J. SMOKE WALLIN
ChairmanJ. Smoke Wallin is an accomplished leader and successful entrepreneur in the beverage & technology industries. He has spent the last 20 years creating, leading or advising many of the most successful brand owners and distributors on their “go-to-market” strategies, market execution plans and capital raising/investments.
Wallin led the strategic thinking and execution at NWS, which created a $1 billion plus multi-state wine, spirits, beer and non-alcoholic beverage distributor. He also served, as Chairman, President & Director of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 1996-2004.
Wallin has an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a BS in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. Mr. Wallin is an Eagle Scout and the father of two Eagle Scout sons. He lives in Carmel, IN with his wife Anitra and his four children, Skye, Cameron, Sierra and Talli.
Don Hammond
PresidentMr. Hammond has spent nearly 30 years in the drinks industry, beginning with P&G and then Gallo. After running a distributing business, Mr. Hammond was national training director for United Distillers/Schenley Industries (Now Diageo). During the 1990’s, Mr. Hammond was Corporate Vice President of National Wine and Spirits and National Sales Manager and then Senior Vice President of McCormick Distilling Company, the 8th largest distilling company in the US and served on their Board until late 2001. From 2001-2003 he served as President and COO of Columbia Distributing Company a major beer, wine spirits and soft drink distributor. Mr. Hammond then moved onto Drinks America, Inc. until 2005 as their President and COO. In 2005, Mr. Hammond formed BMA-USA, a national sales company for the beverage alcohol industry. He later co-founded Taliera Holdings to acquire brands in the beverage space.
Richard Cutler
Vice PresidentMr. Cutler is an experienced sales and marketing executive in the beer industry. His area of expertise is in brand development within international markets. He previously worked for Bass and Interbrew as well as others.
Art Massolo
Vice President, Business Development18 years experience in the international wine and beverage trade including general management, business development, business strategy, international and domestic sales and marketing. Built the Wine Group’s international business. Outstanding contacts with major retailers, beverage suppliers and wineries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Proven track record in managing and developing businesses.
Mark Smith
Vice President MarketingMr. Smith’s beer experience began with managing Bass’ portfolio in Northern Europe. He later managed some of Bass’ biggest brands in the UK – Grolsch and Carling. Mark holds an MBA from Nottingham, England.
Carlo Barone
Director of National AccountsMr. Barone has worked in a wide variety of senior management roles, most recently as President of National Accounts for Zodiac spirits. He began his beverage alcohol experience at Heineken and has held several other National Account sales roles throughout his career.
