Vintage West Operations, Marketing and Sales Team
A commitment to quality is at the heart of everything we do at Vintage West, both with our portfolio and our people. We pride ourselves on creating a team of highly committed, passionate sales and marketing people that strive to deliver service and knowledge beyond expectation.
Shauna Hansen - MANAGING PARTNER
Shauna has been in the beverage business (primarily wine) her entire career. She first developed her passion for the wine business working in the cellars of a local winery while attending University of Calgary, and upon graduation, she was one of the first Gallo employees in Canada and worked in several positions across BC and Alberta. While living in BC, she also spent 5 years working for a national domestic winery. Shauna has gained valuable experience on the marketing side of the business having spent time with Coors Canada where she managed trade and grassroots marketing programs in the province of Alberta for the Coors Light brand. In 1999 she joined Rosemount Estates to manage their business across Western Canada as the Australia category was starting to explode. She then continued on in Vice Presidential sales and marketing positions as the company evolved to Southcorp and Foster’s Wine Group until 2008.
Shauna believes that the corner stones of success in the wine business are strong customer relationships, a solid business understanding of the industry and trade channels and a never-ending desire to continue learning and improving.
Every bit of her free time is spent riding her horses in the mountains of Alberta, walking with her dogs and enjoying the great outdoors.
Matt Thirlwell - MANAGING PARTNER
Matt’s career in the drinks industry began in 1997 in a private retail shop in Alberta, where he quickly developed a passion for the business. In 1999 he joined a large and successful national sales agency where he learned about the business from the ground up and travelled internationally visiting suppliers and vineyards in key wine producing countries.
Matt has been an integral part of the western Canadian drinks industry in leadership roles for over 20 years. He spent 10 years with the global wine group Southcorp/Foster’s Wine Estates in various positions including National Accounts, Sales Management and Vice President of Sales for Western Canada. Matt and Shauna founded Vintage West together in 2009 and are proud to have built a successful business throughout western Canada with their loyal and driven sales teams and fantastic supplier partnerships from around the world. Matt’s strengths include a strong business acumen, a results-orientated approach and a collaborative outlook that has been the foundation of his success in the business. Matt’s excitement and enthusiasm for the wine & spirits world makes him one of the lucky few to have fallen into a career he loves.
Andrea Smeke - Director of Marketing and Portfolio
Andrea’s journey in the marketing realm spans across various global companies, where she has adeptly managed brands in Latin America, the US, and Canada. With a diverse portfolio ranging from spirits to wines, Andrea has honed her expertise in brand management, having steered major tequila brands, flavored spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and wines for well-known companies such as Casa Cuervo (Proximo Spirits) and other prominent players in the industry, as well as obtaining her certification for WSET Level 1 and 2 in Wines. Her recent endeavors have seen her orchestrating the success of numerous alcohol brands across the US and Canada, crafting each with a distinct narrative and curating unforgettable consumer experiences.
Andrea’s skill set extends beyond conventional marketing strategies; she seamlessly navigates the digital landscape while excelling in traditional marketing, event management, and public relations.
Outside the boardroom, Andrea finds solace in the outdoors, often accompanied by her beloved dogs and partner. Whether it’s exploring Vancouver’s scenic seawall or embarking on invigorating runs, Andrea finds inspiration in nature’s embrace.
Peter Gilson - Director of Operations
With a dynamic career spanning over 20 years, Peter Gilson is a seasoned professional in supply chain operations management, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role at Vintage West. He has dedicated a significant part of his career to wine and spirit imports, accumulating over 10 years of experience.
Peter has a strong background in accounting, retail, beverage alcohol, and consumer packaged goods, making him a versatile asset in various facets of the business. His familiarity with navigating the complex landscape of Canadian liquor board requirements and policies has been invaluable in ensuring compliance and optimizing operations. At the core of his success is his penchant for analytics, known for his data-driven approach, Peter relies on solid metrics and forecasts to guide decision making and strategy.
At Vintage West, Peter continues to apply his expertise to enhance operational efficiencies across varying scopes. His contribution goes beyond routine management, as he plays a pivotal role in shaping the operational strategies that drive the company forward in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.
Lesley Brown - BC Sales Director
Lesley has over 20 years of sales experience in the alcohol beverage industry. In 2001 she started her sales career on Vancouver island where she had the opportunity to learn of all categories of the industry. She was eventually enticed to the lower mainland to take a National Chain Account role before progressing her career to a Sales Manager and Regional Director. She has a passion for building brands, developing and mentoring people and most importantly driving results.
Along side Lesley’s sales experience she is also an active leader in our industry and is the current National President of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers(CAPS). She also sits on the Board for the IVSA, is an industry advisor for the BC Hospitality Foundation, and a member of the VIWF planning committee. Following her passion and thirst for wine knowledge Lesley has achieved her ISG Diploma and was an instructor for the guild for 8 years. She has a love of travel and has had the opportunity to visit many of the world’s wine regions, working and learning from the best. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her family and friends enjoying wine, cooking, hiking and swinging the occasional golf club.
Paul Lymer - Prairies Sales Director
Paul brings over 15 years of experience within the alcohol beverage industry spanning across all four Western Canada provinces. His career started with Fosters/Treasury Wine Estates where he quickly assumed roles with increasing responsibility including Director of Sales for Western Canada. Paul then transitioned into an Agency model where he managed a portfolio of over 50 suppliers for Western Canada. Most recently Paul gained valuable experience with the domestic wine business representing several wineries from the Okanagan Valley.
During Paul’s career he has had the opportunity to sell some of the world’s most recognized wineries, as well as small local wineries. This has also provided Paul with the opportunity to visit several wine regions around the globe, including Australia, Italy, France, USA, and of course Canada. Paul has also previously served as a Board member for the Alberta chapter of the IVSA.
In Paul’s spare time you can find him enjoying spending time with his family, hanging out in the kitchen trying to improve his culinary skills, or discovering another great bottle of wine. Paul is also an avid walker and sports fan. If he’s not talking about wine or spirits, then he’s probably talking about football.
Amy Lynch – Trade Marketing Manager
Amy has over 30 years of experience in the wine industry. She began her career in sales and progressed into marketing at Cascadia Brands, servicing one of their key suppliers at the time Constellation Brands. The following eight years Amy worked for Southcorp/Foster’s Wine Estates/Treasury Wine Estates in various marketing roles and became their Trade Marketing Manager – Western Canada. After a brief period spent in the learning department of a major oil company, and a short time at the Calgary Stampede serving their executives and board of directors, Amy returned to her passion of wine. Amy was born in Venezuela and speaks five languages. She has visited many key wine-growing regions throughout Italy, Europe and in California. Her commitment to excellent customer service to both internal and external clients is a trait she most values in her role.
Leanne Andrews - Financial Administration
Leanne’s background is in the financial services industry. After a career of 22 years in administration and management roles with BMO/BMO Private Banking, and a 7-year hiatus as a stay- at- home mom, she joined Vintage West in 2015. Working closely with Matt and Shauna, as well as with our partner suppliers, Leanne manages ‘all things financial’. Her eye for detail, love of numbers, and impeccable organizational skills means she has a keen eye on the bottom line, ensuring no penny gets left behind. Leanne lives in Calgary with her artist husband Keith, 2 adult children Lauren and Brendan and dogs Tessa and Coco. When away from her desk she enjoys travel, good food, great wine, and the company of close friends.
British Columbia Sales Team
Chris Rishchynski – Lower Mainland
Chris has 10 years of sales experience in the wine and spirits industry. He has very strong relationships in all channels including BCLS, LRS and Hospitality. He has worked in several BC territories including most of the lower mainland and the Okanagan. He is passionate about building brands, driving results and delivering strong customer service.
He is passionate about his education and has completed WSET 3 with Merit and is currently working on his Italian Wine Scholar course.
In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, toddler twin boys, and seven-year-old son. But, when he gets a chance, you will find him on the golf course.
Alison Parker - Lower Mainland
Alison is an innovative and resourceful Sales Professional with over 15 years experience in Beverage Alcohol. She comes to Vintage West with a proven record of success by developing relationships and executing company plans. Alison is personable, persuasive, and highly effective at developing new business. She really enjoys participating in events that allow her to educate her customers and build brand awareness. Alison has completed WSET II with distinction and is excited to start WSET III in the very near future.
In Alison’s spare time you can find her spending time with her kids in Maple ridge. She loves playing soccer and slo-pitch in the community as well as watching and supporting her children’s sports.
Clayton Anderson – BC Interior
Clayton joins our team with 15 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry and WSET Level 3. He started his career as the Food & Beverage Manager with a hotel group in Jasper, Alberta before moving into a more wine focused role as the Beverage Director for a high-end restaurant in Calgary. During Clayton’s time in operations, he engineered profitable beverage programs and wine lists and learned that strong relationships are crucial to success in the industry.
Clayton has travelled throughout the wine and spirit regions of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Mexico, Spain, the United States and Canada. He is fascinated by the people and places behind every glass and loves combining his passion for food and the outdoors to create unique culinary experiences. A beer-paired dinner on the golf course, Eggs Benedict at a backcountry ski cabin or charcuterie on a mountain top; the more elaborate the better.
Pico Whittier – Vancouver Island
Pico joins our team with 12 years sales experience in the wine industry, starting from managing a wine shop in Victoria, BC, moving into professional Import Wine Sales in 2016. She has completed WSET 3, French Wine Scholar, as well as an associate degree in business and marketing through Camosun College. She is currently an assistant teacher, teaching courses such as WSET 1, WSET,2, WSET 3, Sensory Master Class, Food & Wine Pairing Master Class, and BC Ambassador programs.
During her professional Import Wine Sales Career, she has developed excellent relationships across all sales channels, both retail and on premise. She has experience selling both Domestic and Import portfolios and is up to date with all the latest B.C regions and sub regions.
Pico is a self motivated salesperson with a drive to succeed, she has been awarded professional wine trips several times and has visited California, Italy, Argentina, and Chile to expand her knowledge of the regions in these countries.
If she isn’t making fresh pasta in her spare time, she is probably making cheese, spending time with her 4-year-old daughter, reading library books or watching some scary movies!
Alberta Sales Team
Sean Vickers – Southern Alberta
Sean has an extensive background in the wine and spirits industry spanning 15 years. He joined the Vintage West team in 2016. As a International Sommelier Guild graduate and Court of Master Sommelier’s certified sommelier, he brings a wealth of knowledge to our company. He has a considerable customer service background and has worked with some of the top restaurants in Calgary. From developing wine cellars, managing inventory and working the floor, his passion for wine and customer service have been an integral part of their success. As a sales representative, he takes pride in providing a high level of service to the stores and restaurants in his territory. His favourite part of the industry is developing and nurturing positive customer relationships.
Brian Allen – Northern Alberta
Brian joined the Vintage West team in 2010, after owning and managing one of the original wine boutique retail stores in Alberta, an award bestowed by the Alberta government in 1986. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and services to the company, in particular his relationship with suppliers and clients in both urban and rural Alberta. Brian has an extensive background and passion for wine. His travels to both the old and new wine regions of the world, is evident in his excitement for understanding wine as an integral part of a culture, an experience and discovery of the unexpected. As Vintage West has expanded its portfolio to include spirits, he has studied extensively and has gained an appreciation and enthusiasm for the spirit categories. He is well respected for his willingness to share his knowledge with his clients, their customers and mentor those working in and entering the business of wine. Brian is a strong advocate for the educational component of the industry.
Joey Kempf - Calgary South
Joey has over 10 years experience selling wine combined with 20 years in the hospitality industry. She Graduated on the Deans List from MRU with a diploma in Business Management. In 1996 and 2009 and was honored to receive a White Hatter Award. It is an award in Calgary celebrating excellence in customer service. Relationships with customers is her top priority.
Joey fell in love with vineyards while traveling though Europe in 1993. More recently she has travelled the wine regions of Chile, Argentina, Napa, Lodi and Sonoma. She enjoys learning about the story every bottle has to tell.
Saskatchewan Sales Team
Johann Lozinski - Saskatchewan
Johann is a recent addition to our team and has been involved in the Beer, Wine and Spirits Industry for over 20 years in Saskatchewan. He has worked in the industry for companies such as Great Western Brewery, SAB Miller, Corby’s Wine and Spirits and most recently, started his own agency in the competitive market place in Saskatchewan.
He has survived the long drives in Saskatchewan with a competitive urge to help all accounts across Saskatchewan bring in all kinds of domestic and international brands that the ppl of Saskatchewan are finally creating a demand for. Johann is excited to represent our portfolio and help educate and introduce the wines and spirits to some of his long lasting relationships he has fostered over the years and to those who are new to the always changing market place in Saskatchewan. He looks forward to introducing you to our portfolio and cheering on the Riders.
Manitoba Sales Team
Cheryl Phillips - Manitoba
Cheryl has been representing Vintage West in Manitoba since 2009. She began her career in the wine and spirits industry with Bacardi in 1999. During her time with Bacardi, Cheryl enjoyed the comradery and friendships she created with the liquor store and wine industry teams. The relationships Cheryl forged in her first year in the wine and spirits industry led her to accept a position with Southcorp Wines and later with Foster’s Wines. With the valuable experience and knowledge Cheryl gained working in Manitoba’s wine industry, Cheryl was excited to move forward to her present key sales position with Vintage West.
Susan Breslaw-Robson - Manitoba
Thrilled to be back working with Shauna and Matt since 2012, after a career hiatus as a full-time mom, Susan brings an extensive 25+year career in the beverage industry to Vintage West Wine & Spirits. Beginning her career at Gallo Wines, Susan changed gears after 2 years to key account management at Coca-Cola. She returned to her true career passion of the world of wine with Southcorp Wines/Foster’s and enjoyed 10 years of prodigious success with both entities. Her career in the wine industry has enabled her to travel and learn in some of the greatest wine regions in the world, including Napa, Sonoma, throughout Italy, Australia and France. Closer to home, Susan has enjoyed traveling to the Annapolis Valley, Niagara-On-The-Lake and wineries near her vacation home in the Okanagan Valley.