ten years of experience in the fashion and e-commerce business.

The SSU Entrepreneurship and Innovation program is a joint initiative of the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Engineering Science. For more information about the SSU Entrepreneurship and Innovation program, please visit our website at http://sbe.sonoma.edu/entrepreneurship.