Jenna McLaughlin, MSC
Velum Fermentation, Chief Operating Officer

As the chief operating officer of Velum Fermentation, a brewery and event venue on Pittsburgh’s South Side, Jenna McLaughlin wears many hats.

“I manage the front-of-house taproom and event space, staff, event planning and coordination, brand design and social media/ marketing,” she says. “I also get to spend a little time in the production space helping with product development and packaging.”

Founded in early 2020 by Nate McLaughlin, Velum Fermentation has a community center vibe that includes three indoor pickleball courts, a large arcade, covered outdoor seating and two indoor seating areas. The business also works closely with non-profits, charities and other organizations, offering a space for fundraising events with no venue fees. Nate is Velum’s head brewer and Jenna’s brother-in-law.

“We host other community events in the space to provide a comfortable, inclusive and fun space for people to visit and enjoy,” Jenna says.

Jenna, a scientist who grew up in the state of Washington, initially was an investor in Velum, but not involved in running the company. After Covid hit, Jenna, who was working as the director of a food-testing lab, took her brother-in-law up on his offer to move to Pittsburgh and work for Velum.

“I had experience with managing a team, customer interactions, creative development and came to the company with great organizational skills,” she says.

Since Jenna joined the company, Velum in 2024 partnered with a women-owned restaurant, Smoke Cantina in Franklin, to open a second taproom — and more change are on the way.

“We started with brewing beer, of course, and have since then branched out into kombucha,” Jenna says. “Later this year, and early 2026, we will be producing non-alcoholic beverages, as well as expanding into the realm of the ever-so-popular seltzers.”

Jenna says the company is focusing heavily on increasing its distribution in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Velum will also be launching their canned kombucha before year’s end.

“We also know the market is shifting a bit, and we are ready to move with it,” Jenna says. “We are striving to make craft beer more approachable and affordable; we have a product line launching soon that will reflect quality at a budget-friendly price.”