inducted 2008

Born the second of three children, there was little in John McDonald's early history to suggest that he would some day become a successful entrepreneur; the founder and guiding force behind one of the most prosperous and well-respected regional specialty breweries in the U.S.  Raised in a small farming community in north-central Kansas, John was an average study, more interested in social endeavors and hunting quail than in books or formal learning.  After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in fine arts, he spent several years traveling widely throughout Central and South America.

Upon his return, he landed in Kansas City and started his own construction business, making his living as a carpenter and cabinetmaker.  A hard worker and a consummate and dedicated craftsman, he became well know for the quality of his work.

In the mid 1980s, John traveled extensively throughout the great beer making regions of Europe, and fell in love with beer.  Not just the beer itself, but with the idea: small breweries making flavorful beers in a variety of styles for a local or regional market.  He took up home brewing, and the same qualities that made him a sought-after-carpenter made him a natural at brewing beer.

In 1989, John put down his carpenter's tools to found Kansas City's Boulevard Brewing Company, instantly making it Missouri's 2nd largest brewery.  Though it retains that title to this day, its 2007 sales of almost 130,000 barrels have now pulled the company to within striking distance of its cross state rival's 100+ million barrels.  Boulevard has grown in double digits every year since opening in 1989.  The regional specialty brewery enjoys a strong reputation and an enviable market presence in its limited territory, which consists of thirteen Midwestern states with a combined population roughly half that of California.

John himself will tell you that he does not possess a great business mind, at least not in the modern MBA sense.  And anyone that knows him will tell you that he is not particularly motivated by money, or the things it will buy.  What he does have - what has enabled his company to flourish - are vision, integrity, passion, determination, patience, and an ability to attract outstanding people and to inspire them in a fierce loyalty and uncommon dedication.

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