In 1995 Sheila Martins began working at North Coast Brewing Company as a substitute for the receptionist who was on a two week vacation. When the receptionist decided not to return, Sheila was hired for the position. Over the last 19 years Sheila’s work has evolved and changed, and this past April she was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President of Sales & Administration.

Sheila attended Santa Clara University as an undergraduate, and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a teaching credential. She was a substitute teacher in the Fort Bragg Schools when the opportunity to work at North Coast Brewing came along. Sheila’s innate intelligence and her interest in the business led to more and more responsibilities. She began handling state and federal registrations, compliance issues and label approval, taking orders, arranging freight and managing inventory. As her competence and expertise grew, she became an integral part of the business.

Commenting on her promotion, Sheila said “I think I have the best job at the brewery!” Working with NCBC President Mark Ruedrich and Vice President Doug Moody, Sheila is the bridge between production and sales. She manages supply and demand. She knows when, where and how much beer is produced, the timeline of the brewing, bottling and shipping, the orders that need to be filled and how to keep the process moving along in as seamless a way as possible.

She always has a cheerful smile and a friendly greeting even in the midst of dealing with the unexpected. “I put out fires,” she says in her understated way, although she does not hesitate to say what’s on her mind, and when she does, those around her listen. After all, she is deservedly at the center of the action.

Sheila and her husband, NCBC Head Brewer and Plant Engineer Chuck Martins, have a home in Fort Bragg and are the proud parents of two children, 12 year old Joey and 11 year old Maddy. Sheila’s family life is of the utmost importance to her, as is her work life. “Not only do I feel lucky to be where I am with the business today, I feel fortunate to work with the people I do and to work for a business with such great products and high standards. It’s wonderful to feel proud of what we make and what we stand for and to contribute to the quality of life of our community.”