EUGENE "GENE" D. MULLER
Founder of Flying Fish, Gene Muller developed the web's first "virtual" brewery in 1995 and generated enough media coverage and investor interest to turn Flying Fish into a reality and become the largest of the 40+ craft breweries in New Jersey. In 2012, Flying Fish opened a 45,000 square-foot brewery in southern New Jersey with a complete focus on sustainability. Flying Fish beers are almost exclusively distributed within 100 miles of the brewery.
Flying Fish has been twice named among New Jersey's 25 fastest growing companies. A former Brewers Association of America Board Member, Muller has been involved in the industry since 1993, and he currently serves on the Brewers Association Government Affairs Committee. Muller is the treasurer of the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild and was one of the leaders of a successful multi-year effort to get new craft beer-friendly legislation passed in New Jersey. He also serves as treasurer of Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia.
Muller received a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. He received the Alumni Entrepreneur Award at Alumni Weekend 2015.
What are you most proud of?
Creating a business that makes products people really enjoy. The best part of my job is when someone says they are going to serve our beer at their wedding or another milestone event. It's gratifying to be able to enhance, in some little way, one of their life's major moments. It's also nice to have created a business where people are happy and excited to visit.
What three words best describe you?
Creative. Tenacious. Passionate.
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
Getting outdoors, hiking, enjoying nature, and travel.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
Go with your gut instincts. The few really big mistakes I made came when I ignored that little voice that said "maybe this isn't a good idea."
If you could say "thank you" to someone at Drexel who would it be and why?
Philip Terranova hired me for my first "real" job as a writer in Drexel's University Relations Department. I started at Drexel as an employee and was inspired by the environment there to pursue a master's degree. I really appreciate that he took a chance on someone with an unproven track record which started me on a path that, with some twists and turns, ended up with me where I am today.