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Martin A Pierson


Alex is the founder of San Diego brewery Amplified Ale Works. Born in the back of his restaurant in Pacific Beach in 2012, Amplified opened a second location with a production facility and tasting room in Miramar in 2016. Since opening the second facility, Amplified has won multiple international brewing awards including a Gold Medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup for their Whammy Bar Wheat (American wheat category). 

Amplified Kitchen & Beer Garden is the company’s music-inspired brewpub featuring a casual outdoor patio with ocean views. Continuing the menu of Alex’s successful restaurant concept California Kebab, the pub serves doner kebabs, skewer plates, and salads made-to-order with the freshest ingredients, including exclusive house-made marinades, sauces, and dressings, resulting in a menu that caters to foodies and health conscious patrons alike.

Prior to founding California Kebab in 2009 with partner JC Hill, Alex spent over five years in hospitality real estate, working with a diverse array of capital structures and investment platforms in the U.S. and abroad. 

Passionate about sustainability, Mr. Pierson became a LEED AP in 2008 and currently sits on the board of local non-profit beautifulPB. He is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University as well as the Professional Certificate in Brewing at UC San Diego Extension.
Pierson, Alex