Quench Fine Wines

Dale Sparks • Founder, Owner

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!

Jason Morris • Founder, Owner

Jason worked for Boutique Wines (later, Henry Wine Group) as their first sales representative from April 1999 until March of 2003, dominating (placements and sales) in Arizona's top accounts. Jason led all sales people at Boutique Wines in dollar volume. He has extensive prior industry experience including 12 years of restaurant experience in Nebraska and Arizona and as cellar master at Fred Meyer and wine bar manager for Sportsman's here in Phoenix. Jason has passed the certificate course of the court of Master Sommeliers, traveled the wine regions of Austria, New Zealand, Germany and Australia and has attended most all of the major national wine industry events. Jason is responsible for supplier relations and the daily management of Quench. Jason lives in North Phoenix with his wife Tawnya and the newest super-palate in the house, Cooper John Morris. On Saturdays in the fall his heart and mind wonder to wherever the Nebraska Cornhuskers happen to be playing.

Ryan Schwartz • Chief Operating Officer, Owner

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.

Kyle Dibbern• Partner

Kyle Dibbern started Quench Fine Wines of Nebraska after managing the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in Omaha. Kyle spent two years selling wine and spirits for Finocchairo Wine Company prior to working at Mahogany and had over 15 years of restaurant experience before that. His intense passion for wine began years ago at Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Anthony's in the Catalina's in Tuscan, Arizona. He was inspired by Anthony's sommelier Dale Sparks who is now one of his business partners in Quench. Kyle studied theatre and Business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and currently lives in Omaha with his wife Jennifer and son Ethan. When not at work, Kyle may be found on a golf course or floating in a kayak.

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.

Gay Gross∼Rhode • Office Manager

Gay is a native Nebraskan and is very excited to be a part of Quench. It will be a welcome change after careers in Records Management and Nuclear Medicine. During her years in the medical community, Gay served as a lead technologist and was also instrumental in the department design and relocation. In addition to enjoying fine wine, Gay’s passions include golf, golf and more golf!

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.

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.

David Heck • Sales – Omaha/Lincoln

David brings fresh passion and enthusiasm to the Nebraska market

Dave’s love of adventure began on Whistler Mountain when he was 15. It led him to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia where he earned his Dive Master Degree. He has sailed the San Juan Islands and traveled to every country in Central America. An Omaha Native, Dave graduated from Creighton Prep High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with degrees in sociology and English. He then spent eight and half years managing an adventure guide company in Breckenridge, Colorado during the winter and working in Central America as a dive master in the summer. His ability to quickly and easily connect with people has given him a wide variety of experiences. When minor injuries (and his family) forced him off the mountain, he returned to Omaha where he acquired a passion for wine while working as a server and bartender in several restaurants, ultimately working at and managing Dario’s in Dundee for two and half years. There, he helped develop an extensive wine and beer menu. He comes to Quench with an unmatched enthusiasm for the industry.