After a 25-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jonathan Stamper is embarking on a new mission: bringing the distinctive vibe and exceptional brews of Voodoo Brewing Co. to the coastal community of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Partnering with his wife, Melissa, an experienced business manager, the couple is channeling their combined leadership skills and passion for community into opening a brewpub that will serve as a welcoming hub for locals and the significant nearby military population. 

Their journey from military service and the corporate world to franchise ownership highlights a desire for structure, community engagement and the pursuit of the American dream, all fueled by a shared appreciation for Voodoo's "anti-corporate" culture and exceptional craft beverages.

Jonathan and Melissa took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Jonathan Stamper: After dedicating 25 years of my life to the U.S. Marine Corps, where I served as an engineer operations chief, I recently retired. In that role, I was responsible for the crucial day-to-day operations, comprehensive training programs and intricate logistics for large-scale military exercises and deployments. That experience instilled in me a strong sense of structure and the ability to execute plans effectively.

Melissa Stamper: My professional background is in business management. I currently work as a business manager for a national dental service organization, where I oversee various operational aspects.

Beyond our professional lives, we are deeply involved in our local community. Volunteering for organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Veterans Administration is important to us. When we have the opportunity to relax, we enjoy the coastal lifestyle here. You can often find us boating, relaxing on the beach or exploring the local craft beer scene. Ultimately, we want to establish a welcoming and enjoyable space in our community — a place where families and everyone can feel comfortable.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Jonathan: My entire career prior to this was spent in the Marine Corps. Over those 25 years, I honed strong leadership and management skills, and I became very adept at handling logistics. As I approached retirement, I started thinking about what I wanted to do next, and the structured nature of franchising really appealed to me. In the military, everything operates with a clear plan, and that's a framework I understand and appreciate. 

I also liked the idea of owning a business where I could, in a way, continue to mentor and guide people, much like I did with young Marines.

Melissa: My background has been primarily in operations leadership. I've been responsible for overseeing multiple offices — at one point, I managed seven locations — which involved a lot of staff management, scheduling and ensuring smooth operations. Earlier in my career, before we moved out here, I also gained some experience in the restaurant industry, working as a general manager for a few Subway stores. So, I have a foundational understanding of that type of business. For me, the leadership aspect is something I genuinely enjoy. I've always strived to be a leader who works alongside their team, not just above them.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Jonathan: To be honest, I didn't have a very strong or detailed perception of franchising before we started looking into it. My primary focus was on finding a business model that offered structure and a proven system.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Jonathan: The culture of Voodoo really stood out to both Melissa and me. Coming from the military, where culture is incredibly important, Voodoo's unique approach resonated with us. They even describe themselves as an “anti-franchise” and “anti-corporate,” which was intriguing. Beyond that, let's be honest, their beer is fantastic — and I’m not just saying that! It wasn't just one thing; it was the whole package.

Melissa: What really drew me to Voodoo was the fact that while it's a franchise, it allows for a significant degree of individualization. We have the opportunity to put our own personal touch on our brewpub and tailor it to our specific community. It won't be just another cookie-cutter store; we can make it feel like it truly belongs here and reflects the people who live here.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Jonathan: Our primary goal is to build a sustainable business, something that becomes a real cornerstone of our community. We're not necessarily chasing millions of dollars; we want to create a place that's a local staple, a welcoming environment that's both military and family-friendly. We’re really close to a military base, and I’m excited to bring more options to service members. They don’t usually have a good variety of options near the base.

Melissa: Exactly. We want to be a place where people feel comfortable and want to come back to. For us, it's also about giving back to the community, creating local jobs and providing a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Jonathan: My biggest piece of advice would be to do your thorough homework and research. Don't rush into anything. Getting the location right is absolutely crucial — make sure it's a good fit for both the franchise and the community. Beyond that, really dig into the financial aspects, understand the general contracting costs and be as prepared as possible. It definitely requires a lot of research and staying on top of things, but if you do your due diligence, it can be a great opportunity.

ABOUT VOODOO BREWING CO.

More than just a brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Alongside world-renowned “liquid gold,” provided directly from the brewery, local owners offer killer food, craft cocktails and hard seltzer in their community-focused brewpubs. Each location has a customized logo, locally inspired menu and consistent local events, allowing Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise partners to become truly immersed in their communities. With 20 locations across multiple states, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide and has proven itself as the fastest-growing brewpub franchise in the world. Now, it is on track to quickly grow roots across the nation. For more information, visit https://voodoofranchising.com/.