Chris Siconolfi, brings over 20 years of supplier experience in the wine and spirits industry. A Southern California native and Cal Poly Pomona University graduate, Chris has worked with industry leaders like Moet Hennessy, Trinchero Family Estates, and Riboli Wine Estates (Stella Rosa). His strategic vision and customer-centric approach drive business growth and innovation. Based in Frisco, Texas since 2018, Chris fosters collaborative cultures, inspiring teams to excel and elevate brands in a dynamic market landscape.

• WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

Lester is a results-driven Sales Manager with over 27 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry, excelling in competitive markets and delivering consistent growth for high-profile brands. Renowned for strategic planning and execution, Lester has implemented innovative tools and processes that enhance sales performance and measurement. 

Previously, as General Manager for California and Hawaii, Lester led strategy, sales, and financial management, cultivating key executive relationships and developing high-performing teams. His tenure at Moët Hennessy U.S.A. further solidified Lester as a standout leader, earning accolades like the President’s Award for Best Off Trade Promotion and "Top On/Off Premise Manager" honors. Known for his ability to reimagine routes to market, he has been instrumental in revitalizing iconic brands like Hennessy, leveraging diverse markets, and fostering success through mentorship and innovation.

• WSET Sake, Level 1
• WSET Wine, Level 1 
• Court of Master Sommeliers Wine Level 1 

Brittany brings over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Originally from New York, she has called Northern California home since 2011. Brittany earned her business degree from Northeastern University before attending The Culinary Institute of America, where she honed her culinary skills. Throughout her career, she has held various roles in fine dining, gaining comprehensive experience in both front- and back-of-house operations.

Brittany later transitioned into the world of distribution, where she quickly rose to the position of Division Manager for the San Francisco Estates Group, the fine wine division of RNDC. It was during this time that she developed a deep passion for sake, particularly after working extensively with their expansive sake portfolio. Her growing interest led her to a role with Vine Connections, a leading sake importer, and she also consults for several smaller sake importers. 

In 2024, Brittany co-founded the Moto Sake Club, Bay Area Chapter, and is dedicated to advancing the sake community across the United States. She remains committed to expanding awareness and appreciation for sake while fostering its growth in the industry. 

• Certified Sommelier

• WSET Level III Sake, With Distinction

• Certified Sake Professional 

Sam is a Japanese beverage professional with experience in all three tiers of the industry, from presiding over NYC’s largest sake lists as a sommelier, to launching American craft sake breweries like Brooklyn Kura. Sam is passionate about spreading the culture, tradition and stories behind Japan’s national beverage and representing a new wave of American craft sake brewing.

U.S.A. Representative to the 5th and 6th International Kikisake-shi Competition (SSI International)

• SSA Certified Sake Sommelier
• SSI International Kikisake-shi
• SEC Certified Sake Professional
• SSC Certified Sake Scholar
• JSS Sake and Shochu Academy Graduate

Danny Gomez is a Texas native and accomplished beverage industry professional, representing Origami Sake as a Regional Manager. With deep roots in Texas and a memorable chapter living in New Orleans, Danny brings a unique blend of cultural insight and market expertise to his role, building meaningful partnerships with authenticity and enthusiasm. 

During his tenure at Texas’s most respected distribution company, Danny set record-breaking sales in a long-established territory in under a year, demonstrating his strategic vision and ability to drive growth. His experience with world-class brands has equipped him to deliver impactful educational experiences that engage trade professionals and consumers alike. 

Danny’s thoughtful leadership, commitment to excellence, and passion for fostering growth make him a vital contributor to Origami Sake’s success. 

Brent is a native Arkansan with 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing. He specialized in B2B manufacturing, agriculture and sustainability efforts within row crop production. He has focused on projects that highlight new technologies to maintain resource stewardship and on-farm profitability for producers. Brent has directed, produced and hosted podcasts and documentaries in agriculture.

• WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

Johnae is a native Arkansan with a passion for connecting people through meaningful brand experiences. As the Brand Engagement Manager at Origami Sake, Johnae brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and Southern hospitality to every interaction, ensuring the story of Origami Sake resonates with audiences near and far. 

With deep roots in Arkansas and a love for celebrating local culture, Johnae leverages her expertise in community engagement and storytelling to craft campaigns that showcase the artistry and tradition behind Origami Sake. From fostering vibrant social media communities to curating memorable events, Johnae is dedicated to building lasting relationships that reflect the brand's commitment to quality and authenticity. 

When she’s not sharing the story of Origami Sake, Johnae enjoys traveling, exploring Arkansas’s scenic trails, discovering local culinary gems, or spending time with family. 

Johnae’s commitment to community shines in her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement around the Origami Sake experience. Whether working behind the scenes to launch a campaign or engaging directly with customers, she brings passion and energy to every project. 

Her mission is not only to introduce people to the elegance and tradition of sake but also to create lasting moments of joy and connection through the brand. She believes that sake is more than a drink—it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community. By sharing the story behind Origami Sake, Johnae hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the artistry and care that go into every bottle. 

Brett, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, was immersed in the world of hospitality from a young age, thanks to his step-father, Chef Mark Abernathy. Starting his career in the beverage industry in 2009, Brett has held various positions, including Beverage Director at Yellow Rocket Concepts, President of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, and Sales Representative at De Nux Distributors. With a deep appreciation for storytelling, Brett's love for craft beverages continues to grow as he discovers new drinks and their rich histories.
Brett's involvement in the industry extends beyond his professional roles. He proudly served as a United States Ambassador for the official launch of the Bat Friendly Agave Program in Guadalajara, Mexico. Additionally, he was a member of the Founder's Council for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.
Brett's dedication to his craft is evident through his certifications. He holds certifications from The Court of Master Sommeliers, The Cicerone Certification Program, and is a Certified Sake Professional.

A Pacific Northwest native, Justin has called Japan home since 2004. His past lives include roles media localization, marketing, education, event planning, digital publishing, agriculture, and tourism, resulting in his discovery of koji, and subsequently, sake; a path which led him to become one of Japan’s leading non-Japanese sake specialists. His focus is on meaningful project development that empowers Japan’s inspiring local food and beverage producers. 

Justin spent several years as a kurabito (sake brewer) at the distinctive Kidoizumi Sake Brewery in Chiba, having also done stints brewing while working on a range of projects with sake producers throughout the country. He’s a certified lecturer for the Japan Sake Service Institute and holds both sakasho and kikizakeshi certifications. Now a recovering sake educator gone rogue, Justin has been developing personalized education and entertainment experiences for private entities, while consulting on a range of products and services for a wide range of leading Japanese corporations. He’s a tireless kanzake advocate and thoroughly believes that the best of what sake has to offer has yet to be properly discovered and fully appreciated.  

 Justin has held advisory roles with Japan’s National Tax Agency, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Cabinet Office of Japan. In addition to producing and co-hosting Sake On Air, the official podcast of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association (JSS), he also served as program facilitator and interpreter for the annual JSS Sake & Shochu Academy from 2019-2022. 

Prior to joining Origami Sake, Justin worked with leading global bioscience company, Chr. Hansen, developing new fermented beverage business and products for Japan’s domestic market. For his own company co-founded with his wife, together they create and host gastronomic experiences throughout Japan’s countryside proposing family-centric platforms for good food and sake.

At Origami Sake, Justin is central to helping assure quality, consistency, and character across every bottle and label that we send out into the world, leaning on his diverse exposure, experience, and insight into traditions and innovations throughout the Japanese sake industry. He works closely with our supporting breweries and brewers in Japan to help assure that he and the rest of the brewing team craft sake that’s both authentic and inspired. 

Eric Morris was born in the vibrant city of East Chicago, Indiana. He attended Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana, and graduated in 1997. Eric had a passion for music, and after high school, he played in several national touring bands. Eric's creative talent wasn't limited to music. He attended Columbia College in Chicago, where he studied graphic design. Eric's love for music and design led him to Little Rock, where he met Ben Bell while he was making his first batch of home-brewed sake. In Little Rock, Eric played in several bands, including his current band Diamond States. He joined Yellow Rocket Concepts and opened and managed several restaurants across Central Arkansas. However, Eric eventually grew tired of the restaurant/bar business and decided to step down to an entry-level position at Lost 40 Brewing. Eric's passion for brewing led him to move up the ranks at Lost 40, from packaging manager to shift brewer, and eventually to Floor and Training Manager. In early 2023, Ben Bell offered Eric a place at Origami Sake, and Eric couldn't be more thrilled to continue pursuing his passion for brewing. Eric Morris is an incredibly talented and multifaceted individual who continues to inspire those around him with his creativity and dedication to his craft.

• WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

Michael Daigle is a talented brewer with a knack for creating unique and delicious beverages. With 13 years of experience in the brewing industry, Michael has mastered the art of crafting beer, kombucha, and is now on his way with sake. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, he brings a vibrant energy to his work that is inspired by the rich culture of his hometown. When he's not busy brewing, Michael enjoys cooking, staying active outdoors, and restoring vintage guitars in his spare time. He also has a furry friend named Moose who keeps him company. With his diverse skill set and passion for his craft, Michael is constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity in the world of brewing.

• WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional