Jim Diley '05

This is a story of a very new start-up founded by 3 Johnnies and a friend. Jim Diley is one of four founders of Fulton Beer. Fulton beer is a new brewery that, less than 18 months after selling the first beer, reports the Twin Cities is now enjoying over 1200 pints of Fulton every day. Jim Diley is described as a rare combination of the big idea dreamer and the first guy to roll up his sleeves and go to work. His co-founders say that without Jim's ambition and vision, Fulton Beer would likely not exist, though they say they would certainly get more sleep. Jim is a 2005 graduate of Saint John's University and is a 2009 graduate from William Mitchell College of Law. He is currently an attorney at the law firm of Foster & Brever, PLLC.

The other founders are:
Ryan Petz, '05, - President of Fulton. Ryan graduated from Saint John's University in 2005 and is a 2009 Graduate from the Carlson School of Management. He is currently an Associate Channel Manager in the Bakeries & Foodservice division at General Mills. Brian Hoffman '05 - Brian's title is still in the works -"Procurement, Fulfillment, Events & Promotions, Facility Manager, Passionate Local Beer and Food Advocate." Brian graduated from Saint John's in 2005 and is currently a clinical research specialist at Boston Scientific. Peter Grande - Peter is Fulton's Brew Master. As a carpenter by trade, he's also the one who fixes anything that Ryan, Jim, and Brian manage to break.

The four started home brewing together in 2006 in Jim's one-car garage. In 2009 the four launched Fulton Beer in seven bars and restaurants in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. In just 18 months they have been through a move, launched three additional beers, and added over 100 new bars. In the fall 2010, they leased a building in the warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis. In May Fulton closed on the needed financing and began renovation a once worn-down warehouse into a brewery. The new brewery is slated to open in the fall of 2011, and will feature tours, samples, growler sales, a taproom and a store with all of your favorite gear. Ryan, Jim and Brian are all married to CSB alumnae (Michelle '05, Elizabeth '05, Katie '05).