Matt Kriewall, owner and head brewer at Rally King Brewing, wore many hats over the years. Born and raised in Saratoga, California, Matt always took on challenges with hard work and commitment. In high school, Matt was an extreme athlete, participating in everything from competitive cycling to high-speed waterskiing to wrestling. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, Matt ultimately received a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine.

During his chiropractic studies, he was introduced to rock climbing, which led him to meet Michelle, his wife of 20 years. It actually was on a rock climbing road trip that they found Fort Collins in 1995. Like many people, Fort Collins called to them and left a mark on their souls with the beautiful outdoors and “small town feel” (smaller than the Bay Area anyway!). Matt and Michelle married in 1996 and moved to Fort Collins one year later. Matt opened Vital Link Chiropractic in 1997 and has treated patients ever since. He and Michelle run the chiropractic practice together along with parenting their two teenagers, Michaela and Mason. They also have two rescue pups, Shadow and Scout.

Matt and Michelle love craft beer! Like many other brewery stories, it all began in their garage. In 2009 after receiving a beer-making kit as a gift, Matt became intrigued with home brewing. He brewed batch after batch and entered home brew competitions. He started winning A LOT (he won 80+ awards over three years). After much encouragement from family and friends who believed he had something special to bring to the Fort Collin’s beer scene, he bit the bullet in 2013 and started plans to make Rally King Brewing a reality. In 2015, Rally King Brewing opened its doors.

Michelle, Rally King co-owner with her husband and head brewer, Matt, hails originally from Santa Clara, California. Michelle attended San Jose State  University and earned her degree in Education in 1993. After receiving her teaching credential, Michelle taught 3rd and 4th grade in San Jose California for 3 years. Upon moving to Colorado, she worked as a substitute teacher in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, but put her teaching career on hold to raise their children, Michaela and Mason, and help manage Matt’s chiropractic office.

Having been a soccer player for 20+ years, Michelle seized the opportunity to coach her kids’ soccer teams when they were young. It was a great way to spend time with her kids, and share her love and knowledge of the sport at the same time. Now that her kids are grown up, she still enjoys cheering them on in their sports of choice: volleyball and cross country.

Away from the kids, Michelle spends her time biking, hiking, playing cribbage, and tasting craft beer with Matt, or taking long walks with her rescue pooches, Shadow, Scout, and Gracie. Michelle loves being able to call Fort Collins her home! She is humbled by the amazing following and support of Rally King neighborhood regulars and is grateful to be part of the awesome beer culture in Fort Collins.