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Sales Team Rose Adams Rose Adams contributes over eighteen years of experience to our sales team; five of which was with Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island in On-Premise where she received “Salesperson of the Year” for most improved territory; and ten years with Empire Distributors in On-Premise and Retail-fine wine. Her accomplishments at Empire included three consecutive years as "Salesperson of the Year" from '92 through '95 and Rep of the Year in '95. Rose has a passion for building new territories, making cold calls, and opening new accounts. Having sold in the Athens territory now for over fifteen years, she has built a strong sales territory as well as some wonderful relationships along the way. She enjoys the challenge of building and growing the Quality portfolio.
Allan Bass Allan Bass, who hails from the Macon area, gained an appreciation for fine wine while working as a waiter in the US Virgin Islands. He has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry, as an owner of two fine-dining restaurants and a jazz club. Over the last two years, Bass has been involved in a California reality show called “The Winemakers”. Before joining Quality, Bass created a new wine division for an established beer wholesaler in Macon and worked in Atlanta with Georgia Crown in an on-premise sales capacity. Nearly half the products on his restaurant's wine list came from Quality, so Allan is pleased to be able to sell so many of these selections that he has an appreciation for, but, from the other side. Bass represents Quality in Macon and South Georgia servicing existing accounts and expanding the company's distribution in these areas.
Holly Beazley Holly relocated to Atlanta from Victoria, Australia when her husband, Neville Steel, an Australian Baker and Pastry Chef and his business partner, set up “The Australian Bakery Café”. Six months later, Holly was given the opportunity to work with Unique World wines as a sales rep, where she dealt with many esoteric, small production wines. Three Years later, Holly joined Prestige Wine Wholesale where she broadened her overall knowledge of wine and the market in general. Holly says that building further relationships in the industry is her primary goal. “I will always appreciate these previous employments as they opened the door to a career that I truly enjoy. Now, the opportunity to work with Quality Wine & Spirits is an exciting one for me. To be surrounded by people who share my passion for food, wine, spirits and exceptional customer service is very well suited to me.”
Keith Brett After attending the University of Southern Mississippi, Keith spent several years working in the healthcare field. Through his long-time passion for food and the preparation that goes along with it, Keith discovered his love for fine wine. Keith has been a Wine & Spirits Consultant for Quality since he joined the team in late 2006. While growing key off-premise accounts inside the city, Keith has continually increased his knowledge of wine. Though still considered somewhat of a new-comer, his personable attitude combined with his enthusiasm for wine and the industry, allows Keith to help grow relationships and expand the company.
Dean Cochran, CSW Dean began his career in 1990 at Cartersville Beverage Company where he learned the independent retail side of the business. Five years later he went to work for United Distributors covering the North Georgia territory, calling on restaurants, chain stores, and independents, gaining a well-rounded understanding for all aspects of his customers' needs. After 12 years at United and gaining a strong background with chain stores, Dean decided to go into the real estate business with his wife. Two years later he realized just how much he missed the wine business and began to seek an opportunity to get back in to it. Opportunity is what he found when he discovered Quality Wine and Spirits. ” Quality has opened my eyes and has given me a fresh approach to selling wine, merchandising, and most of all taking care of my customers” says Dean. Dean recently earned his Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation.
Scott Cochran Scott comes to Quality with nearly fourteen years of experience in the wine industry. After college and having been an assistant manager for Winn Dixie, he left the grocery business to begin his career in the wine industry. Initially, he worked for Empire in a non-Gallo starter territory then moved to a higher profile account base, where he was responsible for building new fine wine brands for Gallo. He was subsequently transferred into the fine wine division. Scott’s account base for Quality consists of high volume retail stores mainly in the heart of Atlanta. Scott says that “moving over to Quality has been a great way for me to broaden my knowledge of many new wine brands, and I look forward to learning a lot more in the future.”
Lindy Colburn Lindy Colburn has been honing her trade in the restaurant industry for more than ten years, working in an array of destinations from college bars and clubs to upscale cocktail lounges and fine dining restaurants. In so doing, she has quickly emerged as one of the leading mixologists and beverage program trend-setters in the Southeast. She has opened, managed and worked at such groundbreaking Atlanta destinations as Fountainhead Lounge, Commune Atlanta, MidCity Cuisine and most recently Beleza and Cuerno. It was in these cutting-edge arenas that Ms. Colburn’s talents flourished. Lindy's cocktails have been featured in the AJC, Creative Loafing and Food and Wine’s Cocktail Guide as well as multiple trade magazines. She now applies her passion for great wine and spirits to her position with Quality Wine and Spirits.
James Crow
Josh Culbreth
Joey Glisson Joey Glisson has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, in positions ranging from bus-boy to bartender, captain to sommelier to manager at some of the finest restaurants in Atlanta, including 103 West, Carsley’s and Atlanta Fish Market. He spent the better part of a year mastering food preparation while working for Cloudt’s catering, and was awarded a silver medal at the 1984 Atlanta International Wine Festival in the Sommelier Competition. Joey also has 8+ years of wholesale beverage experience where he learned the ins and outs of retail as well as restaurant wine sales. Joey, who's wine and cooking ‘epiphany’ occurred over a bottle of Pouilly-Fuissé and a plate of Dover sole, now serves Quality as a wine & spirits consultant for the metropolitan Atlanta area.
Geoff Green Geoff Green has over fifteen years of experience in the retail and restaurant industries. He worked his way through college at Tower Package when micro-brewed and boutique beers first broke into the market. Beer quickly became his focus at work and brewing became his passion at home. Following Tower, he managed several restaurants in Atlanta and Florida over six years, which helped him to learn the industry and where he began to develop his interest in wine. After returning from Florida, Geoff signed on in a retail wine sales position at Eno where he expanded his knowledge and really developed a passion for wine. During this time, he was introduced to Quality and was eventually offered a position to work with Spirits Manager and industry expert, Bill Yorks. Geoff is now a Wine & Spirits Consultant and continues to expand his well-rounded knowledge of the beverage industry.
Dee Herb Dee Herb joined the Quality sales team as Coastal Territory Manager following a nine-year stint with Empire Distributors, where he was a wine consultant and eventually sales manager. While with Empire, he handled liquor, beer and wine for on-premise, off-premise and chain accounts. Dee provides the leadership for the team responsible for sales coverage across southeastern Georgia, moving Quality to the next level in building brands and relationships up and down the coastal areas. Dee has a 'coastal' advantage by living on Tybee Island.
Steve Hinternhoff With fifteen-years in fine dining restaurants and fifteen more years in distribution, Steve translates his knowledge and experience to the wholesale beverage trade with true inside expertise. He has managed two Wine Spectator Grand Award Wine List Restaurants and a variety of restaurants including seafood, gourmet French and Italian, a waterfront tavern and natural foods. For six years, Steve was a Key Account Specialist and On-Premise Manager for Atlanta Wholesale Wine. In between that and Quality, he rounded off his field experience in retail as a Manager of Wine for Harry's Farmer Markets. In the course of his career, Steve has also owned and operated businesses in a variety of fields including catering; restaurant consulting; wine consulting; natural foods packaging; a culinary school; graphic arts; and painting contracting. Steve helps Quality redefine the wine business in the 21st century with new brands and new ways of doing business. His specializes in On-Premise, Chain and Corporate Accounts, fashioning new relationships, helping restaurants and hotels develop their knowledge, their wine programs and their customer service. One specialty is editing wine lists for Wine Spectator Award consideration. His key focus is to establish true partnerships between consumers, accounts, distributors and suppliers, creating a new interactive model of business practices, with an eye to quality, value, profit, technology and shared growth.
Brian Keenan Brian Keenan was introduced to the world of wine in 1998 as the wine buyer for a gourmet food store in Charlotte, NC. He found he was particularly interested in French wines after spending many evenings “tasting” left-over bottles from the day at work. In 2001, he went to work for “The Wine Shop”, the oldest, family owned and operated wine store in Charlotte. Opening in the 1960’s, it was the first retail shop to carry Evian water in the US and had the largest selection of French and Italian wines that Charlotte had seen to-date. After his time in the retail sector, in 2005 Brian joined a small, specialty wine distributor, The Fine Wine Trading Company in Charlotte, where he was successful at growing the western NC sales territory for the company. Brian now handles on-premise accounts for Quality, representing the Alpharetta and Roswell areas.
Theo Koebel, CSW Theo joined the Quality staff in 2007 from Capital City Package Store, where he acquired his experience in retail wine sales. It was while working at Capital City and attending Georgia Tech, where he majored in Industrial and Systems Engineering, that Theo developed his passion for wine. “Seeing the smile on a customer’s face after placing the right bottle of wine in their hand truly is a joy,” said Theo. It was this passion that led him to pursue a career in the wine industry. Prior to joining the Quality staff, Theo became a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators. Theo uses his broad knowledge of wine to create a well-rounded portfolio for and to fulfill the unique needs of each of his accounts.
Ramon Kulich While attending Kennesaw State University in pursuit of his business law degree, Ramon chose a different career path and joined the Quality Warehouse Team in 2004. Over several years, he became very interested in wine and gained knowledge of the industry through his work environment and fellow co-workers. Ramon was named Quality’s Operations Man of the Year in 2005 and was promoted to Merchandiser. As he started to build valuable relationships and gain knowledge of the chain division, he again was promoted to a sales position with Quality. Ramon’s far ranging territory spreads from Roswell to Cobb County, northward to Rome and Dalton and everything in-between. He continues to build strong relationships with his customers and meet his account’s needs. Ramon is very proud to be considered part of the Quality Wine and Spirits family and looks forward to a great future in the industry.
Lee LaRochelle
Tamara V. Lucas Tamara worked for two years as a special education elementary teacher after receiving a Master's in Social Work at the University of Georgia. Throughout college and grad school she worked as a server and trainer in several fine restaurants, where she first gained an appreciation for fine wine. This appreciation was furthered after a year-and-a-half stay in Tuscany, where she helped run a small inn while teaching English. During this time, she learned to cook classic Tuscan dishes and became enamored with Italian wines. After returning to the US, Tamara worked for a small, fine wine distributor in Atlanta for three years, where she built a strong on- and off-premise territory and developed the valuable relationships with her buyers that continues to this day. In her desire to learn more about the industry, Tamara took a job on the supplier side where she worked for two years as a wine broker, covering Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. Working with multiple distributors in different states helped to broaden her knowledge base and also to gain a better understanding of the beverage industry. Tamara's enthusiasm, honesty and commitment to her customers make up the backbone of her success. Her passion for fine wine, combined with her experiences in the market, make Tamara an invaluable member to the Quality team.
Pete Manzi, CSW Pete Manzi came to Quality from Grapefields in June 2005. Pete grew up in Sarasota, Florida where he earned a Bachelor’s in piano performance and Master’s in music history at Florida State. After moving to Atlanta in the late ‘90s, he became the manager of a record label and editor of a music industry magazine. Pete caught the wine bug while studying abroad in Florence, Italy and became a hobbyist, which ultimately brought about a career change. He kicked off his wine industry career with Vendemmia where he sold primarily Italian wines both on- and off-premise. Pete then worked for Grapefields as an on-premise rep selling a broad portfolio of specialty wines from California, Oregon, Italy and Spain. One of Pete’s passions is cooking and with that comes the challenge of the perfect wine pairing. He enjoys both sharing his knowledge and learning from his restaurant wine buyers, and has developed trusted and personal relationships with them over the years. Pete feels lucky to incorporate his passion into his daily work life with Quality Wine & Spirits. Pete recently earned his credentials as a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and joins approximately 2,400 globally who have attained this credential since its inception in 2002.
Dave Mason Dave Mason brings 22 years of management experience from the restaurant and the retail spirits industry. After completing his degree at the University of Rhode Island in marketing management, his interests drew him to the food and beverage field. Early on in his career, he was the Beverage Director at a Sheraton in the New England area, which fueled his passion for fine wines. Although it wasn’t until he moved to the Atlanta area that he began a career in retail spirits at the management level and he rapidly moved into sales and onto sales management. After building a credible reputation in the Atlanta area, Dave was asked to become a tasting panelist offering unpretentious wine reviews for The Atlanta Wine Report. His experience widened his knowledge of the industry and facilitated his recognition within the field. It was around this time that Dave was offered the position at Quality, which didn’t take much thought to accept. He knew he would be working for the best, and was committed to the pioneering company’s philosophy of quality people to sell quality products with creative business flair. His drive and determination to be one of the best earned him the first awarded “Salesman of the Year” at Quality Wine and Spirits. Dave’s passion to share his knowledge with customers and to continue to build upon this knowledge is relentless. He continues his dedication to the company and customer satisfaction, and his enthusiasm can be contagious.
Valerie Masten After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in cellular biology, art history and a brief stint in biological research, Valerie moved to Italy where she pursued her interest in the arts, all the while cultivating a passion for wine. Upon returning to Atlanta, Valerie began her wine career with Vinifera Imports, an Italian wine import and distribution company, where she built her territory from almost zero up to $70,000 in six months, calling on both on- and off-premise accounts all over the city. Later she moved to Grapefields to work on-premise accounts in the city. She joined Quality Wine and Spirits in 2006 and is actively studying for her Master Sommelier Certification (she passed the first two levels, scoring the highest in the introductory in the State of Georgia). Valerie’s says that her constant commitment to education, her customers, and her passion for wine are her keys to success.
Shelley O'Connor Medders Shelley's background includes over seventeen years in sales, marketing and public relations, ten of which have been in the wine & spirits industry. After graduating from North Georgia College & State University with a BBA in Marketing, Shelley began work in the floorcovering industry in Northwest Georgia in sales and public relations. She attributes her passion for wine to her brother who is also in the wine industry. In 2001, Shelley went to work for Atlanta Wholesale Wine (pre-merger) where she was chosen Employee of the Year for 2001. She then moved over to the National Distributing side of the company (post-merger) as an on premise wine and spirit consultant. While at NDC she gained her Cognac Academy certification and was certified as a “Tequila Aficionado” in agave field and distillery training. Other awards included: Dekuper Sales Rep and Skyy High Club for best job on brand. Shelley remained at National until March 2010, when she brought her experience and customer relationships to the Quality team, where she specializes in On Premise, but also has experience in retail fine wine and spirit sales. Shelley is thrilled to have found a place where both she and her customers can thrive. Growing the company and bringing what Quality has to offer, in both company culture and cutting edge product portfolio, to new and unchartered parts of the state are a challenge Shelley embraces.
Trish Mulherin Trish Mulherin, who represents Quality in Savannah and the surrounding area, joined the staff in September 2003. She has many years of experience in the food and beverage industry including bartending, serving, and restaurant management. Trish worked with United Distributors for several years before joining the Quality team. Trish was born in Savannah and through her familiarity with the area and the industry, has developed a strong relationship with local businesses. Trish works closely with the Coastal Territory Manager to develop and expand the coastal market for Quality.
Ryan Mullins While working his way through school at an Italian restaurant/retail wine shop, Ryan got sidetracked as he realized his love and passion for wine. After studying the subject feverishly for over a year, he transitioned to Murphy’s as a wine buyer and head educator, where he trained staff and brought his knowledge and passion to the public through weekly wine tastings. In 2006, Ryan became a Certified Sommelier. He plans to persevere with his wine education to obtain his a Master Sommelier. Ryan joined the Quality team as a wine & spirits consultant in the spring of 2007. His accessible style of education coupled with his excitement of wine has helped to cultivate relationships with clients and grow the company.
Eric Norviel Eric began working in numerous restaurants while pursuing a degree in biology in the Augusta area. He became interested in the wine industry while working at Augusta’s Bistro 491, which excelled at fine dining and boasted an extensive wine list. Eric did well in the restaurant industry and especially enjoyed his ability to become a part of his client’s dining experience. He eventually became wine steward and floor manager, where he took great pleasure in learning more about and participating in wine tastings with the area’s wine reps. Even after graduating college, where he worked full time for the University of Georgia at Savannah River Ecology Lab, Eric stayed at the restaurant for the interaction with his customers, the restaurant, and the ability to sell and to ‘taste all the world’s wine’. Eric eventually worked for Atlanta Wholesale Wine in St. Simons before joining the Quality team. Eric now represents Quality in Augusta and the surrounding area.
Danny, originally from the Brunswick/St. Simons area, worked in the beverage department at The Cloister for two seasons prior to receiving his BBA in accounting at Georgia State University. He also worked full-time as a bar manager at a private club while attending college and as beverage manager at the four diamond French Quarter Suites Hotel Atlanta after graduation. For the next ten years, Danny worked in the restaurant industry as a general manager and eventually as a multi-unit manager throughout the mid-west. In 1998, he returned to coastal Georgia to take on the position of manager for a large chain restaurant. Danny’s knowledge of the wine industry led to him become a sales rep for a small wine-only distributor that was expanding into the coastal market, where he was responsible for territories covering the Brunswick, Savannah, and Augusta areas. He was also a rep for Atlanta Wholesale Wine until the time they were purchased. Danny joined Quality Wine & Spirits in early 2005 as a part of the team charged with building relationships and expanding Quality’s presence in the coastal Georgia area.
Alma M. Sucic, CSW Alma Sucic adds over seven years of industry related experience to the Quality on-premise team. Previously she was an account rep for Atlanta Wholesale Wine, and was responsible for territory management, sales, merchandising, and service. Prior to this, Alma was as an Account Manager for Guinness UDV in Atlanta. She also has several years of experience in the hotel and restaurant industries. Alma has an Associate Degree in Business Science and attended the Anita Laraya Wine School in 2003. Originally from Bosnia, Alma is multilingual. Her excellent people skills, energy and enthusiasm also motivates those around her to perform at their highest level. Alma recently earned her credentials as a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).
Dave Thomason Dave Thomason has over twelve years of sales experience in a variety of industries, including five years in industrial and mechanical contracting, two years with a specialty apparel manufacturer and five years in the wine industry. After learning the core of the wine business with National Distributing, Dave discovered that his skills were actually much better suited to boutique distributors. With his diverse background and experience, Dave has worked with a wide variety of customers and has developed the unique ability to understand their needs. Dave's personal interest in their success translates into inquisitive and enthusiastic relationships that help grow both the business and the excitement about the future of Quality Wine and Spirits.
Toni Whittington, CSW Toni Whittington discovered her love of wine while working for South City Kitchen, where pontificating about the origins of great food and wine was an everyday occurrence. From there, it was a natural step into the world of wine sales for Toni. Toni worked for Empire Distributors where she was promoted into a coveted 20-account fine-wine territory with a sharp “A” list of accounts. It was at that time that Toni earned her certification from the Society of Wine Educators as a Certified Specialist of Wine. She also worked for Atlanta Wholesale Wine and Ultimate Distributors, further rounding out her wine knowledge and hands-on experience. Toni joined Quality as an on-premise sales rep in March, ’06, where she "strives to be the expert my customers appreciate and to express my willingness to be of service while continuing to expand my knowledge of this industry.”
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Quality Delivery Team
