Brewing Success: The Guy Family's Hoppy Journey from Stafford Roots to Craft Beer Dreams

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the center of Stafford, where historic charm meets modern entrepreneurship, Zachary Guy and his wife Claire Edwards have tapped into something special. Their venture, Laudenbach Brewing, represents more than just another craft brewery—it's a testament to how deep community roots and shared passions can ferment into something truly remarkable.

The Guy family story begins in Stafford County, where tradition and hard work flow as freely as the hops in Zachary's latest brew. "I grew up in Stafford and lived here from '97 to 2021 when Claire and I moved to Fauquier for her work," Zachary explains. The family returned to the greater Fredericksburg area in 2024, proving that sometimes you have to leave home to appreciate what makes it truly special and gain additional perspective.

Zachary's father, David Guy, graduated from North Stafford High School in 1985 and works as a custom home architect, while his mother, Sonia Guy, serves as a technician for the FAA. The family's commitment to service and craftsmanship seems to be in their DNA—a trait that's been passed down through the generations like a cherished family recipe.

A Love Story Worth Raising a Glass To

The story of how Zachary and Claire met could be straight out of a romantic comedy, with craft beer playing cupid. "My wife, Claire, and I met in February 2020. We both shared a love for craft beer and quickly became close," Zachary recalls. Their relationship moved as smoothly as a well-crafted lager, and by July 2021, they were living together.

But it's their engagement story that truly shows Zachary's ability to adapt when life throws you a curveball—or in this case, unexpected snow. "In April of 2023, we took a road trip up to Vermont, and I had planned to do a hike where I would propose to Claire. I did not, however, have the foresight to realize there was snow on the ground in the mountains," he laughs.

"Having planned a trip for the proposal, we drove to the trail entrance, walked a few yards from the car, and I popped the question. It didn't go as I had planned with a nice hike and scenic view from the top, but the answer was yes."

Sometimes the best-laid plans, like the finest beers, benefit from a bit of improvisation. The couple spent their engagement afternoon in Montpelier before heading back to their Airbnb, proving that love, like a good brew, doesn't need perfect conditions to be extraordinary.

Professional Pursuits and Community Commitment

Claire brings her own impressive credentials to their partnership, holding a Master's in counseling and providing therapy for the Fredericksburg Community Service Board. Her dedication extends beyond her primary role, as "Claire is very dedicated to her passion for counseling and spends time outside of her main career having remote sessions with clients. This allows her to help people as often as possible and keeps her on track to her next license."

Meanwhile, Zachary, armed with an Associate's degree in Business Management, has channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into Laudenbach Brewing. The name itself is a nod to Germanic brewing traditions—after all, you could say they're following the Reinheitsgebot of business: keeping things pure, authentic, and community-focused.

The Guy family's professional diversity is impressive. Zachary's older sister, Kirstyn Dodd, works as a nurse, while his younger sister Emma Guy serves as a music educator. It's a family that clearly believes in serving others, whether through healthcare, education, architecture, aviation safety, or mental health services.

Living the Hoppy Life

When they're not busy with their respective careers, Zachary and Claire embrace the good life with gusto. "Outside of taking day trips to visit the many craft breweries in Virginia, Claire and I enjoy getting great tacos and margaritas!" Zachary shares. Their Friday night tradition is particularly endearing: "Claire has a list of movies and we try to watch one every Friday night with a bowl of popcorn."

Their love for the area's culinary scene runs deep. "We've both become fanatics for Agave in Downtown Fredericksburg," and they've built business relationships with local establishments like Chapo's Tacos, creating a network of mutual support.

The couple shares their home with two beloved dogs: Ollie, an 8-year-old boxer/bulldog mix, and Cooper, a 9-year-old foxhound mix. Their previous home in Stafford provided endless entertainment thanks to visiting ducks.

"It was always a riot to see how long it took the dogs to realize the ducks were on the pond and attempt to chase them off. With no success, of course, these ducks knew what they were doing."

Rooted in Community

Zachary's connection to Stafford runs deeper than business—it's emotional, almost spiritual. "Growing up in Hartwood was as good as it gets for a kid. Running around the woods, making forts, playing pick-up sports games in the neighborhood, and meeting friends who are still close friends to this day," he reflects with fondness.

His appreciation for the area's character is particularly insightful: "Stafford is that part of Virginia that works hard, commutes, deals with traffic, the ups and downs of Government employment, and is tied to the military community. I've always felt that this made the residents much more appreciative of hard work and enjoying their free time to the fullest."

This philosophy perfectly encapsulates the brewery's mission. "Providing quality craft beer in a relaxing environment is how my family stays connected to the area," Zachary explains, showing that Laudenbach Brewing isn't just a business—it's a community gathering place.

Adventures and Aspirations

When it comes to recreation, the couple takes full advantage of the area's natural beauty. "Claire and I both love kayaking Lake Mooney, it's a great reservoir and fun to explore and fish!" They've also discovered the disc golf course at Curtis Park, finding it "a great way to spend a day getting exercise and fresh air."

For vacations, they gravitate toward the mountains, with Asheville, North Carolina holding special significance. "Asheville really is a special place to us given its beauty and volume of craft breweries to visit," Zachary notes. Claire's family traditions have introduced them to Ocracoke in the Outer Banks, where Zachary discovered "the island has a great vibe and beautiful beach."

As the Guy family continues to build their brewing empire and strengthen their community ties, one thing is certain: their success isn't just about creating great beer—it's about creating great experiences, great relationships, and great memories. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, they're proof that the best things in life, like the best beers, are worth taking time to craft with care.

Prost to the Guy family! May their future be as bright and satisfying as their perfectly crafted brews.