At the center of this heartfelt coming-of-age story are three imperfect Millennials doing their best to become the best versions of themselves. They lean on each other, irritate each other, but most importantly love each other without reservation. As they begin to overcome bad habits and begin to believe in themselves, and each other, they strive to move forward together, while also refining their individuality. Through soul-searching and encouragement, each looks to find the courage within to follow their dreams despite their many misgivings about their abilities. 

James “Jim” Adcock | UNC Asheville class of 2013

Exceedingly analytical 26-year-old idea guy. He is likable and intelligent, but he overthinks everything, is somewhat verbose and tends to be a bit self-centered. Meghan’s long-term boyfriend, he is very genuine, caring and attentive. A child of a broken home, he had a tight relationship with his mother, who has not long ago died of lung cancer, but virtually no dealings with his dad. Medicated, he suffers from chronic depression; has a therapist he sees regularly. Athletic and a doer when not feeling down.

Over the course of the first season he will learn to trust himself and his business instincts again after having his confidence shattered by being unable to bring his smart shower head invention to market after running a successful crowdfunding campaign to build the prototype. He will have to contend with working through (and at times around) the General Manager and President of the company he has set out to found. This will create tremendous pressure on the relationships between all the main characters, as he must make unpopular decisions from time to time.

Meghan Spencer | UNC Asheville class of 2016

Sweet, and a little sassy, 24-year-old woman. Highly intelligent but lacking in clarity and drive. Took a few extra years to graduate college due to frequent changes in her major; ends up getting a Humanities degree and is considering going back to school to pursue social work. She has dated Jim since her freshman year. Very close with her twin brother, Michael; they have always been together. (She decided to attend UNC-Asheville when he chose to go there so they wouldn’t be separated, despite her parents’ disapproval.) Though raised as a debutante, she is not snobbish by nature. Has some similarities with her mother, whom she is close to. A bit spoiled, but she’s aware of it and trying to temper her more materialistic side. She likes to drink and smoke pot (something she is rethinking) like the boys.

Over the course of the first season we will see Meghan gain in skill and confidence in her role as the General Manager of the brewery. At first she is generally okay with deferring to Jim’s judgment, but her father (the company President and check-signer) questions all things and over time she comes to trust herself, leading to more disagreements with Jim. Much of her lack of confidence comes from having been raised in a superficial environment, which is something she works consciously to overcome.

Michael “Tex” Spencer | UNC Asheville class of never

Though not quite shy, Michael was an unassuming, rule-abiding kid who kept to himself and was the occasional target of harassment by the “in” crowd. Once he gets out from under his father’ overbearing thumb and his mother’s watchful eye, he discovers beer and pot and transforms into his alter-ego Tex almost all at once. With the aid of his guitar playing, he comes out of his shell, in no small part thanks to the great social lubricant of alcohol. Botany became an interest and then a hobby Michael early, so he has been growing plants at home in Boston ever since doing a science fair project that has ties to his family’s visit to Asheville while he was in junior high. A bit of a goof; the sort that makes everything into a joke, but there’s the misunderstood clown aspect to him. He is willingly unemployed; an accomplished beer brewer; and an excellent musician. A life of the party sort, he seemingly knows everyone.

Over the course of the season we see him grapple with issues of dependency on both alcohol and marijuana. He has been afforded a lazy life by virtue of being a spoiled rich kid, but that label has never sat well on him, so he is motivated to work hard at his role of brewer. He is often stuck playing peacemaker between Meghan and Jim as they argue about how the business ought to be run. He is reluctant to do so, but Meghan has him secretly doing the accounting for her, and so he feels increasingly more compelled to do his part. His work ethic is not the best, which becomes a bit of an issue with the others at times.

Thomas Spencer

Thom is a 60-year-old Englishman who was living in Boston to get his Master’s Degree at Harvard. A terse and driven money manager, he is thought of as highly Conservative by many, but is actually a moderate with a soft heart. He has a hard time showing his kids he cares, which is why he tries to buy their love. Growing tired of supporting them both, however, so wants the brewery to succeed. Resentful of his wife Maura’s drinking problem and the fact that she is free spending.

Over the course of the season we will see him fight for his high-ranking position, lose that fight, and move to Asheville in order to lick his wounds and keep a closer eye on what is left of his personal fortune. This will wear greatly on his relationships with his children and Jim. Meanwhile his marriage is on uncertain ground as well as his wife decides that leaving Boston isn’t what she wants.

Maura Spencer 

Maura is 52 years old and from the Somerville, MA where her family, the Quinns from Belfast, were involved in the Irish Mob and supported the IRA with money and weapons. Rebellious by nature, as evidenced by the fact that she married a Protestant man of English heritage, a scandalous decision within her heavily Irish Catholic clan. Works as a party planner’s special assistant at their country club, but otherwise, she is a leisurely housewife. A bit snobbish in general, she is especially snide towards her husband. On the board of a handful of non-profits, which are her passion projects. Understanding of her children’s limitations.

Over the course of the season she will have to grapple with her husband’s potential loss of income and what that means about accepting money from her side of the family in order to keep the home afloat. She is uncertain about relocating and staying together with Thom or trying to start over. Once he moves, the long distance from him actually helps her mood, and the dynamic between the spouses improves. Ultimately though, she decides to remain at the mansion, putting her decision on hold.

Professor Alan Combs

Political Science instructor at the local university. Unknown to anyone, his first career was in law, which brought him significant wealth at a fairly young age. A beer aficionado, he spends many hours at the tasting room, and is a regular at trivia night.

Over the course of the season he will serve as a confidant for Jim and as a guiding hand for Meghan. Over time, he falls for her. When he realizes this, he begins to distance himself. Jim senses something is amiss and assumes the worst, believing they have betrayed him.

Christine

The 26-year-old friend of the Founders and Jim’s coworker at restaurant, she has been enamored with him since they met in college. She has stayed in Asheville, in spite of not getting a decent job, because she is waiting for her opportunity with him. Understanding of his shortcomings, she defends his lack of success, making excuses for him regularly. Like Meg, she is more or less “one of the guys.” A bit on the clueless side at times.

Adam

The 30-year-old who tends bar at the restaurant where Jim and Christine work. He is happy doing so due to his optimistic bent. Also came to Asheville for college and never left. Can speak with anyone due to his empathy. In a marriage with Jess that is showing signs of stress due to the pressures of infertility issues, which are largely a result of her wanting a big family. One of Jim’s closest friends and a regular source of advice.