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Michael Waskewich

Michael A. Waskewich Jr.

Army · E-9 — Sergeant Major (SGM)active

U.S. Army Veteran, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & CEO of The Bar Book, a platform transforming how consumers discover beverage alcohol through flavor. He also serves as President of C.R.A.F.T. Brewing & Distilling, where he builds pathways for veterans in the industry. Michael works at the intersection of technology, community, and craft to create real opportunities for brands and people.

Service: 2000-2023Served in: Iraq (2004-2005)Brookville, IN

Full Story

U.S. Army Veteran, entrepreneur, and industry advocate working at the intersection of technology, community, and the craft beverage industry. He enlisted in the Army Reserve on March 10, 2000, and shipped to Basic Training in January 2001 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Over a nearly 24-year career, he served in a variety of leadership roles, culminating in his retirement as a Sergeant Major. His assignments included serving as Acting Command Sergeant Major, Operations, Plans, and Training Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Staff Judge Advocate for Joint Special Operations Command. Throughout his service, he led teams, managed complex operations, and developed solutions in high-pressure environments. Following his military career, Michael transitioned into entrepreneurship, applying his leadership and operational experience to building organizations that create real opportunities for others. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Bar Book, a veteran-owned technology platform designed to transform how people discover beverage alcohol. Built around flavor-based discovery, The Bar Book connects consumers to spirits, beer, and cocktails based on their preferences—helping users find products they will enjoy while giving small and emerging brands a more effective way to reach the right audience. Michael also serves as the President and Board Chair of C.R.A.F.T. Brewing & Distilling, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing veterans and first responders in the beverage and hospitality industries. Through initiatives such as Frontline Tastings and the People’s Pour Awards, C.R.A.F.T. creates pathways for education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship—connecting veteran-owned brands with operators, buyers, and communities across the country. His work is grounded in action. Michael collaborates daily with producers, operators, distributors, and partners to build connections that drive growth and create measurable impact. He focuses on solving real industry challenges, including visibility for small brands, access to distribution, and creating sustainable systems that connect products to the right consumers. Michael has spoken at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits and the American Distilling Institute on the role of technology in transforming the beverage industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies from American Military University and resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his wife, Dolly.