Suzie Ford.

• Author: Leggett, Page
• Position: MY TIME - Interview

Where is Suzie Ford at 6 p.m.? The NoDa Brewing Co. owner would usually still be in her office, but not on the night of her favorite annual fundraiser.

On Thursday, Sept. 29, Suzie Ford was at work. But she wasn't exactly working. She and her husband, Todd, own NoDa Brewing Co. in Charlotte. Their Hop, Drop 'n Roll IPA put them on the map when it won the Gold Award at the 2014 World Beer Cup. Now, the brewery has two locations and 44 employees. By the end of this year, Ford says she expects NoDa to produce about 22,000 barrels of beer. And to think before starting the brewery, the California native was contemplating becoming a court reporter. Now, NoDa plays host to frequent events and charity fundraisers, including Ales for Autism and performances by the all-female Shakespeare troupe known as Chickspeare. Ford, 49, has a particular fondness for Pink Pint Night, an annual event put on by Charlotte Radiology that raises money to provide free mammograms for uninsured women.

WHAT WOULD YOU TYPICALLY BE DOING ON A THURSDAY AT 6 P.M.?

Sadly, still working. This is a great excuse to take off early.

WHOSE IDEA WAS PINK PINT NIGHT?

Charlotte Radiology came to us with the idea four years ago. We started small and raised about $5,000 the first year. This year, we raised $40,000. There's no admission charge, but there's a silent auction, and $1 of every Pink Pint sold during October goes to the Breast Cancer Fund.

AND YOU SERVE PINK BEER. WHAT MAKES IT PINK?

Well, it's a different brew every year. This year, hibiscus and cherry make it red. It's a Belgian Pale Ale and is lower in alcohol. Our brew house team is very creative.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE REST OF YOUR DAY. WHAT TIME DOES IT START?

Ohhhh, I get up at 5:30.

ARGH! I WOULD SOONER DIE.

I know. I am not a morning person. I never thought I could do this, but now I love it. I like getting to the office before anyone else and starting my day off peacefully. I get to work at 6:45 and get the drivers--with all their kegs or cans--out on their way. This is the only "set" thing I do all day. The rest of my day is varied and hectic, but it always starts out quiet at 6:45.

HOW DO YOU AND TODD SPLIT YOUR DUTIES?

We're lucky: our talents don't overlap. Todd had been a...