Brewing Up Business

Meet December graduate Bobby Gattuso, who started his own beer customizing business while studying biology at Towson University

By Kyle Hobstetter on January 9, 2018

December graduate Bobby Gattuso started his own beer customization company, Hop Theory, while studying Biology at Towson University. His beer enhancing sachets can be found in every state and 50 countries.
December graduate Bobby Gattuso started his own beer customization company, Hop Theory, while studying Biology at Towson University. His beer enhancing sachets can be found in every state and 50 countries.

Bobby Gattuso '17, Biology 

What is your major and when will you graduate?

I was a biology major in the functional biology of animals concentration.  I graduated this past December.

Tell me about your family and where you’re from

I have three older sisters who attended Towson University.  My parents also attended Towson.  They all work in the medical field.  I grew up in Hunt Valley, MD.

What made you pick Towson University?

I heard a lot about Towson University from my family and friends.  I am also a competitive golfer, so I was very interested in being part of the golf team here, which I did during my early years at Towson.

Can you tell me more about business Hop Theory?

I started out wanting to be part of the microbrewing scene.  I wanted to bring great beers to my friends and family.  I initially started Hop Theory as a way to enhance and customize beers using biodegradable sachets.  I launched a successful kickstarter campaign in 2015, which gave me the ability to manufacture and distribute Hop Theory’s beer enhancing sachets in every state and 50 countries.  I was very fortunate with publications and media exposure, particularly during my initial product launch.  Over the last year, Hop Theory has been in research and development on an all new product, which will be on sale this coming year.  I am really excited about it!

What Inspired you to start your business

In today’s world, people have the ability to customize anything.  I wanted to give consumers the ability of choice, convenience, and health in their beers.

How did Towson University help you in starting your business?

Back in 2014, Towson University reached out to me to be part of an economic conference with a focus on microbrewing.  After that, the Towerlight also did an article about Hop Theory, and then the Student Launch Pad reached out to work with me in their entrepreneurial program.  Hop Theory then transitioned into becoming a full member at the Towson University Incubator.  Since day one, Towson University has been tremendously supportive of myself and Hop Theory.

What was your favorite class and your favorite professor?

Jay Nelson, Ph.D., who has been my academic adviser for a very long time, teaches Animal Physiology and is very passionate about what he does.  I relate in the way that he is so passionate about his career path.

What is your favorite thing about Towson University? 

I really enjoy the supportive community at Towson University. Regardless of what major you are, Towson University does a fantastic job to accommodate even the most unconventional career paths, like mine.

What are your next steps now that you are a college graduate?

I am launching an all new product in the spring of 2018.  Outside of Hop Theory, I’m also considering pursuing a career with the Anheuser-Busch Commercial Strategy Office in Manhattan.