Brewbound Live Kick Off Party, Presented by Juneshine

Breakfast & Registration

Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Semifinal Round

Watch Video

One-to-One Meetings with Retailers & Distributors

• Mary Guiver

  , Principal Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Dan Barrera

  , Global Beer Category Merchant Analyst, Whole Foods Market
• Samantha Fletcher

  , Senior Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Justin Ray

  , Senior Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Michelle Abdollah

  , Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile

  

  Michelle Abdollah

  Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile

  Michelle Abdollah is a seasoned retail expert with over 15 years of experience in merchandising and operations. Currently, she serves as Category Manager for Alcoholic Beverages and Private Label Development Manager at Extra Mile convenience stores, overseeing merchandising strategies for wine, beer, and spirits across 1,100+ locations in 11 states. With a proven track record of driving growth and profitability, Michelle has honed her skills through various leadership roles at 7-Eleven and Target. Her expertise has earned her recognition as one of the Top Women In Convenience by Convenience Store News in 2024. Michelle's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction continues to propel her success in the convenience store channel.

• Sinead Carey

  , Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage

  

  Sinead Carey

  Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage

  Sinead Carey is the Director of Sales - Beer at Breakthru Beverage, CA. She joined Breakthru Beverage, CA following the acquisition of Wine Warehouse in April 2023. She holds a leadership role that includes overseeing a team of craft beer specialists, working with supplier partners on planning, market execution, and collaborating with Breakthru Beverage, CA Sales Teams to drive performance behind the category. With over 20 years of successful experience working in the beer industry, Sinead has held roles in sales, distributor management, channel management, and trade marketing with Star Brand Imports, Heineken USA and Anchor Brewing. Sinead is an Irish native and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. She is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and was awarded the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers Paddle in 2022.

• Kevin Day

  , Director of Trade Development - Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Jessica Muskey

  , VP of Craft and Innovation, Reyes Beverage Group
• Laura Markstein

  , President, Markstein Sales Company

  

  Laura Markstein

  President, Markstein Sales Company

  As President of Markstein Sales Company since 2001, Laura Markstein has led the 105-year-old company in its continued growth and success as one of the largest independent family-owned groups of wholesale beer distributorships in the United States. Laura’s commitment to her customers, team and community is evident in the multiple awards received and organizations in which she has served. Laura’s strategic vision has simultaneously generated significant increases in the company’s sales numbers, while also increasing and diversifying a product portfolio that brings the highest accolades from both customers and supplier partners. From being consistently ranked one of the top ten women-owned businesses in the Bay Area of California to providing a work environment recognized as leading the way in employee satisfaction and wellness, Laura is proving that women leaders in the beverage distribution industry may be few in number, but big in impact.

• Peter Heimark

  , President, Heimark Distributing LLC

  

  Peter Heimark

  President, Heimark Distributing LLC

  Peter Heimark is President and CEO of Heimark Distributing LLC (HDC.) Heimark Distributing is an Independent Beer and beverage Distributor based in Indio, California servicing communities in eastern Riverside County and Southern San Bernardino County including the Coachella Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, and surrounding communities. Peter is the third generation of Heimark Family Members at the Helm of Heimark Distributing. He began his career with an internship working for Anheuser-Busch in Spain and Denmark. He spent the first twenty-three years of his career with Heimark Distributing’s sister company, Triangle Distributing, based in Santa Fe Springs. Upon conducting a territory swap with Anheuser-Busch in 2020, Peter moved to Heimark Distributing LLC. Peter has served as the Anheuser-Busch Advisory Panel Chairman, the Chairman of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, and has served on the board of the California Family Beer Distributors Association.

• Brian Fried

  , General Manager, Stone Distributing

  

  Brian Fried

  General Manager, Stone Distributing

  Brian Fried is the General Manager of Stone Distributing Company (SDC). SDC is an independent beverage distributor that services all Southern California and represents a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. SDC was founded in 1999 to distribute a few craft brands in San Diego with a hand full of employees. It has grown to be one of the largest craft-centric distributors in the country, employing over 350 passionate team members. Brian has been in the beverage business for 30 years with experience in beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. He began his career working at a beer distributor before a long tenure on the supplier side.  He has worked for such companies as Miller Brewing Company, Heineken USA, and Beam Suntory. He has held multiple management roles that have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the beverage industry, as well as develop capabilities in business planning and organizational development.

• Mary Guiver, Principal Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Dan Barrera, Global Beer Category Merchant Analyst, Whole Foods Market
• Samantha Fletcher, Senior Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Justin Ray, Senior Category Merchant, Beer, Whole Foods Market
• Michelle Abdollah, Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile
• Sinead Carey, Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Kevin Day, Director of Trade Development - Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Jessica Muskey, VP of Craft and Innovation, Reyes Beverage Group
• Laura Markstein, President, Markstein Sales Company
• Peter Heimark, President, Heimark Distributing LLC
• Brian Fried, General Manager, Stone Distributing

Sponsored Workshop: Hops! For Beer and Beyond

• Shae Maloney

  , Brewing Solutions Specialist, John I. Haas

  

  Shae Maloney

  Brewing Solutions Specialist, John I. Haas

  Shae Maloney is a Brewing Solutions Specialist at John I. Haas in Yakima, WA, where she focuses on applications development, technical support, and educational outreach. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colorado State University in 2015 with a B.S. in Fermentation Science and Technology. Since entering the brewing industry, Shae has worked as a brewer, cellar person, and QA specialist at GoodLife Brewing Co. and Worthy Brewing. She joined Haas in 2021 and is actively involved as a co-leader of the Yakima Chapter of the Pink Boots Society and a member of the MBAA District Northwest technical committee. Outside of work, Shae enjoys spending time outdoors and spoiling her goldendoodle, Dobby.

• Jeff Dailey

  , Sensory Manager, John I. Haas

  

  Jeff Dailey

  Sensory Manager, John I. Haas

  Jeff Dailey is the Sensory Manager at John I. Haas in Yakima, Washington, where he leads sensory panels evaluating experimental hops, innovative products, and harvest lots. Since joining in 2019, Jeff developed the Sensory Plus™ quality control system and pioneered methods for detecting smoke taint and tracking hop shelf life. His work has been key in launching new hop varieties like Talus and products such as HopKick and LUPOMAX. Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Jeff holds a master’s degree in food science from Washington State University and is an active member of MBAA and ASBC. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, and perfecting pizza recipes.

• Shae Maloney, Brewing Solutions Specialist, John I. Haas
• Jeff Dailey, Sensory Manager, John I. Haas

Watch Video

Networking Break

Welcome Remarks

How Russian River Made Pliny the Younger An Experience

• Natalie Cilurzo

  , Co-Founder, Russian River Brewing

• Natalie Cilurzo, Co-Founder, Russian River Brewing

Watch Video

Open Taps: Why Draft is Beer's Biggest Opportunity

• Lester Jones

  , VP Analytics & Chief Economist, NBWA
• Jennifer Hauke

  , Founder & CEO, Draftline Technologies

  

  Jennifer Hauke

  Founder & CEO, Draftline Technologies

  Jennifer Hauke is the Founder of Draftline Technologies, the parent company of Draftline Technician Services and Draftline Data. Draftline’s platform "makes draft work better" for modern beverage distributors and third-party service companies through its suite of data-driven, on-premise compliance, market analytics, and sales tools. Draftline is the on-premise draft leader, tracking over 1,000,000 draft lines in 100,000 accounts across 40 States. Jennifer has spent the last thirty years working in the on-premise draft category, beginning with her family's company in Detroit, Michigan. With a background that includes everything from draft service, installation, administration, and routing to product research, software development, data implementation, and sales strategy. Jennifer and her husband, Drew have three children and call Winter Park, Florida home.

• Lester Jones, VP Analytics & Chief Economist, NBWA
• Jennifer Hauke, Founder & CEO, Draftline Technologies

Watch Video

Suntory's Playbook for Winning the Fourth Category

• Christian McMahan

  , Chief Growth Officer, Suntory RTD Company North America

  

  Christian McMahan

  Chief Growth Officer, Suntory RTD Company North America

  Christian McMahan is Chief Growth Officer for Suntory RTD Company North America. He has been with Suntory since 2021 working across their US RTD portfolio. Christian has over 30+ years of beverage experience in the US including his work as Chief Marketing Officer for Heineken USA, Vice President of Marketing for Diageo North America and The Boston Beer Company.

• Satoru Shimizu

  , President, Suntory RTD Company North America

  

  Satoru Shimizu

  President, Suntory RTD Company North America

  Satoru Shimizu is the President of Suntory RTD North America, bringing nearly three decades of global experience to the role. Joining Suntory in 1995, he began his career in sales in Japan before relocating to the United States in 2006 to establish the company's presence for Japanese whisky portfolios, including Yamazaki Single Malt. Over the past decade, Mr. Shimizu has led marketing and strategic planning for Suntory Spirits and other spirits partners, including managing the House of Suntory brands, James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Maker's Mark in the Asia region. He has also served as a Board of Director for The Macallan Distillers Limited. Returning to the United States in 2023, Mr. Shimizu spearheaded the foundation of Suntory RTD's North American business. He currently leads an entrepreneurial project to establish the company's first FMB business in North America, set to launch in 2025. Mr. Shimizu's extensive experience in the alcohol industry, coupled with his deep relationships with key stakeholders

• Christian McMahan, Chief Growth Officer, Suntory RTD Company North America
• Satoru Shimizu, President, Suntory RTD Company North America

Watch Video

Pitch Slam Finalist Announcement, Awards & Rising Stars Video Announcement

Watch Video

Sponsored Workshop: Beer Flavor Goes Electric: A New Era of Flavor Innovation

• Tom Nielsen

  , Director of Brewing & Beverage Innovation, Abstrax Hops

  

  Tom Nielsen

  Director of Brewing & Beverage Innovation, Abstrax Hops

  Tom Nielsen is the Director of Brewing & Beverage Innovation at Abstrax Hops, bringing over 20 years of industry experience and a legacy of innovation from his previous role as R&D and Raw Materials Manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Known for his expertise in brewing science, sensory analysis, and raw materials innovation, Tom has led teams in developing standout beer and beverage products that elevate flavor and quality. His work at Abstrax reflects a passion for sustainable, forward-thinking flavor solutions that continue to shape and inspire the craft brewing industry.

• Tom Nielsen, Director of Brewing & Beverage Innovation, Abstrax Hops

Watch Video

Lunch, Sampling & Livestream

Watch Video

Middle-Tier Mindmeld: How to Make Yourself a Priority

• Jennifer Grant

  , GM and VP, Markstein Sales
• Lauren Doll-Sheeder

  , Managing Partner, Doll Distributing

  

  Lauren Doll-Sheeder

  Managing Partner, Doll Distributing

  Lauren Doll-Sheeder is a third-generation owner of Doll Distributing, where the focus on building brands and relationships is paramount. Her career began at Nationwide Insurance in sales, followed by a role on Anheuser-Busch’s Special Events Team. In 2014, Lauren joined Doll Distributing as a Relief Sales Representative, subsequently gaining extensive experience across Sales, Office Administration, Human Resources, and Marketing. She now serves one of the Owners and Managing Partner. Lauren is deeply committed to her community, actively volunteering and serving on numerous boards and committees in her local community, where she and her husband, Grant, are raising their three children, Caleb, Evan, and Sophie. Notably, she was the 2023 Chairwoman of the Board for the Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association and currently sits on the BREW Advisory Board for the National Beer Distributors Association, supporting their mission to attract, connect, and elevate women in beer and beverage distribution. Passionate about the ongoing growth of Doll Distributing, Lauren is dedicated to fostering a working environment that team members are proud to be a part of.

• Rebecca Maisel

  , SVP Legal & Government Affairs, Gulf Distributing

• Jennifer Grant, GM and VP, Markstein Sales
• Lauren Doll-Sheeder, Managing Partner, Doll Distributing
• Rebecca Maisel, SVP Legal & Government Affairs, Gulf Distributing

Watch Video

Why Intoxicating Hemp is the Fifth Category

• Scott Selix

  , Co-Founder, Climbing Kites

  

  Scott Selix

  Co-Founder, Climbing Kites

  Scott is a proud graduate of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and College of Law. After leaving Big Law, he co-founded Lua Brewing in Des Moines, which is ranked as one of the fifty best breweries in the world. Shortly thereafter, he purchased a property on Des Moines's west side and launched Lua's second location, Either/Or Eatery & Patio. That same year, Scott founded Climbing Kites, a cannabis beverage company. Climbing Kites is poised to launch in over two dozen states in the next six months and is one of the fastest growing cannabis beverage brands in the country. Scott currently acts as CEO of HYFR Hospitality and General Counsel for Climbing Kites. He also serves on several nonprofit boards and was President of the Iowa Brewers Guild from 2018-2024.

• Chris Herron

  , Co-Founder, BevStrategy LLC

  

  Chris Herron

  Co-Founder, BevStrategy LLC

  Chris Herron is the Co-Founder of Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and former CEO for 10 years. Since launching in 2014 in Athens, GA, Creature Comforts has become one of the fastest-growing and recognized new breweries in the U.S. While at the helm of Creature Comforts, Chris was responsible for the company’s long-term strategy and vision and created a solid infrastructure that drives Creature Comforts to rank among the top craft breweries in the country. Prior to Creature Comforts, Chris spent over a decade in sales and finance at Miller Brewing Company and Diageo, culminating as a Finance Director for Diageo’s $4B US Spirits and Wine business. Chris is still an owner in Creature Comforts and currently owns a strategic execution and brand development company, BevStrategy, that supports adult-focused beverages and their owners. BevStrategy is the business development partner for the fast growing premium THC brand Climbing Kites across the South. Chris is also in the process of launching an Adult-Focused beverage fund in 2025. Chris is currently the Vice-Chairman and Treasurer of the Brewers Association. Chris was raised in Stone Mountain, GA, and resides with his wife and four children just outside of Athens, GA.

• Ryan Bandy

  , Chief Business Officer, Indeed Brewing Company

  

  Ryan Bandy

  Chief Business Officer, Indeed Brewing Company

  Ryan Bandy is Chief Business Officer of Indeed Brewing Company, a Minneapolis- and Milwaukee-based brewery founded in 2012. Ryan joined Indeed over a decade ago, getting his start in packaging, snapping PakTechs onto cans and waxing tops of bottles. He’s since served as Sales Director, leading the brewery’s distribution and sales efforts, as well as Director of Experience, growing the community impact of Indeed’s events and creating welcoming taproom spaces for the brewery’s taprooms in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. With experience in every department of the brewery, from back of the house to the taproom to leading innovation into THC, Ryan is uniquely aware of the ways brewery’s decision-making processes impact efficiencies at all levels of production, sales, and service.  

• Scott Selix , Co-Founder, Climbing Kites
• Chris Herron, Co-Founder, BevStrategy LLC
• Ryan Bandy, Chief Business Officer, Indeed Brewing Company

Watch Video

Sampling, Networking & Livestream

Watch Video

NIQ/3 Tier Beverages Presentation

• Mary Mills

  , Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages

  

  Mary Mills

  Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages

  Mary Mills joined 3 Tier in 2022 from NielsenIQ, where she spent 14 years across client management, business development, and innovation insights. She has experience working with various clients in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries, with 10 years focused on alcohol specifically. She holds a Marketing degree from The Ohio State University and is an avid Buckeye fan. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Andy and two children, Luke (6 years old) and Ava (4 years old).

• Kaleigh Theriault

  , Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ

  

  Kaleigh Theriault

  Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ

  Kaleigh has 9 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories. She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last five years working on Thought Leadership and client specific business questions and projects. Kaleigh brings a unique skillset of analytic capabilities, as well as commercial selling story creation, and has significant background in bringing consumer insights to the forefront in support of sales trends. She has been pivotal in the NIQ strategy and tactics for Beverage Alcohol as the industry changes and develops.

• Mary Mills, Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages
• Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ

Watch Video

Platforms, Pivots & Partners: Surviving & Thriving in a Challenging Market

• Arthur Moye

  , Owner and CEO, Full Circle Brewing

  

  Arthur Moye

  Owner and CEO, Full Circle Brewing

  Arthur Moye is the founder and CEO of Full Circle Brewing Co. He graduated from San Jose University with a degree in Accounting in 2005. He became a CPA in 2008 and spent the first part of his career as an auditor and financial consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. In 2010, Arthur founded a successful, rapidly growing accounting firm. Then, after 15 years of homebrewing, he made the bold decision to sell his practice and follow his passion and purchased Full Circle Brewing Co. (Fresno’s longest running brewery). Since this time, Arthur has reinvented the brand and transformed the company. Today, Full Circle is the largest black-owned full-production brewing company in the U.S. with a collective portfolio of award winning beers in multiple formats and the only Black owned commercial cider brand. Since its purchase, Arthur has grown Full Circle into a $3.5 million company increasing sales by 3,800% and acquiring three brands. The company sells to 15 wholesalers and major chains including Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Safeway. Arthur has been featured in Forbes and New York Times for his work to change the face of craft brewing and manage the Full Circle business successfully. He is passionate about bringing more BIPOC brands and authentic experiences to more retailers and consumers around the world and mentoring people making the leap from corporate America to entrepreneurship.

• Aaron Vargas

  , Managing Partner, Backpocket Brewing

  

  Aaron Vargas

  Managing Partner, Backpocket Brewing

  Aaron Vargas is the managing partner for Backpocket Brewing Company with over 20 years in management experience which includes over 7 years in the brewing industry. Backpocket Brewing is one of the largest production breweries in Iowa with distribution statewide along with two satellite taprooms in Dubuque and Johnston Iowa. In his current role, he leads the management of the day-to-day operations, helping with crafting market strategy, financials and managing production as well as taproom operations. Concentrating on refocusing the brand portfolio which started as German-Style, to a more modern take at the Iowa Craft Beer Scene. Helping craft key partnerships that includes partnering with Iowa State University to become the official craft beer of the Cyclones. In early 2024, he helped create Parallel Brewery Collective with Singlespeed Brewing's owner Dave Morgan, which has now grown to 4 total member breweries helping with sales and procurement. Prior to Backpocket Brewing, he worked at Whole Foods Market where he was in store leadership in multiple stores in Houston, TX. He moved to Iowa to help run the family business in 2017 with his wife Jenny and three kids, Carly (11), Layla (11) and Colin (7).

• Ryan Lake

  , Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors

  

  Ryan Lake

  Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors

  Ryan has 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured and negotiated debt and equity transactions for beverage and restaurant companies. Ryan holds a B.S. in Finance from Arizona State University and resides in Chandler, Arizona with his wife and two children.

• Arthur Moye, Owner and CEO, Full Circle Brewing
• Aaron Vargas, Managing Partner, Backpocket Brewing
• Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors

Watch Video

Beers & Networking

Official Party, Presented by Firestone Walker with NIQ and Crafted ERP