About Us
Bob Olson conjured up the idea of opening a commercial brewery back in 2011 and 2012. He had a dollar and a dream, but just a dollar… it wasn’t enough. Years were spent figuring it all out. What had began as an award-winning list of home brews called “Bob’s Beers” would migrate to the earliest days of “Bolero Snort Brewery”.
In 2013, the company was incorporated and become one of only 16 brewing companies in New Jersey, which was in it’s infancy of a craft beverage revolution.
Starting out and spending 7 years as a gypsy brewing out, the business ran as lean as possible – for a company with 2 plus sized gentlemen at the helm. Bob and Scott operated all facets of the business for many years with just the two of them, handling the functions of recipe development and implementation, exploration, sales, distribution, and more. They were extremely fortunate and grateful to have worked with over a dozen brewery partners throughout the region in creating and cultivating their beer lineup and were eternally grateful. Yet, they always kept their eye on the prize of opening up their own full-scale production facility to control their own fate and welcome their loyal customers into their home for the first time.
In 2019, that dream became a reality. Having built out a 16,000 square foot production brewery in the heart of the Meadowlands, Bolero Snort Brewery opened it’s doors for the first time. The team had ballooned to 13 people, all in specialized roles. On December 27, 2019, a whole new bull game began. And it was only just the beginning.
Now fully functional in a facility complete with a 30 Barrel American-Made brewhouse, increased fermentation capacity, in-house canning, comprehensive Quality Assurance systems, and a spacious and welcoming public tasting room, the team at Bolero Snort has taken it’s production and offerings to the next level. Check out some of our Hoof Crafted Ales and Lagers, and if you’re in the area, swing by the state-of-the-art production facility to learn more about what makes the bull charge. And should you bump into Scott while you’re there, make sure to ask him where the name “Bolero Snort” came from. He loves telling that story.
Who We Are
Bob Olson, Jr.
Founder / Owner / Peloton Prince (BoleroBobRows) / King of Kindness
Bob was introduced to home brewing by a friend in 2009 and quickly caught the brewing bug. With a knack for small business and a little push from his wife Melanie, he decided to apply this entrepreneurial spirit to his new found passion and Bolero Snort was born. Though he is involved in virtually all aspects of the business, he most enjoys its creative side. Whether it’s developing new recipes, experimenting with new flavors and adjuncts, or working closely with Jim on artwork, Bolero is, at its core, more than just beer, it’s the experience – and that principal guides him in all that he does.
When not at the brewery, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, stressing over college football and filling the team’s inbox with emails before 5am.
Scott Wells
Co-Owner / Director of Sales / Imperial Czar of Life Sustaining Solutions / Allergic To Citrus
Scott met Bob the week the brewery opened. A supporter of the brand from the start, Scott quickly started helping the brewery grow from the sidelines. After spending years working in sales and retail, and only being able to enjoy beer recreationally, Scott eventually joined the team in October of 2014 merging his sales ability and craft beer expertise. A verbose philosopher of craft beverage, Scott prides himself on being a catalyst of the “Drink Local” movement, and a champion of small business partnerships.
When Scott isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and dogs (one of whom is named Provolone Parmagianno Reggiano). Other hobbies include but are not limited to marinating in a vat of self-loathing, daydreaming about cigarettes, plotting to become the next iteration of Ina Garten, churning butter aka making White Russians and sitting in pure darkness while the world continues to turn.
Next time you see him, run. He is likely allergic to your cologne / perfume / energy.
John Corbo
Operations / Keeper of Calm / A Cool Breeze
Corbo joined us almost two years ago and thank God he did. His office is situated directly in between Bob and Scott’s — a necessary evil. He is the only one capable of keeping the balance between light and darkness.
All things distribution and delivery go through John.
When he’s not at the brewery he’s at a concert, with his two awesome dogs or with his lovely wife traveling the world.
Jake Napolitano
Head Brewer / Matt’s Best Friend / FKA Can Daddy
Since 2021, Jake has been a member of the Bolero family. He was promoted to Head Brewer in 2024 and has blessed the Tasting Room and the state of NJ with even more unique, delicious and creative flavor combinations ever since.
In his free time, Jake likes to volunteer at the local zoo and play with the Penguins.
A fun fact about Jake is that he once played Tony Soprano in his high-schools production of Sopranos: The Musical.
Matt Keller
Lead Brewer / Hand Model / Bringer of the Heat / Jake’s Best Friend
Originally hailing from the vibrant stage of live entertainment, Matt has always had a passion for craft beer. When COVID shut down the theatre world in 2020, he took a dive into the craft beer industry. Matt has worn quite a few hats in the time he’s been with Bolero. Starting out as a driver, and passionate to learn more, he became a cellarman and now wears the hat of Lead Brewer.
When not at Bolero, Matt enjoys visiting other breweries, traveling around with his wife in search of the best bar pie pizza, and being emotionally destroyed by his favorite sports teams every year.
He is currently our longest employee (minus the overlords) and is a real pillar of the current team here.
Mark Ryan
Canning / Packaging Operator / Blower of the Horn
Commonly known as “Murr” around the brewery, Mark is both a canning wizard and organizational phenom. He came on in mid-2022 and has contributed since day one to the production team’s overall success.
A fun fact about Murr is that he once lived in a cave in Iceland for 6 months just to better understand the long-lost art of horn-blowing. Murr is also an expert throat singer. Next time you see him at the brewery, make sure to ask him for his rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” – It truly is breathtaking.
Nick Wahl
Brewer / Best Beard
Nick came to us in 2023 and quickly became an essential part of our team. He’s a jack of all trades — working on the canning line, filling kegs and excelling at everything in between. He has since been promoted to brewer and has been killing it in his new role.
Outside of work he is a father and a husband. At work he is Mur’s work husband — however reluctantly.
Montana
Tasting Room Manager / Legend
Montana came to Bolero in 2023 and immediately made an impact. She runs a tight, fair and fun ship with a crew who really should be on a Netflix show, but have settled for NJ infamy as opposed to super stardom (for now).
Make sure to ask her for recommendations since she has spent time in all sects of the company (sales, pack out, brewing + more).
Please also let her pet your dog.
John Bush
Viper / Bartender / Kenny Rogers Impersonator
When he’s not singing ‘Islands In The Stream’ with Murr, John is slinging brews and talking shop with patrons new and old.
His effervescent personality, mix of interests and ability to keep your glass full at all times — makes him an awesome bartender and fantastic person.
Jose
Like Cher / Bartender / Musician / Indy Wrestling Gawd
Scott first met Jose when he was buying an inordinate supply of vodka for his White Russians. Jose attempted to sell other items to Scott, which infuriated him. This obviously led to his employment at Bolero.
A collector of niche interests – Jose is the kind of guy you wish was sitting next to you enjoying a beer instead of pouring it for you.
Luckily he can do both and often does in between playing bass in Sewn Away and giving Scott heart attacks on the regular.
Keith Paladino
Rodeo Clown / Bartender
Keith discovered Bolero Snort back in 2013 and has been drinking their beers ever since. A few years back, he offered Scott his services whenever there was a physical location. In 2019, he joined the team helping out in the tasting room.
Always on the lookout for a beer he’s never had, you’ve probably met him at another brewery across the tristate. He also loves going to concerts, hanging out with friends & family + playing video games.