In 1990, Ted started the Golden Prairie Brewery at Elston and Webster Streets in Chicago, producing the flagship brand Golden Prairie Ale Altbier. His emphasis was on producing first of a kind hybrid craft beer products such as Golden Prairie Maple Stout, the first "Breakfast Stout" in 1993, Golden Prairie Buckwheat Ale, alternative to all of the wheat beers of the time, and the 1994 World Champion Golden Prairie Honey Ginger beer. Ted has trained and mentored some of the most talented and successful brewers in the industry.