OUR TEAM
Mike Pawley
head brewer
Michael Pawley stands out as an eminent figure in the brewing industry, showcasing a remarkable blend of skill, passion, and dedication. His journey began with a chemistry degree and a deep-rooted love for beer, leading him to Virginia Beach where he honed his craft at notable establishments such as Commonwealth Brewing Co. and Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse. Michael’s pivotal decision to throw his name into the ring for a brewery job in Hampton Roads five years ago marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in his career.
Partnering with Scott Osborne and Jinson Chan, Michael embarked on a bold entrepreneurial venture to reflect his experiences and aspirations. This collaborative effort culminated in the establishment of Sojourn Fermentory, a pioneering craft brewery. Having spent two months in Austria learning the art of brewing authentic European multi step decoction lagers from a Czech brewmaster, Michael wants to present customers with a European bar experience. Michael’s visionary pursuits surpass mere expectations; they stand as a testament to his steadfast dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Rooted in his earnest desire to provide patrons with a traditional and enriching brewing encounter, his endeavors epitomize excellence in the craft and capability to create a business that will flourish.
Scott Osborne
Operations Director
Scott Osborne grew up in Upstate New York before moving to Chesapeake in 2001. Since then, he has been actively involved in the community, serving as a pastor at Redemption Church for over 20 years. His experience in this role has taught him how to coach and lead people to become who they want to be.
Scott discovered craft beer later in life and quickly developed a deep appreciation for its taste, production process, and ingredients. During this time, he became friends with Mike Pawley, and together they shared a dream of opening a brewery focused on fostering relational flourishing within the community with world-class beer. Scott is actively contributing to the development and prosperity of Sojourn Fermentory.
Jinson Chan
Co-Founder
Jinson Chan is a dynamic entrepreneur and community organizer who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in engineering to making significant strides in the craft beer industry. With over 15 years of experience as an engineer with focus on R&D, system architecture, and integration of advanced RF sensor and rugged electronics systems, Jinson holds immense expertise in the technological realm. Despite his background, Jinson’s passion for craft beer led him to explore new horizons beyond the engineering field.
As the founder and co-owner of High Side, a modern craft beer bar known for its curated tap list and Asian street food menu, Jinson has established himself as a proven marketer in the industry. He also co-owns Sojourn Fermentory, an innovative craft brewery, and Inca Social, a vibrant social hub with Peruvian cusine. His entrepreneurial ventures are complemented by his active role in the community, serving as the committee chair for the Asian Festival on Main for multiple years, as well as a board member of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association since 2019. Jinson’s exceptional combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision has distinguished him as a prominent figure in his community, as well as in the engineering and food and beverage industries. He is excited to put forth his utmost effort into Sojourn Fermentory to develop an environment that will thrive.
Mario Owens
Kitchen Director
Mario Owen’s interest in the culinary arts originated from his love of the television series “Three’s Company.” The actor, John Ritter, played an executive chef, from whom Mario drew his inspiration, despite the lack of actual cooking on the series. As Mario began his career in the restaurant industry, he initially leaped from restaurant to restaurant, feeling confident in his acquired skills and experience. However, as his journey proceeded, he learned to deeply respect his craft and the many individuals he collaborated with. He soon realized that anyone could cook, but having a passion for creating exquisite-tasting cuisine drives a true chef, and food thereafter became his canvas.
Over the last 30 years, Mario has had the honor of working with great chefs and serving wonderful people from all walks of life: college students, executives, business owners, celebrities, and elected officials. He is currently contributing his talents to the Sojourn Fermentory team and becoming a major asset to the new business’ prolonged success.
