Join the M
cCombs Austin Chapter, the Texas Exes Austin Chapter, the Texas Tech Austin Chapter, and the Notre Dame Club of Austin for an evening networking event at Friends & Allies Brewery. Friends & Allies was founded in 2014 by Devon Ponds, M
cCombs MBA 2008, Jessica Ponds, M
cCombs MPA 2008, and St. Edward’s University graduate, Ben Sabin, BA 2009. Ben will give a brief presentation about the brewery’s operations and future plans for growth.
Our featured speaker will be Joe Serio, author of
Vodka, Hookers, and the Russian Mafia: My Life in Moscow. In his previous life, Joe was the only American to work in the Organized Crime Control Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of the USSR. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, Investigating the Russian Mafia.
Joe is currently a speaker and trainer serving primarily municipal and county government agencies, with a focus on law enforcement and 9-1-1 telecommunications. As president of
Government Leadership Training, Joe trains government employees on leadership and wellness topics, including understanding fear and resistance; improving emotional intelligence; stress and resilience; and positive interaction with difficult people. Joe holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Behavior.
Friends & Allies’ primary production facility and tasting room are located in the heart of East Austin, adjacent to Austin Eastciders and the Austin Bouldering Project, the largest bouldering gym in North America.
RSVP now!
There is abundant free parking available on-site.
In addition, food can be purchased separately at the Dipping Springs Tender Co. food truck also located on-site. They offer extra crispy, kettle-chip crusted chicken tenders with a variety of southern sides and made in-house dipping sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options, too!