Wes graduated with distinction from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in English. He joined the LGBI team in 2022, bringing with him nearly 20 years of experience in the beverage industry. Previously, as Director of a Chicago Marketing agency, he worked with a diverse group of Manufacturers—from tech companies to luxury goods—through a wide range of Advertising channels to build their brands & grow their business. His beer career began at the Hopleaf before spending 14 years at Windy City Distribution; from the startup phase in Sales to Sales Manager, then serving for 7 years as Director of Business Development. He has curated a diverse portfolio of Craft and Specialty Import Suppliers, including startup and development of a Spirits division. Applying his sales, marketing, and hospitality experience, he’s had the opportunity to share his passion for beer through engagement with sales teams as well as retailers & consumers. Since 2016, he has also served as adjunct faculty for the Siebel Institute of Technology.

Wes loves cooking and exploring the diverse culinary experiences around Chicago, seeking out those opportunities wherever he travels. When not eating or drinking or cooking, he’s watching F1 or IndyCar, (or waiting for the next race weekend), and always rooting for his beloved Chicago sports teams; Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and even the White Sox.