The Anarchy Team
built on passion, family, and a love for doing things our own way
For us, “Anarchy” isn’t about chaos, it’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to create, to experiment, and to break away from the ordinary. In brewing, that means no rules, no limits, and no fear of trying something new. Every beer we make celebrates creativity and individuality.
What started decades ago as John’s homebrewing hobby, has grown into a full-fledged family brewery. After years of brewing award-winning beers and sharing them with friends, John, along with his wife Tara and daughter Tia, turned their dream into reality. Together, they built Anarchy Ale Works.
At our core, we’re about community. We love seeing familiar faces in the taproom, hearing someone’s first reaction to a new beer, and watching folks come together over a pint. This place is for the locals, the travelers, the dreamers, and the ones who appreciate a good laugh and an even better ale.
“Whether you’re a hop-head, an ale aficionado, or just along for the ride—Anarchy Ale Works is your next favorite stop in the Southwest Florida beer trail…”
“Our mission is simple: We’re here to make beer that brings people together with bold flavors, good company, and a shared love for doing things our own way.”
John Ford
Founder, CEO & Brewmaster
Meet John, the heart and hops behind Anarchy Ale Works!
John started brewing beer at home over 30 years ago as a hobby. Over time, his love for the craft turned into a true passion, and his homebrews began winning contests across the years. In 2014, the name Anarchy Ale Works was officially born.
After retiring from a 35-year career as a pharmacist, John decided it was time to turn his lifelong hobby into his full-time focus. He and his wife, Tara, previously founded and ran a specialty pharmacy, Eventus RX, in 2017. After successfully building and selling that business, John traded prescriptions for pints — and hasn’t looked back since.
“What do you most love about brewing beer?”
“Brewing beer is my ultimate passion. It’s where science meets art. I love geeking out over the chemistry. Every batch is an experiment — from balancing malty sweetness with hoppy bitterness to crafting unique recipes.
The best part? Sipping a cold pint I created, to enjoy with family and friends.”
Tia Ford
Business Manager
Meet Tia, John and Tara's daughter and the business brain of Anarchy Ale Works.
Tia grew up helping her dad brew beer at home and loved visiting breweries with her family wherever they traveled. She’s now pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Supervision — and putting that knowledge straight to work at the brewery.
John brings the roots—time-honored techniques and bold, old-school ales—while Tia keeps things modern, seasonal, and full of personality.
“What are you most excited about with Anarchy Ale Works?”
“When John asked me to be his business manager at the brewery, I was so excited to have the opportunity to be part of my own family-owned and operated business — especially because I share my dad’s love for breweries!”
Tara Ford
Sales & Marketing Director
Tara has spent her career in sales and marketing, including years as Sales Manager for Eventus RX, the specialty pharmacy she co-founded with John in 2017. She’s been in the pharmacy industry since 2006, but her love for people and business goes back even further — at 18 years of age at a resort in Fernandina Beach (where she was born and raised) as a merchandise expeditor for the tennis and golf shop.
Now, Tara gets to blend her sales expertise with her love for family, joining Anarchy Ale Works full-time to help the brewery grow.
“What do you love about your job?”
“It’s not a job if you love what you do.” Tara
Blake
Assistant Brewer
Meet Blake, our Assistant Brewer and all-around good vibes guy!
Blake moved from Mississippi to Florida in April 2024 to join the Anarchy Ale Works team. Before the brewery even opened, he completed a 12-week course with the Master Brewers Association to dive deep into the art and science of brewing. A longtime family friend, Blake is passionate about learning the craft, spending time with loved ones, and hitting the gym — though, as he says, “brewing gives you a workout too!”
“What do you love about brewing?”
“I love the science behind brewing beer. It’s super cool to see how the yeast — something you can’t even see — creates the beer. I love how precise you have to be while brewing.”