Wine Broker's - Our Company

Mr. Michael S. Ogurek

Owner & President

In 1988, Michael graduated from the University of Detroit with degrees in Liberal Arts & Business. Prior….He was taught by the Catholic Nuns in Grade School, the Christian Brothers at his High School, Brother Rice High School in Birmingham, Michigan & finally the Jesuits Priests at the University of Detroit…to say the least he experienced a lot of different views and opinions…

In 1991, Michael was accepted into the Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery – “Sales & Marketing Development Program” which at the time was the largest winery in the world. In 1992, Michael was accepted into the J. Lewis Cooper Wine & Spirits Co. in Detroit, Michigan. During the following several years, he enjoyed many positions within the distributor. To name a few: Sales Manager, Brand Manager, District Manager, Market Manager, Key Account Manager, Sales Rep, E & J Gallo Merchandiser, Assistant Sales Manager & then again as Key Account Manager in 1999.

In early 2000, Michael accepted a position within the Kevin D. Chaney, Co. “Wine Brokers” Marketing Firm in Cincinnati as a Regional Sales Manager & Key Chain Account Mgr. In 2002, Michael was promoted to Vice President of Sales. Michael worked with the firm until early April 2019 when, Michael achieved the opportunity to purchase the 40 year old Wine Marketing Company in these Midwest United States.

Michael is proud of his 30 years in the wine industry developing his knowledge and is honored & humbled to have worked “for or with” the E & J Gallo Family, the Castello Banfi family, The Freixenet USA & Ferrer Family, The Schmitt Sohne Winery, The San Francisco Wine Exchange, Allied Domeq, Bacardi Imports, Brown Forman, to name a few international & National wine companies.

Michael’s true passion is visiting all areas of the world that love food & grow grapes, when not traveling for work, his passion is being at home, collecting Antiques, enjoying American & European History and most importantly spending time with his family, Ranay his best friend, Chloe his beautiful daughter & his infamous buddy “Bentley” the Silver lab!

As of April 8th, 2019 Michael is the New Owner & President of MO Cellar Selections, LLC – Wine Brokers

A Special Thank You!

“Even in today’s world, there are still those that understand the true meaning behind…”It’s a Wonderful Life”… Mike & Dawn you will always be the “New” Wine Brokers most trusted & true friends! Thank you so very much!”

Mr. Anthony “Tony” DeYoung

Strategic Advisor and Direct Consultant
Dynamic Business Solutions LLC

Anthony has 30 years in the Adult Beverage/ Hospitality Industry at all three tiers (Retailer, Wholesaler and Supplier). In his Fourteen years with the Charmer Sunbelt Group, ten years with White Rock and Heaven Hill he has worked on brands such as Crown Royal, Makers Mark, Jack Daniel’s, Grey Goose Vodka, Pinnacle Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka and most recently launched Three Chord Bourbon.

Anthony is a Senior Executive with extensive leadership experience at the national level. Results driven professional, with over 24 years of outside B2B sales experience in tangible and intangible products, managing 105 single territories with $1.5 M+ in annual revenue and sales teams delivering 1.8M cases, totaling, $170M in revenue for private and Fortune 200 companies. He offers proven abilities in defining and implementing effective corporate business strategies that are focused on consistent organizational improvements to maximize profits, drive sales, and reduce costs. Use Process Maps and Root Cause Analysis to validate/ support Fit Gap Analysis and Project Management. Specialties: Brand development, budgeting, financial analysis, sales and profit forecasting, business development, account management, territory growth and development, project management, coaching, training, merchandising, networking, performance management, retail, sales presentations and closing techniques, team building and organizational leadership.

Anthony lives in Buffalo, New York and has raised two outstanding boys that have won athletic national titles at the high school and collegiate levels. Both college graduates, with honors, their early developed of community leadership skills is a product of Anthony’s dedication to hard work to achieve his goals. As a former All American football player himself, there is no quit in these guys!

Mr. Walter Seligman

Director of Strategic Portfolio Development
“Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, DC”

Walter Seligman, Industry Expert and Direct “Consult” to the Wine Brokers Executive Team as it relates to the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida.

Walter is a Wine Professional with more than 35 years experience in all tiers of the three-tier system. Having worked extensively in the restaurant industry early in his career, then in retail wine sales in Washington, D.C. and distributor management with Forman Bros. His first supplier position was helping to build Louis Martini and Wente wines, from there he helped build brands across the country such as Beaulieu Vineyards, Clos du Bois, William Hill, G.H. Mumm, Perrier Jouet, Atlas Peak, Campo Viejo, Rosenblum Cellars and most recently Hammeken Cellars, Spain.

Walter lives in a rural part of Virginia with his wife Dawn. In his free time he enjoys hiking, fishing, swimming, and most of all spending time with his two grown children, and two young grandkids.

Mr. Rick Tarkin

Director of Sales – Atlantic Division

Rick has over 50 years of experience in the alcohol beverage business, in all three tiers. He graduated from C.W. post College with a major in English Literature. He ventured out and opened his own retail store. After the “Judgement of Paris” wine event in 1976, Rick contacted Warren Winarski and was able to secure 10 cases of the coveted winner, Stags Leap SLV Cabernet 1973 which changed the image of the store. He then became a certified Sommelier and was offered the assistant sommelier position at the 21 Club in Manhattan, which in hindsight, regretfully turned down. After Rick sold his store, he took his next steps in the wine industry. He worked with David Taub from Gallo/Premier Wine distributors where he ran their imported wine division. Next, he accepted a managerial role at Charmer Industries where he remained 10 years.

After Charmer, Rick began his journey on the supplier side when he was offered an East Coast role with Don Sebastiani. Rick was instrumental in achieving a landmark of 1 million cases shipped in the region. When the majority of Sebastiani brands were sold to Constellation, Rick was offered the Northeast Managers position with the Rutherford Wine Company, from Napa Valley. Rick was extremely successful garnering 25+% shipment increases year after year. Then, Rick had a short, but outstanding stint with Yabby Lake Vineyards, out of the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, opening distributors on the East coast, and increasing shipments by 239%. Rick now has his own successful brokerage business, and is thrilled to be with Michael and his team at MO.

Rick is married to his wonderful wife Leslie of 26 years. Rick has 2 sons and 1 daughter. His son Aaron passed away this year, at 35 years old. His other son Joey is a decorated US Marine, and has 3 beautiful daughters, and they live in Michigan. Rick also has a daughter, Vanessa, and a granddaughter, Roxy. They live in Juneau Alaska. Rick and Leslie have 3 purebred cats: Montepulciano, Gavi and Kitten. Rick loves to cook, and to share his creations with friends. Rick also loves to travel, read and write poetry, play and listen to music, and be creative in his thinking. Rick is a great listener and loves to help others.

Mr. Chad Feldman

Director of Sales (Central Division)

Hospitality and a love of taking care of people began at an early age for Chad through his family’s company, Feldbro Meats, where he would follow is Dad to work on the weekends and learn the art of customer service and develop the ability to relate to anyone from anywhere always displaying respect first and foremost. At 16 years old he began his career as a valet at Ristorante D’Modesta in Southfield where he quickly moved from parking cars to mixing drinks, greeting guests, serving and eventually learning to cook while watching the kitchen produce phenomenal Italian cuisine.

From day 1 he never looked back and knew he had landed exactly where he was meant to be. He remained with D’Modesta for several years returning to work on breaks from college at Arizona State and Michigan State absorbing all he could about food, wine, spirits but most of all he focused on service where once again his ability to find common ground with people of any background carried him to Chicago to work with the legendary restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises landing at Shaw’s Crab House and his love of wine and spirits was born. Immediately realizing how difficult and intimidating the world of wine is he began studying and tasting and testing and eventually training the service staff at all 3 restaurants within the Shaw’s division as he climbed the management ranks while also becoming the Wine Director for the division and a seat on the Corporate Beverage Committee. With wine sales alone surpassing the 8M level came the opportunity to travel wine country and see the evolution a grape in a field undertakes ending up in a bottle.

Ms. Susan Hayes

Vice President of Sales - Pacific West Coast Division
“Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington State, Idaho”

MO Cellars is pleased to have Susan Hayes join our team on the Pacific Coast. You may remember her as Sue Schubert –long time Wine and Spirits Buyer for Costco. We are pleased that Sue has decided to come out of retirement to be our V.P. of Sales in the Pacific Northwest. Sue’s buying career expands decades and has allowed her to travel the world, meet notable personalities in the wine and spirits industry and study with experts; including earning her W.S.E.T. Certificate.

Sue has worked with Distributors and buying offices throughout the United States -her industry experience is without reproach and truly invaluable. Sue is passionate about friends, travel, art and especially food, wine and spirits. Upon leaving the corporate world, while vacationing in Hawaii, Sue met a local artist who was conducting painting classes on the Island of Kona.

She joined the class and soon the painting hobby ignited anew passion within. Sue has started her own business painting pet portraits. These commissioned portraits have been purchased all over the USA and as far as the UK. Susan lives in Washington State with her companion Rick. They enjoy boating the beautiful Washington lakes, traveling to Mexico and Europe and most of all spending time with their seven grown children, and five grandkids.

Mr. Justin Koochof

Regional Sales Manager
(West Coast Division)

Justin is a young professional who graduated from Seattle University with two degrees both in Marketing andSupply Chain Management and Spanish Literature. Justin being nearly three years of experience in Beer, Wine, and Spirit buying with Costco’s International Division; his passion for Merchandising Strategy has brought his many successes in his career.

Being a first-generation college graduate, Justin is also involved with a few non-profits and cohorts supporting those communities. When he is not working or volunteering, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with his Basset Hound, Nora, candle-making, and cooking.

Justin speaks Spanish and English fluently, with conversational fluency in Armenian and Farsi, as well. Justin brings excitement and vigor to all projects he works on, both wine and benign!

Mr. Aaron Cherny

Strategic Consultant –Pacific Division

Aaron M Cherny, our Vice President of Sales –Director of Pacific Division, has had a varied career and unique path that has led him from Mergers & Acquisitions to Automotive to Spirits and finally to Napa Valley and the wine business. Upon graduating from Indiana University, he joined the prestigious M&A advisory, Duff & Phelps, based in their Chicago office.After 6 years in professional services, he followed his passion for cars and racing joining the Corporate Development team at TRW Automotive, a Tier 1 auto supplier, based in Detroit.While at TRW he worked on many international transactions that reshaped the company and the overall industry.

After his time in Detroit, he pursued an opportunity with Beam Suntory as a manager for the company’s International Strategy.He worked on projects from China to Eastern Europe to Latin America managing global distribution strategy and new product introductions.

After a major corporate restructuring at Suntory, Aaron took his severance check and headed out West to try and break into the wine industry.He got in on the very ground floor as a seasonal harvest intern with the storied Sonoma Valley institution, Roche Family Winery. This led to many connections that Aaron used to launch his own consultancy advising on sales & distribution, wine production, estate/brand creation and vineyard/brand sales & acquisitions.His clients have included: Mayacamas Vineyards, Davis Estates, Bonny Doon Vineyard, HuneeusVintners (Quintessa, Faust, Flowers), Fortis Label Solutions, Restoration Hardware –Yountville and Quince/Verjus.

All this while launching his own wine label with his best friend Randal, Source & Sink Wines.Based in Sonoma Valley, S&S farms their own vineyards and pays tribute to the wine styles of Old pre-prohibition California.
Aaron resides in downtown Napa but you will usually find him at the winery, a client’s office or at one of the vineyards that Source & Sink farms in Sonoma Valley.

Mrs. Shannon Bruehl

Market Manager - Atlantic Division

Shannon is an important member of our Atlantic Division. Based out of our North Carolina office, Shannon heads up the southern Eastern seaboard states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

With over 20 years of Sales and Sales Management experience, Shannon brings her passion for building and maintaining customer relationships to our wine sales team.

Shannon’s “Customer First” mentality leads to outstanding success in building and maintaining genuine relationships with key corporate decision makers. She has an excellent level of customer retention and loyalty and enjoys bringing others together and forming strategic alliances to serve our customer needs.

Shannon is no stranger to the wine and hospitality industry having grown up with family business connections in local Michigan restaurants. She has worked in several aspects of the wine industry over the years and is excited to continue with Wine Brokers; networking, building and strengthening relationships as well as New Business Development

Shannon is originally from Michigan, currently residing in Charlotte, NC for the past 7 years. Shannon loves the outdoors; enjoying her close proximity to the ocean and mountains which allows wonderful family time with her husband Ken, 14 year old son Devon and their famed English Bulldog “Stafford”!

Mr. Glynn Gutzeit

Director Spirits Portfolio Development & “Master of Spirits” Education

Industry Expert, Mr. Glynn Gutzeit is our resident Spirits Guru. In addition to his four decades as a General Motors engineer – leading a team of engineers at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford – he has spent the past 40 years as a bartender and leading expert of Liquor Management.

For the past 20 years, Glynn has conducted numerous spirits tasting programs at Michigan State University. Glynn has also provided his expertise to many high-end on-premise events at such distinguished locations as Five Lakes Grill and Portofino’s.

Glynn has consulted for many Liquor distributors in the southeastern Michigan area on the adoption and sales of new liquor products. He has consulted with bar and restaurant owners on the opening and management of upscale properties. Finally, one of his larger accolades, Glynn created an industry manual on the mixing and presentation of cocktails.

Glynn has lived in the Highland area for more than 20 years. He has been happily married to his wife Leslie for 30 years; the couple has one son, Scott.

Mr. Lee A. Hershey

Director of Wine Education

In the 1960’s, Lee Hershey belonged to a number of Food & Wine Clubs. He loved wine & it was his hobby…Lee graduated from Michigan State University with a Business Degree. Lee has managed a number of small business & owned a few during the years. Those years led Lee to managing a series of Wine & High end Liquor establishments in Metro Detroit, Michigan. Throughout these many years Lee found employment within three very well-known wholesaler’s in Michigan. During the 70’s & 80’s Lee Hershey represented wineries from all over the world inside the Wholesaler Distribution system. In the early 90’s Lee’s reputation as premier wine educator locally led him to a “Wine Consulting business” he started where he assisted very high end On & Off Premise accounts.

Lee Hershey had the honor of being an “Ambassador” for the famous Beaulieu Vineyard Winery (a 100 year Old Napa Valley property). During his role, he managed 8 wine events each week for 4 years. Lee has been honored over the years as the “Sommelier” at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club. Perhaps his most infamous and rewarding adventure has been the last 3o years as “Wine Education Director” at Schoolcraft Culinary College in Oakland County, Michigan.

Further, Lee enjoys his occasional glass of Scotch Whiskey. Lee is a “LIFELONG FELLOW” of the Academy of Malt Scotch Whiskey Society…

Finally, if you ever ask Lee how he is doing he will likely state “I am above average today and couldn’t be doing better”…Lee is a walking “Wine Encyclopedia” and his knowledge of the 3 Tier System and the Wine Industry is without reproach…
Wine Brokers is honored to say he is part of our team!
May God Bless Him!

Executive Administration & Marketing Team

Nicole McAllister

Executive Director of Administration

Nicole is a born and raised Michigander. Born and living in the Upper Peninsula as a small child before her family relocated to Denver for a few years then eventually moving back to Michigan where she lived in the Southeast area, mainly in the Oakland County/Waterford area.

She spent some time at Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan Universities with a major in Elementary Education. She put her education on hold to start a family in which she spent her time raising three beautiful, smart, and talented daughters. After 15 years as a stay-at-home, Nicole re-entered the workforce by becoming a paraeducator for elementary aged children with emotional impairments.

She enjoys cheeringon her daughters in their various soccer and dance events. Spending quality time with family and friends is important to her. Although Nicole considers herself a homebody, she does like to venture out to try new restaurants, shops, or traveling.

Nicole resides in Waterford with her family, 1 snake, 5 cats, and dog.

Victoria Pilut

Executive Assistant - Administration and Marketing

Victoria started working for Great Harvest Bread Co. as a bakery assistant in high school, then moved onto working as a guest advocate at Target throughout college. During college, Victoria acquired a position as a Sales and Marketing Intern at Crain Communications.

Victoria grew up in Livonia, Michigan with her two sisters Jordan and Sydney. Growing up and throughout school, Victoria participated in hockey and lacrosse. Victoria started high school at Ladywoodhigh school in Livonia and graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills after Ladywood’sclosure. She continued her education at Wayne State University where she studies Supply Chain Management and Marketing at the Mike Ilitch School of Business in Detroit.

Victoria lives with her 3 cats and leopard gecko. In her free time, she goes on the boat and long car rides in her red Jeep Rubicon named ‘Ruby’. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, and travelling the world. Her favorite trip was to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru where she volunteered with her peers at Sacred Heart.

Anna Moore

Executive Assistant – Marketing

Anna graduated with honors from Oakland University with a major in Psychology. She has a background in business and entertainment as a former Marilyn Monroe Tribute Artist. While on her Marilyn journey, she began working at Retro-a-go-go! in downtown Howell, MI as a marketing assistant, model, and production manager.

Anna is now in charge of the social media platforms for MO Cellar Selections. She will be assisting with projects as well as growing her knowledge in wine & spirits to perform in the sales division. Her passion for psychology and marketing have provided her a unique skill set to contribute to many areas of MO!

Anna grew up in Clinton, Michigan with her three siblings – Melissa, Joshua, and Maria. While in her hometown, she discovered her passion for antiques and began her tribute to Marilyn! She later moved to Bloomfield Hills, MI to attend college while also working with Michigan model and talent agencies.

Anna currently lives in Howell, MI with her cat ‘Moops’. She enjoys hiking, working out, and cooking! Her favorite meal to cook is Coq Au Vin- a French dish that translates to “rooster in wine.”

Ms. Lauren Lucia

Director of Social Media

Lauren graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Finance and a minor in Economics. In college, she participated in the Business Scholars Program where she was selected to compete against other students in business competitions where she utilized her keen marketing strategies. Her passion and diverse skill set allows her to design and develop content driven to increase business for clients.

Lauren grew up in Metro Detroit with her two sisters – Alexandra and Julia. At a young age, she discovered her love for both volleyball and tennis which she continues to play to this day.

Lauren enjoys cooking & baking, family trips to Northern Michigan, and spending time with her family & friends. Her favorite dessert to make is her aunt Rosemary’s Pistachio Cake!

Mr. Paul Martinez

Graphic Art Designer

Paul Martinez is an expert Graphic Designer with over 20 years of expertise. After graduating from Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, he has worked in various capacities as a freelance graphic designer, and as an advertising/marketing designer for several well-known print advertising corporations.

His love of art and design does not stop at the workplace, as his hobbies include woodworking, an occasional scrimshaw project and getting lost in a meaningful book. An avid outdoorsman, he very much enjoys camping, kayaking and bike riding. Paul’s true passion is his wife Johannah and their two boys, Liam and Matéo.
Wine Broker’s enjoys working along side such a
talented designer and creative mind.

Mr. Steven Schwartz

Accounting

Heading up our accounting department is Steven Schwartz. Steven graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI with a BA in Business and shortly thereafter returned to Walsh College In Troy, MI and obtained an MS in Finance. Steven has also completed an Associates Degree in Accounting at Oakland Community College.

Steven began his business career working in several banks and credit unions doing credit, billing and collection work in 2015 he became a Certified Pro Advisor with Intuit QuickBooks. His expertise includes:

Bank Reconciliations
Financial Statement Analysis
Invoicing and Billing

Steven is known for being organized, extremely communicative and detail-oriented. He enjoys swimming daily and Classical music concerts. Steven became a Certified Pro Advisor through the QuickBooks Training process in both Desktop and Cloud Accounting Online.

Wine Brokers is fortunate to have such an organized and detail orientated individual to head up our accounting department!

Chef Joe Olson

Director of Culinary Education

Joseph Madore-Olson has had a love of cooking for as long as he can remember. He started his passion at a local favorite steakhouse where he worked and developed his passion for food. He then attended culinary school at “The Culinary Institute of Arts, LeCordon Blue in Chicago”. Joe has worked at many different venues, from the Bears Stadium, Michelin star restaurants, and top local restaurants. He enjoys private catering events for a wide variety of clientele.

Chef Joseph’s passion and expertise is food and beverage pairings. Chef cooked for events pairing with fine wines, craft beer, and spirits. His love of cooking and unique talent caught attention from local food critics and he was featured in Hour Detroit magazine.

When he isn’t cooking he enjoys spending time with his wife of 12 years and their 2 children. They try to spend as much time as possible up north enjoying being outdoors and riding ATVs. Joseph and his wife love to travel and search for the best food and wine to enjoy.

Wine Brokers is pleased to have Chef Joe as a part of our growing team to offer excellent adult beverages and education to our customers.

Ms. Kacy Wolfram

Growing up in a kitchen with her father who is a renown pastry chef and a great influence in Kacy’s passion for the Restaurant and Adult Beverage business, Kacy joins the Wine Broker’s team with enthusiasm. Kacy’s hard work and dedication to food, culinary and wine is a tribute to her dad!

Kacy graduated from Oakland Community College with an Associates degree in Restaurant Management and has worked in numerous private country clubs and has managed the banquet department and the restaurant at Toasted Oak –part of “the chic” Marriott Renaissance Hotel Collection “The Baronette”.

Kacy grew up in Colorado for six years then moved to Michigan –bringing more knowledge of the industry as well as her exceptional administrative skills to Wine Brokers. Kacywill assist with the day to day operations of our growing business.
Family is everything to Kacy –including her puppy Gordie Howe. (A tribute to our own Detroit Hockeytown!)

Mr. Kevin D. Chaney

Kevin Chaney is the founder of “Kevin D. Chaney, Co. Wine Brokers”.

In the fall of 1979… in the month of September, Kevin began his Sales & Marketing career in the US Wine Industry. Kevin’s vision and expertise over these many 40 years has helped establish many Nationally recognized wine labels & brands across the vast United States marketplace.

Kevin is one of the true Riesling Pioneers in the market today…He was one of the original marketing minds behind Schmitt Sohnewines from Germany. He helped create what today are still category leaders in the Riesling category….For example the famed and ground breaking “Little German” Print Press advertising campaign & Relax Riesling brand which is one of the nation’s best-selling Sku’s. Kevin has represented Nationally recognized wineries such as, Justin Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, FoppianoVineyards, Byington Winery, L’AventureWinery, Laetitia Vineyards, Beckman Vineyards, Toad Hollow Vineyards, FreixenetUSA, Segura Viudas, Gloria Ferrer, Santa Carolina, Fincael Origens, Casablanca Nimbus, Baron de Ley, Laborie Roi & Dubos Frere’, DievoleWinery, PasquaWinery, Schloss Vollrads, Terra Valentine Winery, Gordon Estate, MilbrandtVinyards& many others….over so many years.

Kevin is one of the nation’s leading wine marketing minds In the industry today…Recently…Kevin has taken on a new role as an “Expert Advisor & Direct Consult” to the Brokerage Firm and its new owner Michael Ogurek…It’s hard to find these industry experts….Our organization is truly lucky to have him actively involved….

Why do we have such a competitive advantage? Versus other Wine Marketing Companies…It’s simple…Kevin D. Chaney is one of the reasons…our very long standing relationships at the Wholesale Distribution Level, at the Winery Supplier Level, at the long standing Buying Desk Level in so many On & Off Premise Chains & Independent Accounts…scattered across the towns and cities across the Midwest…
You walk around the block enough… everyone starts to know who you are….

A heartfelt thanks KDC!