Dana Chandler Spirits Competition Honorary Chairman A second generation Southern Californian and graduate of the University of Southern California, Dana has spent over 30 years in the wine and spirits industry. Beginning in the wine business with Gallo and Kendall Jackson he has held a succession of wholesaler and supplier positions managing all channels of business including on premise, off-premise, chains and clubs. In 1997 Dana went to work in his first entrepreneurial/brand building role for Millennium Import Company owned by Edward Phillips based in Minneapolis. At Millennium he directly participated in the introduction the luxury vodka category in the US with the launch of Belvedere and Chopin vodkas. While managing sales for half the US, he also assisted in growing the portfolio to over 500,000 nine liter cases. In 2006 Dana moved to the startup company Russian Standard Vodka. As Vice President of Sales he designed, hired and trained the entire sales organization. In this capacity the startup brand grew from nothing to over 180,000 nine liter cases in only four years. Reuniting with Chopin Vodka owner Tad Dorda in 2010, Dana helped establish the marketing company Chopin Imports Ltd. As COO/EVP/GM, he hired all finance, sales and marketing personnel, signed national agreements with major wholesale partners and doubled sales and revenue 2010 - 2015. Overseeing all aspects of the business, Dana takes a keen interest in directing and crafting brand and marketing strategies. In his fourth year as Honorary Chairman of the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, Dana is excited about continuing to bring his expertise and passion for fine spirits to this great event. Married to Sally for 23 years, Dana has two children - Jay 21, a senior at San Diego State and Ellie 17, a senior at Upland High School. In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar in his band Everyday Housewives and driving his 71 VW van (maximum speed 55 mph).
Ed Blinn Ed Blinn has been with the Patron Spirits Company since 1998. He Martin Crowley and John Paul Dejoria were friends since 1980. Ed under Martin Crowley was the second employee of the New Company. He has had many positions in the company. 1998- 2000- National Sales Manager- National Marketing Manager- Events Manager. 2000- 2007 - Vice President Sales Western Region 2007-2010 – Commercial Director Ultimat Vodka 2010- 2015- Patron Tequila Marketing Manager, Caribbean Training Director- European Training Director, Manager of United States Stadium Program- Movie, Award show director, Key Account Manager California, Director Of Action Against Hunger Charity. 2015- Present- President and CEO of the Blinn Group, a global entertainment Group and also an Actor with three movies this year Member of Academy Of Magical Arts Screen Actors Guild California Rape Crisis Center Environmental Media Awards Action Against Hunger
Brian Bowden VP Spirits, Beer, Beverages & Tobacco, BevMo! Concord Brian Bowden started in the alcoholic beverage industry in 1981 at Liquor Barn in California. My primary role was part of the store management teams in Northern and Southern California until 1991. From 1991-1994 I have worked in the wine industry representing small Sonoma County wineries to help them with sales and distribution. 1994 to present I have been working at BevMo! in my current role as SVP Spirits, Beer, Tobacco, & Beverages.
Chris Braun Chris Braun was born and raised in California. After playing professional volleyball for three years, he received an MS in Wine and Spirits from ESC in Dijon. Chris then started working in Bordeaux and later moved to the Languedoc region in southern France where he was Managing Director of Ciatti Europe in Montpellier. He received the Chevalier de l’Ordre de Merite Agricole medal for his service to the French wine industry. Chris now runs Advinture, a wine import consultancy, and is based in Southern California.
Kristin Burley Regional Manager at Zonin Wines Kristin Burley has been in the beverage business for over a decade. She worked in event planning, promotions, marketing, public relations, and bartending before beginning her career on the supplier side. She previously worked for Anheuser-Busch and the wine and spirits portfolios at Palm Bay International, and is currently a Regional Manager for Zonin Wines. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Arizona to receive her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. She then earned her Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University and wrote her thesis on Corporate Social Responsibility in Alcohol Beverage Companies. As a member of the Phoenix USBG and participant in Arizona Cocktail Week, Kristin is passionate about the cocktail culture in Arizona and across the country. She bartended while studying abroad in Australia, and has been traveling to wineries and distilleries locally and abroad in Italy, Austria, Chile and Argentina while increasing her knowledge and appreciation of the industry
Cliff Coglietti Owner of The Heights Restaurant and The Village Grille
BS in Business from University of Riverside. Opened 20 plus restaurants as Bar Manager, General Manager Restaurant Owner for 20 years with Multiple locations. Current owner of The Heights Restaurant and The Village Grille.
Lisa Copenhaver I've been in customer service since I was 16 years old beginning in retail. Initially I managed a trendy ladies clothing store called Contempo in the late 80's early 90's. I then launched a vintage clothing store inside the Bookworm in Downtown Upland where I also helped launch Old Baldy Brewery. At the same time I was also serving at my very first restaurant where I began my career in the food and beverage industry called Woody's Pub and Grill. Eventually, I left the retail business behind me, pushing forward in bar tending and fitness. For over 10 years I have been teaching various styles of fitness and I discovered that I love being an instructor because of the visual and emotional impact I have personally witnessed in people. In 2009, I was hired by The Claremont Club to teach fitness and I cannot express enough on what a blessing it has been doing so. For almost 18 years I was the signature mixologist for Tutti Mangia Italian Grille in Claremont. In 2013, I became the Food and Beverage Director for The Claremont Club. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am very excited to finally have fitness, food and beverage together all in one place. And, I look forward to serving you all along the way! Cheers!!!
Matt Fraser Young’s Market Company I am 36 years old and I live in Santa Barbara. I am married to my wife Stephanie Fraser and I have 2 children Harper age 5 and Willow age 7. I have been in the industry for the past 15 plus years working in restaurants and bars. I used to own a bar in Santa Barbara. I have held 4 positions within Youngs Market Company. I started with the Alliance Group (Bacardi, Brown Foreman, Remy Cointreau), was then a Division Wine Manager, Division Manager and I am now the branch manager for the Central Coast. I am passionate about both wine and spirits. I have experience behind the bar creating beverage programs for the past 15 years (10 of that as a bartender/bar owner). I am looking forward to being a part of the tasting panel.
Alfredo S. Gama Spirits Manager, Wine Warehouse Mr. Gama brings to the trade, thirty years of food, spirits and beer product development experience, organizing and directing distribution and sales efforts through all industry trade channels. Following his graduation from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration, Alfredo began achieving his career goals at Kraft Foods as a Key Account Manager, Miller Brewing Corporate as an Account Executive, Young’s Market Company as the First Hispanic V.P. Division Manager, and Pernod Ricard as the First Multicultural Manager in charge of Hispanic, Asian and African American business. Alfredo joined Wine Warehouse in Southern California seven years ago as their Spirits Manager to help develop the WW spirits portfolio.
D’Shawn Kerrins D’Shawn Kerrins’ career began in the hospitality and restaurant industry. She has worked in the wine and spirits industry for the past 17 years for both the supplier and distributor network. As a sommelier, she was Director of National Accounts for Vin Divino and then held various positions at Southern Wine & Spirits on the West & East coast. In addition to the above roles, she was the Area Vice President of the Western Region for Frederick Wildman and Western Regional Manager for Serralles USA. The past 9 years, have been spirit focused portfolio’s and her current role is Western Regional Manager for 3 Badge Beverage Corporation based in Sonoma.
Jaymee Mandeville Jaymee Mandeville grew up in Orange County, California then moved to Los Angeles to attend law school. Over the years she tried her hand at a couple different industries from entertainment to PR to fashion, while working nights in Hollywood nightclubs as a cocktail waitress. Eventually, she found herself behind the bar in high profile spots like Social Hollywood and One Sunset. Her night job eclipsed her day job as she honed in on the craft and obtained accreditations with the Guild of Master Sommeliers, Cicerone and BarSmarts Advanced. In 2009 Jaymee opened the bar at Drago Centro where she helped create and manage the bar program, executing seasonal craft cocktail lists that put her passion for food and drink to the test. As a lover of travel, she has been a guest bartender and worked trade events all over the US. In 2012, Tales of the Cocktail and Beverage Media recognized her as one of the Top 10 Mixologists to Watch in the nation. In 2013 Jaymee took on a position with Bacardi USA as Portfolio Manager for Los Angeles. Under this role she continues to create cocktails, lead brand and categorical trainings, travel to global distilleries, and participate in trade events. She also serves on the board for LUPEC, which supports philanthropic pursuits and the professional development of females in the beverage world. As an advocate for our industry she strives to continue learning and pushing our craft to a higher level.
Kevin McGaha I am a graphic designer, game designer, 3d artist, student, husband, and father to six kids. I own and operate DMI Design (graphic design studio) and Brain Glove (mobile game and app developer). I am also currently attending the Art Institute of Inland Empire, where I am going for my Bachelor’s Degree in Game Art and Design, and will be graduating with honors in June of this year. In the past 21 years of graphic design, I have had the opportunity to work with many great clients. It has been both rewarding and fun. I love the challenge of creating. Whether it is a logo, brochure, flyer, website, mobile app, or game environment, I put everything I have into it and nothing less.
Jon McPherson Jon McPherson is currently the Master Winemaker at South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University, with a degree in Food Science and a second degree in Chemistry. McPherson is also a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a Certified
Specialist of Wine. He has over thirty years of winemaking experience, starting with his tenure at Llano Estacado Winery in the seventies through Culbertson Winery in the eighties and Thornton Winery in the nineties. Joining the start-up South Coast Winery in 2003, McPherson has become a three time winner of the Golden State Winery of the Year, leading South Coast to the top of the Temecula Valley with over 2,000 awards in its short ten year history. Known for making a vast number of wines which run the gamut of styles from rosé to white, red, sparkling and fortified, McPherson is never content to rest on his laurels. “Don’t look for Temecula on any map, you just have to see it to believe it.”
Caterina Miltenberger Corporate Mixologist Caterina Miltenberger is an award winning Corporate Mixologist for Glazer’s Wholesale Distributors, Dallas, TX. She has 20 years experience in the Alcohol Beverage Industry and is acknowledged as one of Dallas’ premier mixologist's. She works with many of the USBG – U.S. Beverage Guild and IBA – International Bartenders Association groups in the USA. About Cat… • 2015 WSWA Gold winner for Best Long Drink • 2011 WSWA Iron Mixologist winner for Best of Show, Best Long Drink and Best Dessert Drink. • Celebrity Judge at Los Angeles International Spirits Competition 2013 • Presented The Toast to Congress in Washington, DC • Featured in Tasting Panel Magazine for her Farm to Table cocktail programs. . • She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Cheers Magazine, Chilled Magazine, FD Luxe Magazine, and D Magazine. • Cocktail development for Fashion’s Night Out on behalf of Neiman Marcus, Dallas, TX – not-for profit Aids awareness. • Worked with Chef Stephan Pyle’s, The Father of Southwest Cuisine • Cat has created the beverage program for the restaurant and bar along Top Chef Johnny Hernandez (Season 9 – Top Chef) • Presented cocktails for Les Dames D’Escoffier Dallas Chapter along with The Les Dames D’Escoffier International members, Austin, TX. • Chef driven Certifications: El Consejo Regulador De Tequila, A.C. - considered an expert in tequila Certified Spirits Specialist Member of The Court of Master Sommeliers
Michael Nemcik Michael Nemcik is a veteran in the restaurant industry in Los Angeles as well as the proprietor of red clay industries a variety of endeavours including a bespoke cocktail company, freelance photography, and CellarAndVine.com, an online wine merchant. A student of Italian wine, Michael is also an import specialist for PortoVino Italian Imports, as well as a sommelier at Terroni in West Hollywood, and a bartender at Osteria Mozza in Hollywood. Michael has been a judge at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition since 2013. Michael holds a degree in International Finance from Florida State University.
Mark Nureddine Owner of Bull BBQ’s For most people, tinkering with and testing an open flame grill in your garage is not a good idea. But Mark Nureddine is not most people. And his efforts with a grill in a closed environment were the genesis to a company that would become one of the leading manufacturers of grill islands in the world. Under Nureddine’s direction and leadership, Bull Outdoor Products now provides grills, islands and grilling components to over 900 dealers and distributors within North America, reaching 15 countries and growing. Nureddine attributes the gourmet cooking of his mother, and her Italian heritage, with helping develop his palate for great tasting food at an early age. In recent years, Nureddine has further embraced food and wine culture, including growing his own vineyard in Lodi, Calif., and as a hobbyist winemaker. Additionally, much of his personal time is spent exploring both local and international culinary endeavors, visiting well-known culinary schools and enjoying area vineyards. To complement his appreciation for great tasting food, Nureddine has maintained several positions as a judge in the food sport arena. Nureddine is a Certified Barbeque Judge for the Kansas City Barbeque Society and has served as a judge for Bull Outdoor Product’s own Bull Burger Battle series of nationwide burger cook-offs. The inaugural Bull Burger Battle series, with events held at Bull Outdoor distributors throughout the country, served to qualify six competitors into the World Food Championships, the world’s highest stakes food competition, of which Bull Outdoor is an integrated partner. Nureddine’s passion for food and his dedication to building a better cooking medium remains just as strong today as it did when he first began 20 years ago. Bull Outdoor Products continues to focus on expanding consumers’ love of
outdoor cooking and entertainment by teaching them more about their grills and how to best use them. Nureddine maintains a commitment to integrating the finest grill material available with innovative cooking techniques, as shared by the Bull Outdoor corporate chef and complemented by Bull Outdoor’s repertoire of recipes and cookbooks. To learn more about Bull Outdoor Products, visit www.bullbbq.com.
Ryan Steely Owner SOA32 Creative Ryan Steely is a Creative Director and designer from Southern California, where his family has been planted for over 5 generations. Ryan owns SOA32 Creative and is no stranger to working with leading brands in the alcohol industry. Creating more than just marketing campaigns, he has found himself heavily involved in building new brands and developing many exciting new products. Ryan’s taste for spirits has landed him a dual-role as he heads up the packaging design competition and has a seat on the tasting panel for his fourth year.
Scott Saul Executive Vice President MHW Since 1997, Scott Saul has been Executive Vice President of MHW, Ltd, the leading service provider to the beverage alcohol industry. From 1987 through 1996, Mr. Saul served as the General Manager of Proprietary Brands, a New York based importer/wholesaler and compliance service provider. Prior to joining Proprietary Brands, Mr. Saul was Traffic Manager at Monarch Wine Company, manufacturer of Manischewitz wines and importer of Tsingtao Beers. From 1979-1986 worked for ILLVA Saronno, S.p.A., manufacturer of DiSaronno Originale Amaretto. During this period, Mr. Saul held positions at their US distilled spirits plant such as import manager, traffic manager and government reports manager. Mr. Saul sits on various committees of the National Association of Beverage Importers in Washington, DC.
JOEL TEITELBAUM Director, The Artisanal Group, California Southern Wine & Spirits After College Joel moved to Boston to take a restaurant management Job at Sonsie. After three years of restaurant management in Boston Joe moved to Berkeley and became the bar manager for Mint Leaf bar in Berkeley, California. He moved into San Francisco and became the bar manager at a several bar programs including CREDO and Zero Zero. Joel then moved into the role of Beverage Director at the Sir Francis Drake, the iconic Hotel in San Francisco Union Square where he managed all three bars on property for 2 years Most recently Joel was recruited by Southern Wine & Spirits to help create and manage a new division called The Artisanal Group for Northern California. For the last two years he has sought out the best local and national craft spirits to create a high quality portfolio of spirits and in 2015 he was promoted to manage the state for The Artisanal Group.
Toshio Ueno Toshio Ueno is a Master Sake Sommelier & Shochu Sommeiler, Jizake Educator. Born in Japan where his family has grown wine grapes for generations, Toshio grew up helping the business from a young age. Following his education in the US and employment at an international trading company in Tokyo, he joined Chateraise, a pastry and wine company as Director of Sales. In 2002 he joined Mutual Trading Company where he was Manager of the Business Development Department in marketing Japanese foods, Jizake and Shochu to the mainstream American trade. With his passion and expertise he aims to further promote Japanese food and Sake cultures to new international audiences. Other Credentials: WSET Advance Certificate WSET Spirits Level 2 Certified Wine Sommelier, Court of Master
French Wine Scholor, French Wine Society Certified Wine Specialist, Society of Wine Educators Certified Italian Wine Specialsit Certified Beer Adviser, FBO Japan
