Our Story

The Musser Family has been rooted in the Wilmington restaurant community since the 1980’s. They are best known for operating Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill and Volleyball Facility, a 10-court sand volleyball facility with a full restaurant and three bars on site. Fast forward to 2016 and the family became a part of the Wilmington brewing community, opening Bill’s Brewing Company. Bill’s Brewing consists of a 7bbl brew system that produces small, specialty craft beers, as well as a 15bbl production brew system that pumps out the company’s signature brews such as Bill’s Light Lager, Wave Break IPA, and Honey Drip Brown Ale. Bill’s Brewing takes pride in brewing craft beer for all beer lovers. Whether your taste buds are new to craft beers or you’re a “beer nerd,” the brew schedule is planned out so we have something for everyone.

Our Team

Donnie Stone

Director of Operations

Donnie was brought to the Wilmington area from Cary, NC, after joining the Marines and being stationed out of Camp Lejeune. He met Brookes Musser in 2013 and their love for each other, and craft beer, brought them to where they are today. Donnie and Brookes joined the family business and eventually opened Bill’s Brewing in 2016. Donnie oversees day to day operations in brewing, packaging, sales, and distribution. When he’s not working, he enjoys watching NC State athletics, holding his breath for the Dallas Cowboys to win another Superbowl, or playing with his sons.

Travis Vreeland

Distribution Manager

Born in Germany, Travis moved all over with his family, who was in the military. He enlisted and trained as a paratrooper, until choosing to leave the military to focus on being the raddest Dad and dedicated husband to his family. He joined the Bill's team in 2021 and hasn't stopped running circles around everyone since. In his free time, he enjoys disc golf, mastering the air guitar, and spreading an abundance of love to those around him. Talk about a great person to work with, this is the guy!

Jim Deaton

Head Brewer

Jim is from Greensboro, NC. A graduate of Appalachian State University, he discovered his love for the science of making beer during his college years. After graduating, he began working at Blowing Rock Brewing Company and eventually became a Lead Brewer. He relocated to Wilmington to be closer to his family and took on the role of Head Brewer for Bill’s. When he’s not creating beer science, he’s fishing and loving on his sweet pup, Aura.

Matt Kramer

Assistant Brewer

Matt joined the original Bill’s team back in 2016 as part of the kitchen crew. His culinary skills eventually brought him into the brewery where he enjoys getting creative with recipes. Originally from New Jersey, he is an avid music lover and plays the drums in his down time.

Harrison Parker

Assistant Brewer

Harrison has been in the brewing industry going on 8 years. Originally from Wendell, NC, he moved to our coastal community and has developed roots. When he’s not busy in the brewery, you can catch him grilling, fishing, or playing with his boys. He thinks people who brew are crazy, but it doesn’t stop him from joining in on the party.

Blake Reese

Cellarman

Born and raised in Wilmington, Blake joins the ranks of the few native Wilmingtonians. He obtained his bachelors degree in medicinal plant chemistry at Northern Michigan University. His love of surfing and his family brought him back to the coast. When he’s not surfing or going on sunset bike rides, he’s sipping some of his favorite seasonal brews.

Callan Trippe

Sales Manager

Callan was born in Selma, Alabama, but spent most of her life in Wilmington. She has worked in the craft beer scene for many years, including managing two bottle shops and working for a large beer and wine distributor. However, her heart led her to Bill’s, in hopes of growing the brand and being a voice in the Wilmington beer scene. Speaking of voice, Callan is the lead singer of Dirty White Rags and Starlight Speedway! When she’s not working, you can catch her singing with her bands, writing music or loving on her animals.

Jason Miller

Sales Rep

Jason is a local musician who plays bass guitar with the Surfreeks and Folkshwagen. He started working with Bill’s in 2022 and has made sure Bill’s Brewing is available throughout the Coastal Region. On the weekend, when he’s not jamming at a local venue, you’ll find him with his wife Mandy and dog Rocoo captaining their pontoon boat, the Bamboozler. He enjoys surfing, hiking, and sipping beers with friends.

Cole Nigro

Coastal Sales Rep

Originally from Raleigh, Cole moved to Wilmington in 2021 after earning a degree from East Carolina University, where he also enjoyed a successful college football career. He worked in the service industry managing a local pub before joining the Bill’s Brewing sales team. When he’s not working, you can catch him playing golf, fishing or relaxing on the beach.

About Us