Get to Know Us!
Happy Spring 2025! Welcome to the inaugural HB Merc Newsletter. We want to welcome everyone to our little square of sunshine as we open our doors and launch this new and exciting endeavor! We thought that, for our first foray into this interaction with each of you, we’d spend some time letting you get to know us a bit; as a group and individually. We hope to become the industry’s go-to supplier of high-quality home brewing supplies. As Mark likes to say, “We’ll sell you anything but the water!”
Mark Zanfardino – CEO
At the helm of our operation is Mark Zanfardino—a seasoned software engineer by day and a dedicated home brewer by passion for over 34 years. Mark brings a blend of scientific curiosity and creative spirit to everything he ferments, whether it’s beer, bread, cheese, pickled vegetables, ciders, or meads.
A proud San Diego sports fan, Mark enthusiastically supports the Padres and Gulls, and is quickly developing a love for Legion, Wave, and SDFC. He’s always up for a good chat about beer or local sports!
Mark’s favorite beer to brew is a Belgian Golden Strong, but when it comes to drinking, he reaches for his own West Coast IPA. His most infamous brewing experiment? A garlic-infused brown ale he’d rather forget. On the flip side, one of his proudest moments was brewing Devon’s Bane at Mission Brewery.
Originally from the Bay Area, Mark has called San Diego home since 1988, with memorable stops along the way in Tahoe, Frenchtown (Montana), and Riverside County. His journey reflects the spirit of experimentation and community that defines our brand.
Jose Dias – COO
Jose keeps us all in line. Without Jose our inventory would be a jumble and finding the items to fulfill your order would be quite an adventure! Jose has been a home brewer for over 15 years. He and Mark met nearly 30 years ago when he joined the company where Mark worked.
Jose’s favorite beer to brew is an Imperial Stout, and, like Mark, his favorite beer to drink is his own. If he were to name a favorite style, it would be a West Coast IPA. Jose had an embarrassing brew moment when he left a valve open while filling a carboy, spilling half of his carefully crafted wort onto the ground.
Jose was born and grew up in the Bay Area and came to San Diego for college. Except for a stint in Salt Lake City, he’s been here ever since. Jose recently became a BJCP judge and loves to brew beer and cider, smoke meats, and make ice cream.
Kelley Zanfardino – CFO
Kelley is the only one of the three who does not participate in the creation of God’s elixir. She does share in the bounty of work that brings it into being, but her passions for hobbies lie elsewhere. Although she can’t talk hops or malts with you, she is nonetheless excited about supporting the homebrewing community through the Merc’s success.
Kelley and Mark are married (as you may know or have guessed) and have recently welcomed their 6th grandbaby to the family. They have 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters scattered between San Diego, Boise, ID, and in the Florida Keys.
Homebrewers Mercantile (“The Merc”)
At Homebrewers Mercantile, we believe a personal touch goes a long way to make your labor of love the best product possible. We strive to provide a wide range of the freshest ingredients, and to get them to your door with as little wait as possible.
The Merc is always looking for ways to show up in the community. Feel free to reach out if you have a question, need a product that isn’t on our website, or just want to chat about beer, cider, mead, or other fermented fantasy in your future. We’d love to meet you. Here’s to good brews!
