Lipman Leadership Team

ROBERT S. LIPMAN
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
RSL Holdings
The family business was founded in 1934. Robert joined the business in 1973, after graduating from the University of Kentucky. Since 1988, Robert has been the sole owner. He has expanded the family legacy from distributing liquor, wine, and beer in the state of Tennessee, to national distribution for alcoholic beverages that his company owns.
Robert’s career spans over 45 years in the beverage industry, and he is a former chairman and president of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). In April of 2008, Robert was honored by WSWA with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He presently serves on the boards of WSWA (Washington, DC), SunTrust Bank Advisory Board (Nashville, TN), Cheekwood Board of Trustee (Nashville, TN), and iControl (Bethesda, MD). In 2014, he was inducted into the University of Kentucky Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. In 2001, he created the Research Fund for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the UK Department of Psychology. More recently, he has established the Robert S. Lipman Graduate Fellowships in History and Psychology to enhance recruitment of top graduate students to the University. Additionally, Robert is affiliated with numerous civic organizations in the Nashville area. He was honored by Community Nashville as a 2008 Human Relations Award recipient. In 2013, he was presented with the Nashville Public School Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni Award.

LOWELL GOLDMAN
President & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
RSL Holdings
As President & COO of RSL Holdings, Lowell is responsible for the successful execution of the respective mission statements of the operating entities under RSL Holdings: Lipman Brothers, R.S. Lipman Company, and R.S. Lipman Brewing Company. While working closely with Robert Lipman, the Lipman team managers, suppliers and customers, Lowell’s focus is on the ongoing growth in the markets Lipman serves. Lowell joined Lipman in 2012 as the Director of Operations. He served in the U.S. Army from 2000-2008, achieving the rank of Captain with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. A graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Lowell also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

JOE STARNES
VP Operations
RSL Holdings
As Vice President, Joe assists with operations of the companies in the RSL Holdings portfolio: Lipman Brothers, R.S. Lipman Company, and R.S. Lipman Brewing Company. Previously, Joe was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006 where he achieved the rank of Captain. He served as a UH-1 Huey Pilot with Marine Light Attack Squadrons and as a Forward Air Controller with Marine Infantry. A graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Joe also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Union College. Joe resides in Brentwood with his wife, Jessie, and their twins, Cora and Carson.

GREG NAISER
Executive Vice President of Sales
Lipman Brothers
With more than 35 years in the beverage alcohol industry, Greg holds the position of Executive Vice President of Sales for Lipman Brothers. He oversees Lipman Brothers’ sales force in all verticals: spirits, wines, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and cigars. Prior to joining Lipman’s management team in 1997, Greg spent 13 years in supplier positions with Brown-Forman, Glenmore Distilleries and United Distillers. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business Management from Centre College of Kentucky.

Bob Wanucha
Vice President of Sales – Wine
Lipman Brothers
As Vice President of Wine Sales for Lipman Brothers, Bob is responsible for wine sales in all channels: On-premise, Off-premise, and Grocery. Bob has more than 25 years of beverage industry experience. After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree (Marketing) from The Ohio State University, Bob joined the Management Development Program with E&J Gallo Winery. Bob spent 21 years with Diageo in key sales leadership roles. He managed the wine portfolio in a variety of assignments including: Northern California Grocery Chains, Midwest Region States, Michigan and Indiana. The balance of his 9 years with Diageo included Director level roles in Ohio and West Virginia and a variety of sales support roles including Trade Marketing, Training and Compliance & Ethics. Bob resides in Nashville, TN with his wife, three children and their dog, Teddy.

CLARK CALVERT
Vice President of Sales – Beer and NA Beverages
Lipman Brothers
A native of Franklin, TN, Clark joined the Lipman team in 2014. With more than 20 years experience in the beer industry, Clark’s responsibilities include management of the beer and non-alcoholic beverage divisions for Lipman Brothers. Previously, he served as the Craft and Import Beer Manager at Ajax Turner Company (Anheuser-Busch) in Nashville, TN. Clark earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Marketing from Birmingham-Southern College, where he was a 4-year collegiate soccer athlete.

Bob Furgala
VP of Finance & Business Operations
Lipman Brothers
As Director of Financial Operations and Purchasing for Lipman Brothers, Bob is responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision of an integrated purchasing and procurement organization. Bob joined Lipman Brothers in 2018 after previously working for Mast-Jagermeister US, where he held various Director roles in accounting, logistics and operations. Bob holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from State University of New York at Brockport, and currently resides in Spring Hill, TN with his wife and three daughters.

Trisha Cancilla
Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy
RSL Holdings
As Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy, Trisha is responsible for all marketing execution under RSL Holdings: Lipman Brothers, R.S. Lipman Company, and R.S. Lipman Brewing Company. In this role, Trisha’s focus is on creating innovative marketing campaigns across all channels. Trisha joined Lipman in 2021 bringing more than 18 years of beverage industry experience with Moët Hennessy. In her most recent position, Trisha lead business development for the champagne portfolio of Moët Hennessy in the South region. During her time at Moët, Trisha worked with many of the brands across the portfolio and led their marketing efforts throughout the Southeast. Trisha started off as a finance analyst at Schieffelin & Somerset Co. and also worked in the IT department at Goldman Sachs prior to joining Moët. Trisha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems and Music Industry from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

CHARLIE JACKSON
Director of On-Premise Sales — Spirits and Wine
Lipman Brothers
Charlie joined the Lipman management team in 1998. He has more than 30 years of on-premise experience in the food and beverage industry, including previous management roles at Rosie O Grady’s (Orlando), Cheyenne Saloon (Orlando), Wildhorse Saloon (Nashville), Gaylord Opryland Hotel (Nashville). In his position as Director of Sales – On-Premise for Lipman Brothers, Charlie is responsible for on-premise operations for Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Charlie graduated from Radford University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. He resides with his wife and three children in Hendersonville, TN.

PATRICK HAGAN
Spirits Business Unit Director
Lipman Brothers
As the single point of contact for suppliers for Lipman’s Spirits Business Unit, Patrick is responsible for all sales related functions. Patrick has more than 18 years of experience in the spirits industry. He joined the Lipman Brothers team in 2011, where he worked in merchandising before quickly moving into retail sales and then sales management. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) where he was a standout wrestler for the University’s squad.

Brian Foust
Wine Business Director – Skyline Wine Business Unit
Lipman Brothers
Brian serves as the single point of contact for the Skyline Wine Business Unit, where he is responsible for all sales related functions. Brian has more than 30 years experience in the beverage industry. After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bowling Green State University, Brian spent the first part of his career working for Noxell Corporation and PepsiCo in a variety of sales positions. Brian then went to work for DIAGEO in Ohio and Chicago, IL managing distributors, national accounts, and trade marketing for wine & spirits. After, DIAGEO, Brian joined Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) in Ohio and served in a variety of Director-level Sales, marketing, and national account roles. Brian joined Lipman Brothers in 2021 and resides in Hendersonville with his wife and family.

Dave Bidelman
Director of Estate Wine Sales
Lipman Brothers
As Director of Estate Wine Sales for Lipman Brothers, Dave serves as the single contact for wine estate suppliers. He is responsible for the discovery, development and building of new wine brands and wineries in the retail and on-premise channels for all markets. Dave joined Lipman Brothers in 2001 and previously held positions as Craft & Estate Wine Sales Manager and On-Premise Wine Sales Manager. He completed Level 1 with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist. Dave resides in Nashville, TN.

Kaley Graham
Human Resources Manager
Lipman Brothers
As Human Resources Manager, Kaley oversees the development and execution of all HR initiatives for RSL Holdings: Lipman Brothers, R.S. Lipman Company, and R.S. Lipman Brewing Company. Kaley’s 10+ years of HR experience is supported with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a concentration in HR Management. Kaley resides in peaceful Bon Aqua, TN where she wrangles her husband and two daughters outside of office hours.

Ian Wolczyk
Beer Business Unit Director
Lipman Brothers
As the single point of contact for suppliers for Lipman’s Beer Business Unit, Ian is responsible for all sales and product related functions. He is a Nashville native and graduate from Middle Tennessee State University, with over 20 years of sales experience. A career change from the music business in 2010 led him into beverage alcohol industry with Ajax Turner Company, the local Anheuser-Busch distributor. Ian joined Lipman Brothers in 2015 as Craft and Import Brand Manager.

Chris Batson
Wine Business Unit Director
Lipman Brothers
As Wine Business Unit Director Chris is the single point of contact for Lipman’s Hermitage Wine Portfolio and is responsible for all sales related functions. Chris has been with the company for over 30 years. He began his career with Lipman in merchandising and then quickly moving his way up through spirit sales, key account wine sales, retail wine sales management and retail wine sales director. Chris has been married for over 27 years to his wife Belinda. They have two daughters, Morgan and Abigail.

Paul Grand
Director of Education
Lipman Brothers
Paul is a seasoned veteran in the wine, spirits and beer industry with more than 40 years of experience. In the role of Director of Sales & Product Education, Paul is responsible for coordinating on-premise national account wine and spirit placements between suppliers and the Lipman sales team. In addition, he conducts wine, spirits and beer staff training for on-premise and independent retail accounts. A respected blogger and featured employee in “Behind the Scenes with Lipman Brothers,” Paul also creates educational and sales materials featuring Lipman products for sales training and accounts. A graduate of Hofstra University, Paul earned an Introductory Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Fun fact: Paul got his start in the industry as bartender and manager at two legendary Nashville establishments: Exit/Inn and the Gold Rush.

James Wallace
Director of Operational Planning
Lipman Brothers
Since joining Lipman Brothers in 2012, James (better known as “Top”) has worked his way up from Warehouse Management System Project Manager, to Operations Day Manager, to Director of Operations. Top has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, which began with a B.S. Degree in Business Management from Columbia Southern. James is in charge of the overall operations for Lipman Brothers in Nashville and East Tennessee, providing guidance, mentoring, and coaching for more than 125 team members. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq 3 times and to Afghanistan twice. James lives with his wife Jamie, also a veteran of the Iraq War, in Clarksville; not far from their daughter Alexandra, son James, and their two grandchildren.

Bethany Underwood
Events & Community Liaison Manager
Lipman Brothers
Bethany joined the Lipman Brothers team in 1998 as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator. Since then, she has been instrumental in planning and activating product contributions to hundreds of charitable partners and consumer community events, including Taste of Music City, Steeplechase, and Wine on the River. Bethany works directly with event planners and community volunteers in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities to help raise millions of dollars, while keeping Lipman Brothers’ portfolio of products in the forefront for consumers. Bethany lives in Lebanon, TN, with her husband Kenneth and son McKenzie.

Brandon McJilton
Director of Operations
Lipman Brothers
Brandon joined the Lipman team in 2022 as the Director of Operations. He brought with him more than 16 years’ experience in supply chain ranging from transportation, warehousing, distribution and production. Brandon is instrumental in ensuring the strategic efficiencies throughout operations to include 3PL. Brandon served in the U.S. Army from 1998-2005, achieving the rank of Captain with the 2nd/502nd Infantry Regiment. During his tenure in the military, he served as the Battalion Operations officer in OIF1; as well as, commanding an infantry rifle company. He is a graduate of Capella University with a Master’s in Business Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Alabama. Brandon resides in Gallatin with wife, Cajun and two sons, Casey and Conlan.