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Kansas City, Missouri

Founder

JP Gilmore

JP Gilmore has been a manager in the fine wine business for over 20 years. Driven by a passion for wine, he began his career in a small fine wine shop. JP later managed the wine and spirits divisions at both Missouri Conrad and Glazer’s Midwest.

JP Gilmore has been a manager in the fine wine business for over 20 years. Driven by a passion for wine, he began his career in a small fine wine shop. JP later managed the wine and spirits divisions at both Missouri Conrad and Glazer’s Midwest. These roles presented opportunities for travel to wine regions in California, Spain, France, Italy and Argentina. JP's wide range of experience with both small and large companies, specializing in fine wines and spirits at all levels, has provided valuable insight into the wine business. While contributing to the beginning and building of Premier Cru, JP gained hands-on experience starting a small fine wine company. JP initially acted as key sales representative carving out territories and building the company from the ground up. As the company has grown and expanded into multiple sales territories, JP’s work has transitioned primarily into management. According to JP, “The most important contribution I can make is to build and maintain relationships between Vintegrity, our incredible customers, and the great suppliers that we represent.”

JP moved to the Kansas City area from Chicago 23 years ago to take a position as Food Service Director for Sodexho at University of Missouri Kansas City. Growing up in Bloomington Indiana, JP developed a love for college basketball and enjoys being in Big 12 country. JP is married to his wife of over 10 years, Liz Mendez-Gilmore. Both are the proud parents of their daughter Dahlia Rose Gilmore.

Partner

Sean Ball

Sean Ball has been in love with wine for over 20 years and has been involved with fine wine since moving to Seattle from his hometown of Springfield, Missouri in 1994.

Sean Ball has been in love with wine for over 20 years and has been involved with fine wine since moving to Seattle from his hometown of Springfield, Missouri in 1994. While serving as the Maître’ D at The Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle, Sean had the privilege to serve prestigious guests such as Bill Gates, former President Bill Clinton, and other high-profile personalities. Sean worked at the former Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner Starker’s Reserve on the Plaza for 3 years after moving back to Kansas City in 2002. Later, Sean gained extensive retail experience while opening Lukas Liquors on State Line in Missouri and managing their wine department and, in 2008, Sean received his certified Sommelier accreditation. Sean joined Vintegrity in 2009 and soon became General Manager and then Partner. Sean handles all logistics, office operations and a wide variety of managerial tasks that keep Vintegrity running smoothly.

Sean loves to spend time with his wife Carla and his two amazing kids, Dylan and Jada. When Sean isn’t working, his passion is cooking. Thai dishes, pasta, and beef bourguignon are just a few of his go-to specialties.

Advanced Sommelier – Missouri Sales Manager

Aaron Fry

Aaron Fry is a Certified Sommelier who was excited to jump into the wholesale side of the wine sales business at Vintegrity after spending many years in the world of restaurant wine sales.

Aaron Fry is a Certified Sommelier who was excited to jump into the wholesale side of the wine sales business at Vintegrity after spending many years in the world of restaurant wine sales. Most recently Aaron was Wine Director for Ruth's Chris Steak House. As Missouri Sales Manager, Aaron brings his vast knowledge of all that wine has to offer to the Vintegrity team. In addition to his work as Missouri Sales Manager, Aaron also previously served as a consultant for Wine Design, a wine consultancy started in 2000 by Master Sommelier Barrie Larvin.

Aaron received his Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. While teaching and performing music in Kansas City, Aaron also worked as a bartender and server at some of Kansas City's finest restaurants including EBT, Grand St. Cafe and Lidia's.

KC Sales Representative

David Dodson CSW

David Dodson began his career in the food and beverage industry over 25 years ago getting his start as a bartender in his hometown of New Orleans.

David Dodson began his career in the food and beverage industry over 25 years ago getting his start as a bartender in his hometown of New Orleans. After several years of working in and around the western U.S. (in Colorado, Las Vegas and Southern California), David moved to Kansas City for employment at the Ritz Carlton Hotel where he worked for five years in all facets of their food and beverage operations – from their lounges and room service, to banquets, casual and fine dining. At the Ritz Carlton, David’s exposure and interest in wine blossomed into a full-fledged passion. David went on to spend the next several years managing many well-respected local restaurants including Fedora, Plaza III, the Savoy Grill and the Classic Cup Westport. David then moved on to the distribution side of the industry, working for over 11 years with Glazer’s Midwest on the fine wine team. After Glazers, and before joining Vintegrity as Kansas City Sales Representative, David was the Western Missouri Sales Manager for Garco Wine Company. David holds the Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators and completed Level One of the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2002.

David has called Kansas City his home since 1989. He and his wife of almost 19 years, Enid, are very proud parents of 16-year-old daughter, Emma. When he isn’t working, David is an avid golfer, playing as often as he can.

KC Sales Representative

Tom Witwer CSW

Tom Witwer graduated with a B.S. in Geology from the University of Kansas where he also developed a love for fine wine while working at a Lawrence area liquor store.

Tom Witwer graduated with a B.S. in Geology from the University of Kansas where he also developed a love for fine wine while working at a Lawrence area liquor store. After graduation, Tom went on to manage an Overland Park wine shop before joining the fine wine division of Standard Beverage in Kansas. After eight years at Standard, Tom moved to the Missouri side joining Major Brands. During a 19-year span at Major Brands, first as a fine wine salesperson and later as a manager, Tom cultivated great relationships with his many Missouri restaurant and retail customers – and also became a Certified Specialist of Wine. Tom first joined the Vintegrity team in October of 2013 in a short-term role that he expected to last a month. That “temporary” position has kept Tom with Vintegrity for over six years – and counting! Tom was charged with leading Vintegrity’s expansion in the Kansas City market along with the Southwestern part of the state. Tom enjoys selling quality wine - especially for family-owned producers. Tom’s take on sticking around after his 30-day part time stint, “The Vintegrity team is a lot of fun to work with – and are serious about doing the job well, without taking themselves too seriously. It’s a great group to work with.”

Tom has been married to his wife Barb for over 25 years. They have three wonderful daughters and one crazy Wheaten Terrier. In his spare time, Tom enjoys a passion for cooking, Royals baseball, and Kansas basketball.

KC/Columbia Sales Representative

Jasen Foster

Jasen Foster has worked at some of Kansas City’s best local restaurants where’s he’s developed a passion for both wine and spirits.

Jasen Foster has worked at some of Kansas City’s best local restaurants where’s he’s developed a passion for both wine and spirits. Jasen served as bar manager at KC’s renowned Webster House and previously a server at the Northland favorite Piropos, and at the award winning Café Sebastienne. Since joining the Vintegrity team, Jasen says he has really enjoyed “the great group of people” he gets to work with – including his wife, Courtney. In fact, it was Courtney, Vintegrity’s office manager, who told him about the open position at Vintegrity!

Jasen and Courtney have three children: two daughters and a son. When he isn’t working, Jasen enjoys going to concerts, travelling as much as possible, and enjoying the quality, family time that they get when they all go on camping trips together.

KC Sales Representative

Mike Strohm

Mike Strohm had over 20 years of experience in the bar industry and decided he wanted a change of pace.

Mike Strohm had over 20 years of experience in the bar industry and decided he wanted a change of pace. Mike was still quite passionate about the wine and spirits industry, but he knew he wanted a new challenge in the field. Opportunity struck when he saw a job posting for a position at Vintegrity. He reached out and contacted JP – and the rest, as they say, is history! Even with Mike’s extensive background in the bar industry, Mike says he really enjoys learning more about wines and spirits – especially the many that he may never have been exposed to had he not joined Vintegrity.

Mike and his wife Renee are very proud parents of four children. Ranging in ages from 2 to 18, they are Zoe, Ryan, Blake, and Oliver. Mike’s passions outside of work include motorcycles, art, and “chasing those kids!”

Assistant to JP Gilmore

Meryl Medoff

Meryl Medoff landed her first job at Dean and Deluca during high school which she describes as “an incredible experience” where she was able to learn nearly every department – and develop an ongoing passion for gourmet food.

Meryl Medoff landed her first job at Dean and Deluca during high school which she describes as “an incredible experience” where she was able to learn nearly every department – and develop an ongoing passion for gourmet food. Since 2001, Meryl has worked in many of Kansas City’s top restaurant businesses, including Nick and Jake’s, 40 Sardines, Bluestem, and Rye. In early 2017, Vintegrity Asst. GM Courtney Foster introduced Meryl to Vintegrity founder and partner JP Gilmore. It was a good match – Meryl was hired to be JP’s assistant. Meryl says her favorite part about working for Vintegrity is learning so much every day, whether it be about new wines and spirits or about new restaurants and retailers. According to Meryl, “I like that Vintegrity is a smaller company. We’re nimble and we’re able to make quick adjustments that make the business more streamlined.”

Food is her passion outside of work, and she loves cooking and trying out new and interesting restaurants wherever she goes. She also enjoys concerts and stand-up comedy shows with her boyfriend when they’re not deciding which TV show or movie to watch!

Operations

Patrick Scanlan

Patrick Scanlan made a career transition from one popular beverage to another when accepted a position with Vintegrity.

Patrick Scanlan made a career transition from one popular beverage to another when accepted a position with Vintegrity. In fact, Patrick had long worked as a barista for Starbucks before answering a promising Facebook post about a job opportunity with Vintegrity. The operations area at Vintegrity turned out to be a perfect match. With no previous background in the industry and little family exposure to wine and spirits, Patrick says the favorite part of his job at Vintegrity has been learning about the different types of fine wines and spirits.

Patrick has been married to his wife for 15 years and they have five wonderful children together. They enjoy vacationing together as a family and at home they like to hang out playing games or watching movies. When they aren’t on vacation, they enjoy going to the museums in town. Patrick is also the proud owner of Mohawk Photography.

Office Administrator

Stephanie Dumler

Stephanie Dumler enjoyed life as a chef for 15 years, working in some of the best restaurants in Kansas City.

Stephanie Dumler enjoyed life as a chef for 15 years, working in some of the best restaurants in Kansas City. She had the honor to cook at the James Beard House and Webster House and considers herself fortunate to have worked for three consecutive tours at the Cannes Film Festival before taking executive chef positions. Making a decision to change professions, Stephanie reached out to a former co-worker who referred her to a position at Vintegrity that had just become available. With Stephanie’s background in the hospitality industry, it was a smooth transition to Vintegrity. Stephanie says her favorite part about working at Vintegrity is the feeling of family at the company. According to Stephanie, “My past favorite jobs were ones where I felt at home and working at Vintegrity really embodies that feeling.”
Accounting/ Assistant General Manager

Courtney Foster

Courtney Foster is proud to have been a part of the Kansas City restaurant community for over 22 years. She owes her passion and knowledge of food and wine to the amazing women of the Kansas City restaurant industry such as Mary Simpson, Jennifer Maloney, Janet Ross, and Lisa Burgess.

Courtney Foster is proud to have been a part of the Kansas City restaurant community for over 22 years. She owes her passion and knowledge of food and wine to the amazing women of the Kansas City restaurant industry such as Mary Simpson, Jennifer Maloney, Janet Ross, and Lisa Burgess. Some of the restaurants she had worked at include Jardines, Café Sebastienne, Lidia’s, Café Europa, and Rye. Courtney came to Vintegrity in 2015 and is proud to be a part of the growth they have achieved. It was when she was a manager at Café Sebastienne when JP started the company in 2008.

The restaurant was one of Vintegrity’s first customers. She has always been impressed with not only the portfolio Vintegrity had, but the amazing customer service of the team. JP always had integrity. When she decided she was ready to leave the restaurant business, she learned about an office coordinator opening and immediately reached out to JP. 5 years later the company has grown and she is now the Assistant General Manager. Courtney says that the best part of working for Vintegrity is working for owners that not only have insight for the growth of the company, but are very employee driven and truly respect and value what every single person brings to the company.

Courtney is married to Jasen Foster, one of Vintegrity’s sales reps. Together they have three beautiful children Ashlin, Ella, and Max. She is a proud supporter of local arts and loves live music and dining out at the many of the amazing restaurants here in KC. She loves to travel and be outdoors. When her and Jasen are hanging out at home they enjoy opening up a nice bottle of wine and listening to records.

KC Sales Representative

Morgan Cook

Morgan Cook has extensive experience in the Wine and Spirits distribution business. One of Morgan’s shining moments in the industry came early in her career when she helped create a non-existent territory in Southwest Missouri while at her first industry job at Missouri Beverage.

Morgan Cook has extensive experience in the Wine and Spirits distribution business. One of Morgan’s shining moments in the industry came early in her career when she helped create a non-existent territory in Southwest Missouri while at her first industry job at Missouri Beverage. The next stop on Morgan’s journey was a position with Glazer’s of Arkansas where she obtained her CSS and CSW as she built the company’s fine wine division.

Now at Vintegrity, Morgan says she’s glad to have made the move. “I really like Vintegrity because the portfolio is vast, and everyone seems to have the same end goal – to be the best at what we do. It’s what I really like most about the company.” Morgan continued, “The team at Vintegrity is especially knowledgeable about the products we carry – and, they really care about the people who buy and sell them.”

Morgan is newly married to her husband Brian and are proud owners of two Bernese Mountain dogs. Said Morgan, “They have tons of personality and really keep us on our toes!” When weather permits, the couple are either outside hiking and camping – or working in their extensive garden. Morgan is a self-described foodie at heart and says most weekends you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen. Both Morgan and her husband’s families live in the Kansas City area – making it easy to enjoy a lot of time together with them as well.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis Sales Manager

Michelle Jaenke

Michelle Jaenke graduated in 1996 with a Pastry Arts and Food Service Management degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina and started her career as a restaurant manager and wine buyer, spending 5 ½ years with Tim Mallett’s independent restaurant group in St. Louis.

Michelle Jaenke graduated in 1996 with a Pastry Arts and Food Service Management degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina and started her career as a restaurant manager and wine buyer, spending 5 ½ years with Tim Mallett’s independent restaurant group in St. Louis. A group that included such restaurant brands as Blue Water Grill, Big Sky Café, Ellie Forcella, and Remy’s Kitchen and Wine Bar.

In 2001, while working at Remy’s, Michelle completed Level One of the Court of Master Sommeliers (back when there were only 3 levels). Michelle went on to spend 12 years with Missouri Beverage Company (which later became Major Brands), advancing to the role of lead sales rep where she created many deep and lasting relationships with many of the area’s finest wine shops and independent restaurants.

Throughout her lasting career in the wine and spirits industry, Michelle has had the opportunity to travel throughout many of the major wine and spirit regions of the world including Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley in France, the wine regions of Germany, Australia and Scotland, as well as top U.S. vineyards including many in Oregon and California. Michelle also earned the Certified Specialist of Wine designation from the Society of Wine Educators in 2009.

Michelle joined the Vintegrity Wine and Spirits team in 2015 and enjoys sharing her passion for fine wine and craft spirits with St. Louis area restaurateurs, proprietors of wine and spirit shops and, of course, all of the wonderful growers, vintners and distillers Vintegrity represents.

In her spare time, she enjoys golf and fishing with her husband Kevin, a middle school industrial arts teacher. Michelle and her husband love to travel and one of their favorite spots is Hilton Head, South Carolina. When they’re not strolling the beach, they’ve been known to compete in barbeque competitions around the country.

St. Louis Sales Representative

Aaron Sherman

Aaron Sherman has worked in the restaurants of some of the Midwest’s most accomplished chefs, including Curtis Duffy (Avenues, Grace), Sean Pharr (NoMI, Bristol), Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat), Gerard Craft (Niche), and Ben Poremba (Elaia).

Aaron Sherman has worked in the restaurants of some of the Midwest’s most accomplished chefs, including Curtis Duffy (Avenues, Grace), Sean Pharr (NoMI, Bristol), Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat), Gerard Craft (Niche), and Ben Poremba (Elaia). Aaron began his professional life as a classical musician, but quickly discovered his passion for all things beverage. He spent several years focused on coffee before discovering his love for wine. After several years working in fine wine retail, he was invited to join the wine staff of the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, where he served as Wine Steward in the award-winning Avenues Restaurant. Later, Aaron took over the wine program at NoMI at Park Hyatt, Chicago where he oversaw their Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” wine list.

Aaron went on to become the Sommelier and Assistant General Manager of Girl & the Goat, the award-winning restaurant of James Beard Award-winning chef Stephanie Izard. Concurrently, he opened Gather, a neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Square with David Breo and Chef Ken Carter. Aaron moved on to St. Louis, joining Gerard Craft’s group as Beverage Director, later joining Ben Poremba as Bengelina Hospitality Group’s Wine Director and Director of Operations. In June of 2016, Aaron joined Vintegrity, bringing his vast restaurant experience to the sales side of the business in the St. Louis market.

Aaron has been awarded a diploma from the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) and the rank of Certified Sommelier for the Court of Master Sommeliers, and was subsequently asked to be a faculty member for the ISG, where he conducted wine education classes in Chicago. Aaron’s writing has been featured in Today’s Chicago Woman and on the National Public Radio’s website. Aaron lives in St. Louis with his wife, Jelena, a professional musician, and their dog, Bear.

St. Louis Sales Representative

Steve Wood CSW

Steve Wood graduated from Illinois State University and served for several years as a graphic designer and art director for publishing companies, consulting firms, and government agencies.

Steve Wood graduated from Illinois State University and served for several years as a graphic designer and art director for publishing companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. Then Steve made a decision to pursue his true passion, never looking back as he happily embarked on a second career in the wine and spirits industry. Steve’s love of wine occupied his spare time as he studied and became a Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Spanish Wine Educator before accepting a sales position at Lukas Wine & Spirits in St. Louis. Moving on from Lukas, Steve accepted the role of Party Center Manager at Dierbergs Marketplace, and maintained the #1 Party Center ranking in the 24-store chain. An Illinois distributor, Marketplace Selections, recruited Steve as their first wine representative for the Metro-East region. Working with Marketplace Selections sizable craft beer portfolio led Steve to a third certification as a Certified Beer Server and he quickly advanced to become one of the company’s top-performing sales representatives. Steve’s now back on the Missouri side of the river with Vintegrity and says, “The team at Vintegirty is amazing – and it’s been great representing such a wide array of high-quality products and working with equally high quality accounts.”

In his spare time, Steve likes to run, listen to the latest music from indie bands, and cheer the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues on to victory. He also enjoys exploring new restaurants and films with his wife, Caren, a teacher at Maryville University. Their son Alex keeps the two busy with music performances and cross-country training and the whole family enjoys traveling around the country to visit their many friends and family.

St. Louis Sales Representative

Shannon Behnen

Shannon Behnen has been a native to St. Louis, Missouri her entire life. Shannon graduating from Fontbonne University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and, throughout college, Shannon worked in the restaurant industry, quickly developing a passion for food and fine wine.

Shannon Behnen has been a native to St. Louis, Missouri her entire life. Shannon graduating from Fontbonne University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and, throughout college, Shannon worked in the restaurant industry, quickly developing a passion for food and fine wine. After eight years of restaurant industry bartending, Shannon put her college degree to work with a job as a teacher in St. Louis. But, after two years of teaching, Shannon decided it was time to change careers, moving on from teaching to join the sales team at A. Bommarito Wines. Over four years of hard work, Shannon doubled her territory revenue becoming one of the top sales reps in the company while building relationships with many of the top food and wine professionals in the St. Louis area. In May of 2019 Shannon decided it was time to embark on an exciting new journey, making the decision to join the sales team at Vintegrity.

Shannon has her Level One from the Court of Master Sommeliers and is planning on becoming a Certified Sommelier in the near future. Shannon’s favorite wine regions include Piedmont, Alto Adige, Alsace, Oregon, Beaujolais, Pfalz, and Champagne.

When Shannon isn’t working, she loves to play soccer, travel, go on hikes, play a round of golf, and spend time with her partner, Jaimie, and their cat, Roxy.

St. Louis Sales Representative

David Kouzmanoff

David Kouzmanoff started his career in the wine business working in the restaurant world – from Illinois to Tennessee.

David Kouzmanoff started his career in the wine business working in the restaurant world – from Illinois to Tennessee. After working on the restaurant side of the business, David moved on to spend six years as a sales manager for a fine wine wholesaler. He was a sales manager with Chalone Wine Group when he first met Vintegrity founder and partner JP Gilmore. They became instant friends – and work colleagues. During his career David has also worked with many iconic Napa Valley wineries including Inglenook (owned by Francis Ford Coppola) and Grgich Hills. When the economic crisis hit the U.S. in 2008, David decided to look globally for his next challenge. His in-depth research led him to relocating in Hong Kong, where he partnered to create that country's second full-scale winery. Another opportunity knocked when Charles Krug winery, operated by Peter and Marc Mondavi, offered David a sales position back in the U.S. Later, following a passion for Biodynamic farming formed from his days at Grgich Hills, David went to work for the King Estate Winery in Oregon where he worked for four years prior to joining Vintegrity where he brings his vast wine knowledge to Eastern Missouri as St. Louis Sales Representative.

David’s passion for wine extends from his work to his personal life as he’s always on the hunt for high quality in both wine and in food. David also enjoys ice hockey and live music – both being a life staple in St Louis! At one point in his career he even contemplated parallel careers in both ice hockey and percussion instruments back in Nashville. We’re glad to say David ventured back into wine and a home with Vintegrity.

Springfield, Missouri

Springfield Sales Representative

Aaron Rozeboom CSW, CSS

Aaron Rozeboom grew up “at the end of the power line in northern Arkansas” where he developed an appreciation for what was important and elemental to him God, family, nature, music.

Aaron Rozeboom grew up “at the end of the power line in northern Arkansas” where he developed an appreciation for what was important and elemental to him God, family, nature, music. He also travelled a lot as a kid which led to a tolerance of extended driving (a trait that would later serve him well as a wine rep!). During undergraduate work in Latin and Greek, Aaron initially delved into wine as an academic exercise. Over time, and through more study, what was once schoolwork evolved into a deeper interest and, eventually, into a serious hobby. Aaron had explored “starter careers” in music, metal crafting, horseshoeing, and water treatment, but ultimately, he found a way to turn he serious hobby into a paid profession. Aaron had the good fortune to learn the industry under great mentors at institutions like The Brown Derby and Palate Fine Wine – places where he also developed a specific interest in wine regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and Piedmont.
Lake Ozark/Springfield Sales Representative

Roy Scarborough

Justin 'Roy' Scarborough has been studying fine wines and spirits with dedication since 2016 and says he finds constant inspiration and education from his mother-in-law, a certified sommelier!

Justin 'Roy' Scarborough has been studying fine wines and spirits with dedication since 2016 and says he finds constant inspiration and education from his mother-in-law, a certified sommelier! He enjoys exploring new flavors and is thorough in his research – including two of his favorite subjects: quality whiskeys and bourbons. Roy is proud of the products he's able to offer through Vintegrity and is passionate about sharing his love and understanding of wine and spirits. Roy started with Vintegrity in a distribution position and says he “couldn't wait” to make his way into sales. Since his transition to sales, Roy has worked to explore new areas of Missouri, bringing Vintegrity’s portfolio of fine wine and spirits beyond the major cities of Missouri. In fact, on any given day you're likely to find Roy pouring a variety of tastes in one of the many restaurants, bars and retail locations throughout the Lake of the Ozarks. On the topic of working for Vintegrity, Roy commented, “I’m really grateful for my good fortune in working for such an honest and supportive company.”

When Roy’s not building positive working relationships with the Vintegrity team, he loves to be outside riding vintage bikes, cruising his boat with his life partner, Alexis, or simply barbecuing with family and friends. Frisbee golf and wine also go hand-in-hand through Roy's eyes. Then again, most things seem to go hand in hand with a glass of fine wine!

Lenexa, Kansas

Kansas Sales Manager

Courtney Weaver

Courtney Weaver is a native Kansas Citian with a passion for her hometown. She has worked in the restaurant industry for over 15 years, in nearly every position: host, server, bartender, and manager.

Courtney Weaver is a native Kansas Citian with a passion for her hometown. She has worked in the restaurant industry for over 15 years, in nearly every position: host, server, bartender, and manager. A passion for spirits and craft cocktails led her to complete the industry-leading bartender certification program, BarSmarts. Courtney also became an active member of the Kansas City Chapter of the United States Bartender’s Guild where she was recently appointed Chapter Secretary. Courtney is an active volunteer with the nationally recognized Paris of the Plains Cocktail Competition in Kansas City. Courtney has also competed in many cocktail competitions, and introduced the craft cocktail movement at the last restaurant and bar establishment she was a part of – creating the cocktail program there and providing spirits training for bar staff. At Vintegrity, Courtney is sharing her knowledge of craft spirits with the team while expanding her own education in the world of fine wine.

Courtney is married to her wonderful husband Levon, and together they have two sons who she absolutely adores, Jack and Charlie. She loves being outside in nature and having trees over her head. She also has a love of cooking and likes to spend time growing veggies in their community garden. Courtney says, “It’s harder to find time while chasing two little boys around these days, but when I can, I also love to read, do yoga, and see live music.”

Sales Representative

Sean Strehl

Sean Strehl was a student-athlete playing football at Northern Illinois University prior to moving to Kansas City.

Sean Strehl was a student-athlete playing football at Northern Illinois University prior to moving to Kansas City. He has been in the wine and spirit industry for nearly five years including in college where Sean worked part time for Valley Wine and Spirits. Sean has been a “jack of all trades” since joining Vintegrity. Sean was a Wichita-based Vintegrity Kansas sales representative, covering Manhattan, Salina and Topeka. Returning to Kansas City, Sean has worked in the warehouse, learning Vintegrity operations – and making deliveries to Vintegrity’s many Kansas City restaurant and retail accounts.

While in Kansas City, Sean attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Sean was one of the founding members of Project Wake Up, a non-profit raising awareness around mental illness and suicide prevention. Sean is a big outdoors guy who’s also very passionate about golf and loves to spend time hanging out with his German Shepherd, Bella. Now with Vintegrity for over a year, Sean is excited about the future as a Sales Representative for Vintegrity Kansas.

Sales Representative

Chase Bruggeman

Chase Bruggeman began his career in the service industry 15 years ago as a food runner and busser. During this time, he was trying to find his niche and came across Georges French Bistro in Wichita. It was a good match – in fact Chase became a fine dining server at Georges Bistro for over five 5 years.

Chase Bruggeman began his career in the service industry 15 years ago as a food runner and busser. During this time, he was trying to find his niche and came across Georges French Bistro in Wichita. It was a good match – in fact Chase became a fine dining server at Georges Bistro for over five 5 years. A media highlight for Chase during his time at Georges was a Chicago Tribune article featuring the Bistro – illustrated with a photo of Chase serving and, carrying numerous glasses of wine.
While working in Wichita at the Bistro, Chase developed a sincere passion for wine. Chase learned of the job opportunity at Vintegrity when his stepfather saw an advertisement in the Wichita Eagle Beacon. The timing was right for a career move, so Chase applied for the job. One thing led to another and Chase joined Vintegrity. Today Chase serves as a Kansas sales representative for Vintegrity.
Chase is a graduate of Wichita State University where he studied business with an emphasis in marketing. His business and marketing education combined with his years in fine dining provided Chase with the tools he would need to service and grow Vintegrity’s book of business in southeast Kansas. Chase says his favorite part of working at Vintegrity has been expanding and sharing his ever-growing knowledge of wine and spirits with his clientele.
Chase is the third of four children and says his mother serves as a major inspiration to him. Chase also shares his father’s love of sports and his dad taught him the fine points of the game of baseball. Chase said he has fond memories of his family traveling to and from Manhattan for Kansas State football and basketball games while growing up. Today Chase considers himself an avid sports fan and enjoys live sporting events, golfing, and playing pickleball.
Sales Representative

Kerry Comiskey

Kerry Comiskey has enjoyed a long and varied career in the hospitality world. From college summers in retail at Williams Sonoma (where she advanced to Culinary Program Director), to working on a dairy goat farm (as Kerry puts it, “to see the other side of the plate), where she milked goats, made cheese and even birthed “kids.”

Kerry Comiskey has enjoyed a long and varied career in the hospitality world. From college summers in retail at Williams Sonoma (where she advanced to Culinary Program Director), to working on a dairy goat farm (as Kerry puts it, “to see the other side of the plate), where she milked goats, made cheese and even birthed “kids.” Said Kerry, “I wanted the entire farmer experience. More importantly though, I learned what it meant to produce food with integrity.”
Kerry has witnessed the process of “Farm-to-Table” in its entirety. While working on the goat farm, Kerry managed the acclaimed Pachamamas Restaurant and Star Bar in Lawrence, Kansas for two and a half years. From there, she moved to manage another Lawrence favorite for five years, 715, the Tuscan-themed neighborhood bistro where many ingredients were sourced from Kansas farms.

Kerry took a short sabbatical from her Lawrence restaurant career to help her grandmother in Michigan. That 10-month sojourn included working at Ann Arbor’s legendary Zingerman’s Creamery – an establishment dedicated to using old world methods to craft handmade cheeses with milk from small-scale regional farmers. According to Kerry, “My job there combined nearly all of my previous experience into one job - managing people, selling specialty cheeses and other fresh goods, great customer service, learning, teaching – and more growth in the hospitality industry.”

Kerry’s move to Vintegrity was not planned but she says, “It was the perfect job at the perfect time.” A former employer knew JP Gilmore and that he was looking for just the right person to join the Vintegrity team. Kerry was put in touch with JP and, after a few rounds of meetings and interviews, the rest was history.

About interviewing and then accepting a sales position at Vintegrity Kerry said, “Right away, I knew I would love Vintegrity because I knew I was joining a company who puts their employees first and clearly has a passion for what they do. I’ve always been passionate about wine and spirits, so this has been a chance to expand my knowledge base and work closely with all my friends in the restaurant industry.”

As for home life, Kerry and her husband Jake have adopted an adorable American Bulldog/Cattle Dog mix named Murph last year who keeps them very busy. The couple loves to travel and cook – in fact, last year they took a two-week trip to Spain and France, eating and drinking their way through as many natural wine and pintxos bars as they could find. When not travelling, they support the restaurant community in both KC and Lawrence – finding friends and inspiration at every turn. Kerry and Jake recently bought a house, so they are spending their time getting settled and dreaming up projects for their new abode, including building their own garden this year.

Sales Representative

Michael Motley

Michael Motley’s previous career history may come as no surprise as it included work as a salesman at large-scale, distributor of fine wines, spirits, and beers. One of his most cherished memories there was winning Salesman of the Year – twice!

Michael Motley’s previous career history may come as no surprise as it included work as a salesman at large-scale, distributor of fine wines, spirits, and beers. One of his most cherished memories there was winning Salesman of the Year – twice!
Keeping consistent with his career aspirations, Michael found his way to Vintegrity, “It was a natural next move, the culture just fit.” His favorite part of being on-the-job is sharing his passion and knowledge of fine wines and craft spirits with customers.
Michael says his love for the work comes from the great brands he and his colleagues represent, says Michael, “The book we represent is awesome!” Michael believes the reason Vintegrity is so successful is because he and his coworkers are all very team oriented.
Michael is a proud parent of “two awesome kids” who are quite active in sports “and make great grades!” In addition to his kids’ academic and extracurricular commitments, Michael really admires their thoughtfulness and caring.
When he’s not enjoying his professional vocation as a sales representative for Vintegrity, Michael enjoys running his ornamental fish breeding business. According to Michael, “It’s a really a fun hobby!”