JC Snead

Co-Owner Tent City/Sourdough Express Acct. Rep,

Tent City Taphouse

Hometown/Current City: Anchorage

Education: High school diploma, AJ Dimond High School; Associates of Liberal Arts, West Hills Community College; Bachelor of General Studies, minor in business administration, social and behavioral science, Northeastern State University

Community Work: Former youth basketball coach, South Anchorage High School; member, Anchorage Downtown Partnership; member, Downtown Community Council

Family: Loving wife, Saadia Snead; Ember, 2 years and 9 months; Roman, 10 months; Belgian Malinois, Maddox

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?

Downtown Anchorage, because of its rich history and unique culture. For me, there’s nothing better than enjoying the downtown food scene, local gift shops and art galleries.

Name the person you respect and why

While there are a lot of people who have shaped who I am, I owe a lot to my college basketball coach, Mark Arce. Not only did he mentor me to become the best basketball player and teammate I could be, his example and advice continually pushed me to become a great man and leader.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Traveling and creating memories that last a lifetime with my wife and children, both in the U.S. and abroad.

What was your first job?

Cleaning toilets at my grandfather’s trucking company, Air Land Transport.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Coaching and mentoring youth through the love of basketball.

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In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?

My family opened Tent City Taphouse, a restaurant that honors the humble roots of Anchorage, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We take great pride in showcasing the best of Alaska’s homegrown microbrewery talents and locally sourced cuisine. It was definitely a struggle, but thanks to our hard working staff and an incredible community who believed in our vision, we can continue to promote Alaska’s own.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?

It’s hard to maintain balance, but it’s even harder to pour from an empty cup.

Make time to do what brings you joy and surround yourself with an abundance of love.