Better World Spirits

Wade Keech has a B.S. in Chemistry from Millersville University and an MBA in Sustainable Business Systems from Pinchot University. He started Whitetail Brewing in York in 1994 in the early days of the craft brewing industry and is very familiar with the alcohol industry. He is currently consulting for Barley Creek Brewing and Distilling and assisting in setting up a new distillery at an established brewpub. He is designing recipes and overseeing the production of spirits. He was a founding member of the PA Microbrewers Guild and now will assist the nascent PA Craft Distillers Guild and assist with the formation to aggressively work to improve the business environment. He is passionate about making the world a place where the children and grandchildren of today will be able to live and appreciate the world of tomorrow. He enjoys local food, complex flavor profiles, and a finely crafted dirty gin martini.

Head of Research & Product Development John Wilson has a B.A. in English from Morehouse College, a M.A. in International Relations from Bond University and is currently pursuing a M.S degree Fermentation Science and Technology at Colorado State University. As an experienced grass roots organizer and program manager for international relief, John brings a unique perspective and skillset to the company’s social venture goals. John has also been studying fermentation and traditional fermentation techniques for almost twenty years. This experience brings an innovative approach in researching and developing new flavor profiles, allowing the company to company to offer a more unique and dynamic product line. John is passionate about his family, music, and the art of fermentation.

Business Development & Taste Consultant Mandy Schriver has a BA degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation with a Minor in Health Education from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her dedication to the craft cocktail world and flavor consultant has been honed in establishments across the country. Her appreciation for locally made products from sustainably sourced raw materials shines through. Her experience creating flavor profiles for discerning customers provide insight into the mind of the consumer.

Business Strategist As a mid-life student, Monte Carroll earned a BA in Business Administration from Belmont University in Nashville. He stepped away from his career with a large mortgage banking firm to focus on his passions - pricing strategy and business management. He holds a Certified Pricing Professional designation with the Professional Pricing Society. He has also owned and managed a successful specialty food manufacturing company. His infectious enthusiasm, broad knowledge, and food production experience complement the business.

Business Development Ryan Schriver, graduate of YTI with an Associate’s degree in business management, brings his 22 years of experience to the forefront with his passion for classic cocktail history and knowledge. The foundation of his customer service and sales career started in many restaurant jobs in Pennsylvania, especially with his own concept in York- Club Seven (’06- ’07). Refining his craft really began in 2010 where he worked at Ciro’s Speakeasy in Tampa, FL igniting his “thirst” for the modern day craft cocktail. Ryan’s unique flavor changing cocktail creations has landed him 1st place in 2014’s Ciroc competition; 2nd in 2013 Best of the Bay’s Cocktail Competition (Dine Tampa Bay); and advancement to the 2nd round of Bols Genever’s worldwide search for Best Bartender. Most recently Ryan bartended at Charleston Food Bloggers #1 pick for the best restaurant in Florida 2014, Edison Food and Drink Lab.