Meet the Team
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Lara Abbott
PR & Events Manager
I never intended to be in the wine business, but I am so glad that I am! With Spanish and Rhetoric degrees from UC Davis (and a love for sports) I moved to Australia to work for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. When they ended, I moved back to NorCal and started my wine career; first with an Australian company (then Southcorp, now Treasury Wine Estate) maintaining the connection with that special country, then with Domaine Chandon in the Napa Valley. Now I get to spread the good word of CHW through public relations, events and strategic partnerships. There's never a dull moment; and that's just the way I like it!
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Owen Bettinger
Web Store Coordinator
I started working with Cameron Hughes a couple years ago while I was completing my training and application to become a California Fireman. During that time I got to know many great customers of CHW in Costco and special events in the San Francisco Bay Area. As many of you know, the State of California's public government is not in the best financial health and the result is there are few to no spots for new probationary firefighters. At a rep meeting, Jess pulled me aside and asked if I could help out with the Web Store team putting out fires related to customer and logistics issues. I told her I have the perfect training for such support and have never looked back!
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Jay Conway
Partner, EVP Sales
More than 15 years ago, Cameron and I were competing for shelf space, representing two of the largest wine companies in the business. We never quite figured out who won (still an ongoing debate of course!) but a friendship was struck. I have worked with the most premium and well known wine companies around the globe, managed the launch of Fat Bastard, considered one of the most successful brand introductions in the wine business over the last 10 years. But nothing seemed as interesting or mind-blowing as being part of building a company that breaks all wine tradition; no vineyard and freedom to always bring consistently the best wine in the market to consumers at the best price. No way was I going to compete with that -- been there! Better to be Cam's friend on this one.
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Michael DiNapoli
CFO
I joined Cameron Hughes from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery where I was the controller leading and supporting efforts to finance Coppola's gorgeous new winery in Geyserville. For many years, I had a dream of working in the wine business. I love wine and I am a first generation Italian American. I grew up on the East Coast and worked in finance and accounting at the big firms. Making the leap to the West Coast and getting in to the wine business was a big risk for me, but here I am living my dream!
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Rob Eddlemon
Director of Sales, Channel Development
What can I say? I took a risky career move giving up a lucrative position with educational software/hardware sales to pursue my passion of wine as a full-time career. Granted it was a very calculated risk given the uniqueness of the CHW business model and quality of the product line. When I'm not tasting wine (tough job, I know) I'm out running or biking the great trails down here in Austin, Texas.
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Cameron Hughes
CEO, Founder
Prior to founding this company I was thinking about starting this company! In all seriousness, I took six months off after being fired from a very cool wine import company. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, aside my wife Jess of course ;) I have worked in the wine business for over 15 years and my own dad is the one who suckered me in after I suggested I go to graduate school to study English. He suggested that I do some part-time work for the wine company he was with at the time. The rest as they say 'is history!'
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Steve Hughes
Partner, Key Accounts Manager
Yes, I am the one who suckered Cam into the wine business. Apparently he enjoyed one too many of the samples I brought home during my 35 years at the Wine Group. Whatever it is I am enjoying retirement working with Cameron Hughes Wine. A company that is focused on bringing customers the best value in the business. Thirty five years ago my company brought boxed wines to the market. 35 years later I am bringing American negociant wines to the business. And I get to do it with my son. Life is good!
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Jane Hyttel
Team Leader Southeast, SalesPros
I come from a Cosmetic Sales background and managed several small box stores. Moved to Fl a few years ago and was looking for something different to do. I started out doing demos for CHWINE and in the process was lucky enough to meet Cameron and Jessica and their Team. I was hooked, amazing story proving hard work and dedication really does equal success. I still get excited when I am telling the "story" to someone the first time. Family is what is most important to me. How fortuitous for me to have found such a great company to work for. Everyone who works here is bright and talented and they have extended to me the feeling of being part of their family. Having some great wines to drink and share is an added bonus!
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Ben Jenkins
Director of Technology
I'm a native Michigander who moved to San Francisco almost 10 years ago. After weathering the dot-bomb at Razorfish I moved on to positions at AKQA, Technorati and Flickr (Yahoo!). I met Jessica Kogan at Razorfish and contracted to build the first CHWine website - over 7 years ago now! In early 2008 I decided (after a few bottles of wine) to take a leap of faith and join CHWine full time. As Technology Director I take tend to our many websites, various business web apps, our technical infrastructure, desktop support, box packing, chair construction, project management and strategic vision. I try not to cringe when Tessa calls me the "IT Guy". I eat like a caveman, wear Vibram toe-shoes and I like barbells.
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Alissa Kellett
Logistics & Accounts Coordinator
I graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Health and Recreation and can say pretty much I am living that degree! Working here is what everyone thinks - fun, hard work, and passion. I have worked with health food companies and in the departments of my alma mater handling logistics and customer service and can say, with absolute certainty that working with our customers has been the best experience so far. I coordinate all our wholesale logistics and work directly with most of our Web store customers to ensure that you are happy with your wine orders and you receive them on time. I could never have imagined that I would have an opportunity to work in the wine industry and the more I learn, the more I love. And yes, the Oxford Wine Companion now lives at my desk - so bring on the questions!
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Jessica Kogan
CMO, Founder
I moved from NYC to SF working for Razorfish. Cameron and I moved in together. He was unemployed and hatching Cameron Hughes Wine. We figured two heads and pockets were better then one so we took the big plunge. Prior to CHW I worked as a marketing and communications strategist launching Donna Karan Menswear, Urban Decay, Dr. Scholl's Exercise Sandals, Elizabeth Arden, Kellogg's Smart Start and Boo.com
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Jennifer Kowskie
Design Director
So, Jess and I met through very good friends at Razorfish where we both worked. I left the "official" workforce to have two wonderful boys and Jess would contact me here and there to help her with design projects for this wine company she was starting with Cameron. So, here we are 10 years later we are still working together. She convinced me at some point to drop all my other clients to work on CH exclusively. So here I am working on our little project that just keeps growing - it's been an awesome ride!
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Nancy Nealon
Production Manager
I teamed up with Cameron Hughes Wine after my time at Francis Ford Coppola Winery as Finance Director. I have enjoyed the Wine Industry for over eight years now, four of which I spent with Saddleback Cellars. As an outdoors girl, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than hiking with my Labrador, Havana. I am enthusiastic about being part of an amazing winemaking to bring you wines from around the world.
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Tessa O'Dowd
Account & Operations Manager
I am a business graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. My passion for wine began when I started my minor in wine and viticulture. I have been working in the Central Coast wine industry for more than 10 years, and recently moved to the bay area to develop my career in accounting; within the wine industry of course. As a native to the Bay Area Peninsula, getting a ?wine job? in San Francisco had very little odds. As the Account and Operations Manager here at CHW, I feel lucky to be a part of such a innovative, passion driven company. We are a family that works and plays hard.
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John Ortiz
Warehouse Manager
I joined the Cameron Hughes Wine team from Constellation Wine to oversee their direct shipping warehouse and fulfillment. I have specialized in warehouse management for over 25 years and understand the various roles and responsibilities of a fast-growing fulfillment business. When I am not out on the golf course or cheering on the San Francisco Giants at AT&T park, you'll find me next to my terrarium, feeding my pet Green-Tree Pythons. I am excited to be among such a dynamic group and helping to deliver great wines to your doorstep.
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Michael Rayner
Associate Winemaker
I met Cameron when I was working at Havens Winery, which, as many know, went out of business. I began consulting with Cameron and Sam Spencer and after three months of working seven days a week, we decided that perhaps there was a position for an Associate Winemaker! I have worked with some of the leading wineries in Napa and Sonoma handling various part of the winemaking process. I can tell you without a doubt, that there is no company in the wine industry that is thinking and innovating like Cameron. I am thrilled to be part of the ride!
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Terri Reed
Western Regional Sales Manager, SalesPros
My background is in catering and special events. I operated my own catering company and developed a gourmet sauce product line. I sold my biz and moved from Westlake Village, CA to Goodyear, AZ. I've had the opportunity to work with several wineries in CA and I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. I love food and wine and I'm passionate about doing a fantastic job for CHW. They treat their people like family and I love being part of the team!
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Doug Rogers
COO
I have been in the wine industry for over 25 years, primarily in brand creation and development. My first 'wine' brand was Bartles & Jaymes Wine Cooler. I developed Gallo Sonoma, Turning Leaf and other popular priced wine brands. I have been fortunate to work with many wineries in France, Italy, Chile and Australia in the development of their wines for the US market.
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Kristin Smith
Web Store Manager
Interestingly I got in to the wine business when I was just poking around to learn more about the wine I enjoy. I was working in Paso Robles with a real estate management company and took a weekend position at Laetitia Winery in their tasting room. I was hooked! I just really enjoy how social the wine business can be. Soon after I joined full time handling their wine club and a few years later I am here at Cameron Hughes Wine, for a new San Francisco experience!
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Samuel Spencer
Director of Winegrowing
My signature style is big, beautiful, bold and balanced wines. I have been making wine for more than 15 years there is no other career I can imagine doing. I hate sitting behind a desk, I love food and wine, and nothing is more invigorating to me than creating truly remarkable wines. "I have been thoroughly immersed in wine and wine culture throughout my career. In addition to co-founding Spencer Roloson Winery I have spent considerable attention developing Madder Lake Vineyards in Clearlake and La Herradura Vineyards in St Helena. Some of my clientele include Mark Herold Wines, Turley Wine Cellars, Grant Family and Orin Swift Wines." Cam and I struck a friendship more than nine years ago at a San Francisco wine trade event. We have a lot in common but most importantly a passion for making incredible wine. I am sourcing some incredible wines from around the world and all over the states to make for you! And yes, I did provide Cam with his first two Lot wines, Lot 1, 2002 Lodi Syrah and Lot 2,2001 Dry Creek Zinfandel. Like a fine wine, this friendship is aging perfectly!
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Maribel Vasquez
Accounts Coordinator
I came to know Cameron Hughes Wine through Tessa, who is not only the accounts manager at CH, she is also a fellow student who is studying for her MBA. We worked together on many student projects and I would always want to focus on Cameron Hughes Wine. My grandfather picked grapes for Kendall Jackson so I was always very curious about the industry. One day, Tessa asked me if I would be interested in working at the company and everything seemed to fall in place.
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Jake Westerfeld
Web Marketing Coordinator
From harvesting Blue Agave for Tequila to making cotton candy from Foie Gras, I love food and it's many adventures. Beyond my passion of food is the eternal wine and food marriage. I worked as rep with Cameron Hughes Wine for three years paying the bills while I earned my bachelor at the Culinary Institute of America. As a store rep for CHW I worked all over the country selling some of his best wines and training others in the art of wine slinging. As the online media coordinator, my role is to help translate the message online as effectively as we do offline. The web is a lifestyle for me - thanks to Microsoft, Apple and whatever genius came-up with 'Minesweeper' I can merge my love for the web with my love for food and wine.
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Steve Wiley
Regional Manager, Midwest
One could say I that I was born and bred into the beverage industry, as my father owns a large beer distributor where my sister is currently Vice President. As an independent broker for more than nine years, I have worked with many great brands. Choosing to join Cameron Hughes Wine was a no brainer. It is one of the most innovative wine companies in the industry today. In my time not representing Cameron Hughes Wine, I coach a championship high school basketball team in Springfield, OH. With a decade of wine sales and marketing behind me, I am thrilled to bring my skills to this great company.