About the Show:
“The brand rendezvous junction, our mission of crafting beer that brings taste and buds together, our beer names all have to do with what happens or what can happen, and the circumstances around people coming together.”
- Michael Peerson
About the Guest:
Michael Peerson is the founder of Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company, a former Walmart employee with 31 years of service, and an author. His professional journey began as a pharmacist in East Texas before transitioning into a leadership role at Walmart, overseeing talent acquisition and large-scale operations across the U.S. Peerson has also written the book “Beyond Belief: Revelations from Death’s Shadow,” in which he shares his profound near-death experiences and insights into the afterlife.
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of I am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Michael Peerson, founder of Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company, former Walmart executive, and author. The discussion takes a touching turn as Michael shares his journey from a successful career at Walmart to launching a thriving craft brewery. He also delves into his deeply personal near-death experiences and the spiritual revelations that followed, which ultimately inspired him to pen his book “Beyond Belief.”
Michael’s story begins with his early life in Holdenville, Oklahoma, his education in pharmacy, and a significant career at Walmart, where he was exposed to craft beer in the Pacific Northwest. This exposure sparked his passion, leading to the creation of Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the brewery operates, emphasizing its unique brewing methods, community approach, and the robust variety of craft beers they offer.
Transitioning to a more poignant topic, Michael shares his near-death experience following a UTV accident and a subsequent pulmonary embolism, which led to a transformative spiritual awakening. He recounts vivid details of the incident, the divine encounter during his clinical death, and the compelling command to share his story. This experience is the crux of his book, which aims to provide a deep, faith-based understanding of life, death, and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Michael Peerson’s Career Journey: From a small-town pharmacist to a high-level executive at Walmart, and finally, a successful entrepreneur in the craft beer industry.
- Genesis of Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company: The story behind the brewery’s name, inspired by a historical anecdote from Rogers, Arkansas, and its mission to bring people together.
- Near-Death Experience: An in-depth recount of Michael’s near-fatal accident, his out-of-body experiences, and the profound spiritual insight gained.
- Writing “Beyond Belief“: The book’s purpose and the powerful message it conveys about life, faith, and relationships.
- Community and Craft Beer: The significance of their local customer base, the unique varieties of beer offered, and the brewery’s emphasis on creating an inclusive community space.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show:
Rendezvous Junction on Instagram
Rendezvous Junction on Twitter
Rendezvous Junction on Facebook
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by:
Signature Bank of Arkansas “Community Banking at its Best!”
Northwest Arkansas Council – “Life Works Here!”
ONBoardNWA.com HyperLocal Jobs in NWA
Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Thank you for listening to this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and everyday people’s lives, making Northwest Arkansas what it is today.