Meet the CHW Team
We come from all over and have a passion for working hard and as they say, playing hard! Yep, we love what we do. Say hello and email us. We hope to hear from you!
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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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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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Jessica Erdmann
Account & Operations Assistant
I recently moved back up to northern California after graduating from UC Santa Barbara in June 2008 with a degree in Business/Economics. Prior to joining Cameron Hughes, I worked for a high net worth money manager in the bay area right out of school for four months before the economy took its toll. I never thought I would find such an awesome opportunity so soon thereafter! I am so excited to be here working with so many creative minds. Outside of work I tinker away on my piano, practice yoga, buy way too many $0.99 songs on i-tunes, and take my car, Harriett, on road trips.
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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
I come from a Cosmetic Sales background and managed several small box stores.<br /> Moved to Fl a few years ago and was looking for something different to do.<br /> I started out doing demos for CHWINE and in the process was lucky enough to<br /> meet Cameron and Jessica and their Team. I was hooked, amazing story proving <br /> hard work and dedication really does equal success. I still get excited when I am telling<br /> 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 8 years ago. I weathered the dot-bomb at Razorfish and then moved on to AKQA, Technorati and Flickr (Yahoo!). I met Jessica at Razorfish and contracted to build the first CHWine website - over 6 years ago now. It's been a wild time working for the company -- it hasn't always been easy! 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 care of our website, various web apps that we use for our business, our technical infrastructure and desktop support. I try not to cringe when Tessa calls me the "IT Guy". When I'm bored, I like to make beer. Mmm. Beer. (Am I allowed to say that?)
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Alissa Kellett
Logistics & Customer Service 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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Darlyne Miller
Manager Direct To Consumer
For years, wine was a hobby, but I earned my living as an attorney. Wanting to wake each day with a smile, I moved from Southern California to the Napa Valley to pursue my passion and get paid for it. I've been fortunate to work with some of the best wineries in the business, including managing all of the Direct to Consumer programs for the world's largest wine company. It was hard not to notice CHW and I was thrilled when I was selected to handle our rapidly expanding Consumer Direct business. It's an amazing, dynamic company with a group of people that move at the speed of light. When not at work, I travel, sail, play bocce, and enjoy almost anything outdoors, especially with my dog, which is easy to do living in San Francisco. And, unlike the old days, today when I bring work home, I need a corkscrew. Some people say I'm living the dream-they're right!
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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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Marcelo Oliveira
Shipping Coordinator
I was born in Brazil and from the time I was 8 years old, I dreamed of one day living in the United States. I finally moved to San Francisco where I got a job as a cab driver. The experience was priceless. In 2007, I started working part-time with Cameron Hughes Wine, supporting all parts of the administration, from packing boxes to answering phones to building desks. You name it, I was the everything guy. I knew if I hung in there long enough, the fit would come. And it did. I now run our direct shipping warehouse in Napa.
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Christina Pierce
National Sales Coordinator Rockstar
A NYC native, I moved to the great state of Texas with my husband in 2002 (can you say "culture shock!"). I've enjoyed the privilege of being a stay at home mom for the past ten years and thought it time to branch out! I purposefully avoided a position in pharmaceutical sales to pursue my new passion...Wine! Safe to say it was a wonderful decision. When I'm not chasing my three kids around I continue to train for marathons and adventure racing with my husband. I love this company, it's following, and where it is taking all of us. I look forward to a my future with CHW.
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Terri Reed
Southwest/NorCal Team Leader
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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Ken Schuller
Director of Sales, Eastern Region
Like Doug, Jay, and Dan I come from the best wine training out there - Gallo. I was introduced to Cameron Hughes Wine through my brother who is also in the wine business. He told me about this very interesting wine company that believes in selling the best wine at the best value. Now, a lot of people say this in the business, but few stand out and are able to deliver. Cameron's business model simply works because it takes the traditional winery model and turns it upside down. I left the wine business after Gallo and worked with Coors for more than seven years. That was an awesome ride. After that led Racke USA, a South African wine company as director of sales. Since the East Coast is new to Cameron, it will be a real pleasure to share the passion that so many in the West feel for Cameron and his wines, including myself!
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Brent Smith
CFO
Yes, I am the money man! in this industry a.k.a. grape counter, not a typical bean counter! I come to Cameron Hughes Wine with more 20 years in the wine industry working all sides of finance. Most recently I was CFO for California fine wine distributor The Henry Wine Group and through my years have held various executive level finance and management positions with some of the largest companies in the wine business including Southcorp, Brown Forman, Fetzer, and Allied Domecq. It is easy to become a brand in the wine business, but hard to be great. Cameron has found the right model to continually deliver great wine quality at the best value. I am thrilled to be part of this fast growing company that is committed to excellent wine.
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Samuel Spencer
bio |
Samuel Spencer
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 around Napa for a while and have handled the wine making for Turley, Copian, Jus Soli, Orin-Swift and other well-established wineries including my own label, Spencer Roloson. 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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Jake Westerfeld
Social Media 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.
