Our Team
Our team is trained both internationally and locally, so they understand your needs and the environment in which you do business.
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Brian Cameron
CEO / Managing Partner
(818) 879-3806
A 30 year industry veteran who has managed some of the biggest wine brands nationally: Trinchero, Robert Mondavi and Constellation Brands USA. Brian brings a lot of creativity and knowledge on navigating the three tier system and building brands in all channels. Brian has built strong relationships with the current national wholesalers, as well as both regional and grocery chains.
Michael Halsey
COO / Managing Partner
michaelhalsey@firststepbeverage.co
949-307-6784
With over 25 years of Supply Chain and Operational executive leadership for both Target and BestBuy corporations, as well as being the VP/Chief Operating Officer of KonaRed Beverages, Michael brings a tremendous level of innovative business solutions from lean efficiencies, supply chain and digital marketing strategy development.
Colin McPhee
Director of Sales, Southern California
(949)-702-3789
Colin McPhee has a degree from Cal Poly Pomona in Food Science and Agriculture and started working with FirstStepBeverage as he completed is degree program. He had the pleasure of working with seasoned veterans and worked his way up to Director of Sales. Colin manages specific channels in the Southern California Market such as On Premise; Country Club and Restaurants with some relationships in the Off Premise category.
Christopher Coon
SVP Business Development and Education, Southern California
DIPc WSET, CMS Adv Sommelier, CSW, CSS, FWS
(949) 226-2129
With over 25 years of operations, sales and education experience including; The Montage Resort (Beverage Director), SGWS (Hotel/Resort Acct Manager) and Young’s Market (VP of Wine Education-CA), Chris brings a breadth of experience in key account activation and distributor management. Chris manages On and Off-Premise distributor sales teams in Southern California and builds key account relationships.
Jack Elliott
Vice President of Casinos and Resorts
(619) 708-9700
Jack has spent the last 38 &1/2 years at SGWS, with the last 28 &1/2 years in SGWS Management, until Covid-19 entered our world and changed everything. Jack’s numerous years of working with the largest supplier base in the country as well as his tremendous relationships in the Hotel/Resorts/Casino Channel, from San Diego County, Riverside County, to the greater Palm Springs area are a great asset to represent our expanding product base.
Moin Rastegar
Vice President of Brand Development and Key Account specialist LA
562-301-6872
Moin is a former Restauranteur who worked at Youngs Market Co. for over a decade in the LA area as a retail specialist to promote new business and establish new brands of wine in the portfolio. He is a recognized industry sales leader with a track record of guiding tactical territory development, client relationship management, and market penetration. Moin is an exceptional communicator with the ability to influence buying decision through solid product knowledge & recommendation.
Jake Cameron
Southern California Chain Manager
Jake is a graduate from San Clemente High School who holds two 50 year old school records in basketball for most three points in a game and season. His tenacity for being the best was seen when he worked for Youngs Market Company in 2019 as one of the youngest managers hired to run a territory. He joined First Step Beverage as a territory manager calling on the top grocery stores in Orange County and San Diego. Jake now handles multiple chains and works with the DSD stores selling our brands into top accounts.
Tim Friend
Vice President of Chains
(619) 971-9463
Tim Friend has 20 years of successful sales records and spearheading growth within the three-tiered alcohol beverage system. In addition, Tim builds brands and customer relations calling on grocery chain HQ buyers, distributors and industry leaders. Tim has worked with the biggest supplier (Diageo) and brands: Jose Cuervo, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, BV and Sterling wines, as well as some smaller boutique brands: Rutte Gins, Mandarine Napoleon liqueur, and Pau Maui Vodka.
Mosha Rastegar
Regional sales manager LA
562-858-3940
Mosha graduated from CSULB with a degree in Hospitality & Management. Mosha has over 15 years of experience in co-owning M Bar & Grill hospitality & entertainment establishment. He then joined Wild Oats Market as wine & spirits buyer for Southern California. Mosha enjoyed over a decade working as a Supplier, sales & marketing manager for Epic wine & Spirit distributor, Youngs Market Company, Taft Street winery, Rebvie Imports, and Keiu Hoang winery. Mosha has a diverse background of experience in the adult beverage industry and the perfect fit for the clients we serve.
First Step Beverage
Established 2009
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