A younger MATT RIGGS didn’t have to lookup far to come across the community small business owner he hoped to develop up to be like one particular day.

He went by Dad.

“My dad, Dennis, continues to amaze me with his operate ethic,” claims the son of the longtime owner of the Dairy Barn, Parkland Distinguished Alumnus Award winner and 2007 Information-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year.

Dennis’ entrepreneurial spirit rubbed off on sons Matt and Darin — fifth-technology relatives farmers, ROTC students, UI alums and, because 2015, house owners and operators of Urbana’s Riggs Beer Company.

Matt, who also holds a German Master Brewer certification from Doemens Academy in Munich, took time out to answer questions from Editor Jeff D’Alessio in the 105th installment of our weekly velocity read spotlighting leaders of businesses major and little.