I’ve dedicated my professional life to the F&B, hospitality and alc-bev industries collaborating with some of the world’s most renown restaurateurs, winemakers and brewers. The livelihoods, passions, and multi-generational histories of the artisans, growers and brands I have represented have brought me so much joy and continue to inspire me in my entrepreneurial pursuits.

Early on I gained hands-on expertise in how to create impactful and memorable guest experiences and managed service teams that elevated the expectations of the industry. I led the opening of acclaimed Chef Thomas Keller’s first concept wine bar in Beverly Hills, Bar Bouchon, and opened and developed service programs for James Beard Award-winning chefs Tom Collichio (Craft), Jonathan Waxman (Washington Park), and Suzanne Goin & Caroline Styne (A|O|C). I was a proud team member at Craft when we were honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Service, but it was at AOC Wine Bar in Los Angeles where my passion for handcrafted wines, and sharing their stories with thirsty consumers, was cultivated and inspired. 

Through The Drinkery I created a perfect recipe to feed my wanderlust and thirst for adventure with my passion for the hospitality and alc-bev trade. In more than 20 countries I have led all B2B & B2C commercialization initiatives to elevate global brand awareness and market penetration through brand launches, digital media platforms, on-premise activations, trade shows, educational initiatives and other above- and below-the-line marketing campaigns. I established strategic partnerships with several of the world’s most revered hotel & restaurant groups to consolidate and ship to their outlets worldwide and led the expansion of The Drinkery to become one of the leading craft beer distributors and retailers in the Pacific Rim, which included the strategic merger with Thirsty Craft Beer Shop to vertically integrate the core distribution business and help grow the operation from 1 location to 6 locations in Singapore. To expand our DTC foothold in the region we launched Vinified Wines, the first Asia-based wine e-commerce and delivery platform that focuses on America’s most revered artisanal wineries.

Current projects include Present Tense Restaurant and Hippo Bodega in Nashville and soon to release sake brand handcrafted in Kyoto, Japan: Pure Land Sake.

To meet with Rick or any of our excellent mentors, please fill out this interest form.