We’re looking forward to introducing you to JUAN TORRES. Check out our conversation below.
Hi JUAN, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I always make time to exercise and play sports with friends. It helps me relieve stress from daily duties, leaving me more relaxed and calm. I’m glad to take care of myself, not just physically, but also mentally.
Spending time with friends outside of work—talking, competing, and enjoying a few hours together—is incredibly rewarding. It’s even better when we can chat a bit more afterward about life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Juan Manuel Torres from Caracas, Venezuela, and I’m a co-founder of Tripping Animals Brewing in Miami, FL.
Tripping Animals Brewing is an independent brewery founded by partners from Venezuela. We began 13 years ago as a nano brewery and decided to expand to Miami, FL. We inaugurated Tripping Animals Brewing in November 2018, marking our 7th year in the industry. Throughout this incredible journey, we’ve experienced significant growth, changes, and improvements.
What sets Tripping Animals Brewing apart is the unique experience we offer. We showcase a big part of our culture, emphasizing a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. We create diverse experiences year-round, not only with our beers but also by offering spaces for joy and fun.
Our brand is carefully curated, focusing on every detail from the creation of a new beer to its market release. Along with my partners, I oversee the brand’s future, specifically as Head of Production and Operations.
I manage relations with suppliers, organize production schedules and beer releases, handle inventory, and coordinate distribution both in the US and internationally.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Family.
My family taught me everything about hard work. My maternal grandparents migrated from Spain during the civil war, bringing only hope for a better future in Venezuela. My grandfather, Santos Rodriguez, began by building radios and eventually became a contractor for the Caracas Electricity Company, starting his own business. Meanwhile, my grandmother, Miren Elorza, cared for their daughters and grandchildren. They demonstrated pure dedication from day one to achieve their dreams and support the family. My mother, Ana Rodriguez, pursued a career in medicine, while my aunt, Edurne Rodriguez, continued the family business with my grandfather.
On my father’s side, there is a legacy of excellence in medicine. My grandfather, Jesus Torres Solarte, was a founder of “Clinica Santa Sofia” in Caracas. Despite societal expectations that women shouldn’t study, my grandmother, Berta Viera, pursued a medical career. Their children, Jose Miguel, Carlos Gabriel, and Maria Alejandra, became distinguished doctors, tirelessly working to excel in their fields. The youngest, Jesus Torres, became a leading producer in the audiovisual world, starting as an intern at RCTV in Venezuela and later creating series and managing channels like Sony Entertainment and Telemundo.
I’ve always witnessed their relentless pursuit of goals, teaching us that confidence and daily dedication are key to reaching our dreams.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Stay calm; everything will be fine in the end. Don’t over stress. Everything will be all right.
You are worthy.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family, spending time with loved ones.
Sports, staying active and exercising.
Tripping Animals, and the work we do at the company.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Traveling, enjoying great food, creating a family, spending time with loved ones, playing sports, and savoring simple pleasures like sunrises and sunsets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trippinganimals.com
- Instagram: @trippinganimalsbrewing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-torres-49861a50/
Image Credits
Luis Carducci
Javier Perez
Kanvas
