about
Ken Fredrickson
is a founding partner in High Road Spirits, a national importer focusing on the sales, marketing, and management of artisan spirit brands, particularly Japanese craft whiskies. Earlier in his career, Fredrickson conceived and opened acclaimed restaurants: Koshu and Restaurant Terroir in Jackson, Wyoming, and Adega Restaurant & Wine Bar in Denver. He attained the Master Sommelier Diploma while working with world-renowned chefs Charlie Trotter and Wolfgang Puck, and has subsequently been a guest lecturer at events such as Taste of Vail, the Texas Sommelier Conference, Jackson Hole Wine Auction, Telluride Wine Festival, and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival. He released his first book, Wine: A Beginner’s Guide, in January 2020. Ken focuses his charitable efforts in two areas which resonate strongly with him: Advanced research into bipolar and mood-related illness through the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and Pilot Light Chicago, which promotes nutritional advancements in the Chicago Public Schools through food education.
email ken
about
David Lynch
has had a singular career in food, beverage, and media, having won James Beard Foundation Awards in different disciplines—one for Magazine Writing (2001) and one for Outstanding Restaurant Wine Service (2004). He was a Senior Editor at Wine & Spirits Magazine before moving to Italy to research and write the IACP Award-winning Vino Italiano, which was co-authored with Joseph Bastianich. Upon returning from Italy, David became a sommelier and restaurateur: he was the Wine Director, then General Manager, at Babbo in New York City; Wine Director of Michelin-starred Quince and its casual sibling, Cotogna, in San Francisco; and Owner/Wine Director of St. Vincent Tavern, also in San Francisco. Most recently, he has overseen curation and content for the wine e-retailer SommSelect. His writing has appeared in Bon Appétit, GQ, Food & Wine, and elsewhere, and he has been a featured speaker at the Food & Wine Classic at Aspen and the DeGustibus Cooking School at Macy’s.
email david
about
David Wilharm
is a highly accomplished professional with more than 15 years of experience in finance, corporate strategy, management consulting, and entrepreneurship. Starting in the alcohol beverage industry, he excelled in finance at a major wine and spirits distributor before taking on a pivotal role in a craft distributor in Illinois. Through his strategic acumen, he laid the foundation for Tenzing, driving remarkable growth and surpassing $30 million in revenue. Transitioning to corporate strategy, David showcased his expertise in developing and implementing effective plans for organizations. His skills further flourished during his tenure as a strategy consultant at Boston Consulting Group, where he worked with esteemed clients globally. After four successful years at BCG, David embraced a new challenge as a partner at High Road Wine & Spirits, revitalizing the struggling distributor during the COVID-19 pandemic through exceptional leadership and business acumen. Beyond his professional achievements, David finds inspiration in travel and the beauty of nature. Undertaking an executive leadership course with NOLS expanded his perspective and refined his leadership abilities.
email david