Quench Fine Wines

Dale Sparks • Founder

Prior to founding Quench, Dale was the Managing Director for Boutique Wines from its inception in February of 1999 until February of 2002, assembling what once was widely recognized as Arizona's finest portfolio and managing the day-to-day operations of a rapidly expanding distributor. Prior to Boutique Wines, Dale reinvigorated the beverage program at the Phoenician Resort and was the first sommelier at Anthony's in the Catalina's in Tucson. They remain Arizona's only two Grand Award winners. Dale and /or his wine lists/programs have been featured in the LA Times, USA Today, Restaurant Hospitality, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Wine Spectator and Restaurant Wine. His wine education includes an Advanced Diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the 1992 crush at Swanson Vineyards in Napa Valley. He has written a monthly wine column for 18 years, served on tasting panels and has been invited to be a sommelier at the annual Wine Spectator Wine Experience several times. Dale handles most of the non-sales related operations and daily management of Quench. Dale is not available during University of Arizona football or basketball games. Bear Down!

Ryan Schwartz • Chief Operating Officer

Ryan was the Director of Wine/Sommelier at Janos and J Bar Restaurants in Tucson, Arizona from 2000-2004 where he designed a wine list consisting of over 800 different labels and 13,000 bottles. The wine list at Janos has received the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator every year beginning in 2000. Prior to Janos and J Bar, Ryan helped manage the wine program at Tarbell's Restaurant and Durant's Steakhouse, both legendary restaurants in Phoenix. Ryan has been interviewed in USA Today and appeared in Wine and Spirits Magazine. Ryan has passed the certificate course from the Court of Master Sommeliers. From November of 2003 until August of 2004 Ryan worked as a part-time, highly successful sales representative for Quench in the Tucson market and then moved to Phoenix to handle premium restaurant accounts. After a year on the streets selling wine in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ryan took over management duties on a daily basis. Ryan has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Arizona, and an M.B.A. from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University (Summa Cumme Laude). Ryan is responsible for all daily operations, overseeing sales and the daily management of Quench. Ryan is an avid tournament golfer and lives in North Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Jinny.

Denise Brown • Director of Operations

Denise is a native of the great state (or is it Republic?) of Texas where she attended the University of Texas – San Antonio, studying everything from anatomy and physiology to journalism and photography, ending up academically 'diversified'. While being completely indecisive regarding her studies, she bartended at Pardo's Restaurant in San Antonio, quickly working her way up to Bar Manager allowing her to indulge more in her natural interest in wine. In 1998, Denise moved to Phoenix where she worked for a 'Big 5' Finance and Accounting firm for eight years as a Project Coordinator and Regional Office Manager. In June 2007, she was delighted to be offered the opportunity to join Quench and now manages all of the administrative functions for the company. She currently resides in Tempe with her seven year old son, Korey, his menagerie of pets, and her growing wine collection.

Julie Hruban • Sales – Omaha

Julie brings extensive community connections and sales experience to the Omaha market

Julie is a lifelong resident of Nebraska and mother of 3 children. She attended Creighton University, and enjoys working with philanthropic organizations. After spending years in clinical medical research, she took the plunge in the passion for wine. Julie has eight years experience in the wine business, having been top performer at Johnson Brothers and its predecessor Finocchiaro Wine Company. Julie’s solid knowledge of domestic and imported wines sets her apart in the constantly evolving industry. Julie’s strength is her ability to quickly connect with, and deliver value to, a wide diversity of customers. Julie excels at helping her customers develop creative wine programs to increase their sales and profitability. Julie has acquired significant hands-on education, training and experience in the wine industry through her many travels and educational progressions. She brings this experience to now represent the finest boutique wine portfolio in the state of Nebraska. She enjoys marathons, white water rafting and spending time with family and friends.

Eddie Bolton • Sales – Omaha Metro Sales

Eddie grew up on the eastern seaboard but moved to Alaska after graduation where he worked for 10 years as a Commercial Insurance Broker, selling insurance to businesses. In Alaska, he discovered his passion for wine on frequent visits to a friend in Healdsburg, CA. In 2006 Eddie relocated to Omaha, NE where he took a part time job at Corkscrew Wine & Cheese. He was soon the store manager in charge of the buying, selling, special events, and the monthly wine and cheese pairing club. After several years at Corkscrew Eddie wanted to return to business sales and he joined the team at Quench Nebraska in July 2011. Eddie enjoys to travel whenever and wherever he can. He also loves the quiet time, when he can find it, to read a good book or kick back and enjoy a good movie and glass (ok, bottle) of wine.

Ann Kozak • Sales – Lincoln

Ann is the second most popular entity in Lincoln after the University of Nebraska!

A native of Lincoln, Ann moved to Texas to attend the Art Institute of Dallas and majored in music and business. While attending school, she started an internship at Sony Music which launched a 12 year career in the music business; working for Roadrunner Records and then Elektra Records. It was then she discovered her love for wine, many crazy musicians and executives love good food and wine! Ann moved back to Lincoln in 2004 and began a new career with Johnson Brothers Distributing, working in wine sales and marketing, calling on retail for 2 years, she then moved to on-premise. She began to realize that both industries (music and wine) shared similarities and that wine was a great fit for her! In her free time, she enjoys working with various non-profit animal rescues, showing vintage cars with her Dad, attending live music shows, and praying for great Husker’s and Dallas Cowboys’ seasons.