OUR DIRTBAG FAMILY
Every family has a dirtbag, our family has a whole crew! Meet the Dirtbag Ale cast responsible for rejecting the status quo, violating all social norms, and admiring the un-admired in order to create North Carolina’s I-95 brewery and taproom.
Vernardo “Tito” Simmons-Valenzuela is the Head Brewer and Co-Founder of Dirtbag Ales. Brewery and Taproom. Born to military parents in Fort Campbell, KY, he moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he attended high school. While working through college he decided to enlist in the military as a combat medic. He has also worked in the emergency room in Womack Army Medical Center where he met Eric Whealton, another founding member of Dirtbag Ale and Taproom. In his free time, he enjoys being creative: building, painting, cooking, and playing bass or guitar.
Born in Westchester NY, graduated from Walter Panas High School in NY c/o 2010. Currently enrolled at Fayetteville Tech working towards Applied Sciences. Works as bartender at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Enjoys napping, working out, basketball, and avid Jets fan. Dog lover.
Born in Biloxi Mississippi, graduated from Fayetteville Terry Sanford High School c/o 2003. Enrolled at Central Carolina Community College working on a degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Enjoys farming and brewing beer. Talented welder.
Born in Winchester TN, graduated from Southview High School c/o 2007. Attended App State, University of Hawaii, Middle Tennessee ST. BS in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Currently assistant brewer at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Certified Yoga teacher, enjoys attending Bonnaroo, gardening, and karaoke. Talented soup maker.
Born in Fayetteville NC, went to Harnett Central High School. Currently works as a brew assistant at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Enjoys Bald eagles, fireworks, and guns, but really just fast cars and music.
Born in Tampa Florida, graduated from Armwood High School c/o 1993. Attended Hillsborough Community College. Currently works as a bartender at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Enjoys hula hooping, playing frisbee, cooking plant based meals/telling people she is a vegan, and the outdoors.
Born Sylmar California, graduated from Antioch High School c/o 2008. Attended Sacramento State University earning a BS Chemistry. Military Spouse, currently works as assistant operations manager. Enjoys crafts, cooking, and dancing.
Born on Fort Bragg, went to and graduated from 71st High School c/o 1997. Attended Fayetteville Tech. Currently HBIC at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, in her free time likes to watch her daughters play lacrosse, drink good beer, and travel. Likes to attend Music festivals and avid fan of Volkswagens.
Born in Fayetteville NC, graduated from Southview High School c/o 2002. Enrolled at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Earned an AA in General Education. Sworn Law enforcement officer 2016. Served as a heavy equipment mechanic in the United States Marine Corps. Currently works as a bartender at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Enjoys jiu jitsu, bowling, and dancing. Talents include thinking he’s funny and dad jokes.
