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Staff Profiles
The success of Liberty Wine Merchants is a direct result of the efforts of the amazing group of people that work for us. While our staff come from a diversity of backgrounds one thing we all share in common is an unyielding interest and passion for wines and spirits.
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Store Managers: |
Corporate Staff: |
Store Managers:
Point Grey - Igal Amsallem
Igal joined the Liberty team in 2006. Born in Versailles, France (close to the Marie-Antoinette Vineyard), Igal grew up in Paris and graduated from University Paris 10 with a Law degree, specializing in intellectual property law and music copyright. He has lived in Spain, Israel and Quebec, where he received his Service Aux Jeunes Entrepreneurs Business Management Diploma (Montreal) and his Wine & Spirits Diploma with Honours from École Hôtelière des Laurentides (Ste-Adèle).
His penchant for wine began when he first tasted wine at the tender age of four. He continues to be active in the wine industry as a wine instructor, wine tour guide, contributing wine columnist and a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.
Igal speaks fluent English, French, Spanish and Hebrew, and practices to improve his German, Italian and Farsi.
Park Royal - Tyler Dawson
As the youngest grandson of George C. Reifel, a pioneer in the local and international beverage markets, Tyler was destined to taste and talk libations. And so he does.
Enter…....experience.
This thirty-something boasts an impressive career in fine dining and beverage management wine retailing. He's been the resident sage at Liberty Park Royal since '92. Such a small place for a big personality, but he manages to fit in easily with his “Fun Source, Serious Supply” motto. He authored two quick reference guides: “Sake Simple” and “What’s Up d'Oc?” Next time you’re talking to him, you’ll likely hear some new wine terminology (aka "Tyler-isms") which could prove very useful at your next social function!
Park & Tilford - Sean Weiderick
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Sean has worked with some of the most knowledgeable people in the local wine industry. Joining the Liberty team in 2003, Sean has nearly a decade in the industry and a solid base of wine knowledge. He’s worked as a wine educator giving lectures and seminars, and has conducted private wine tastings. Holding the position of Assistant Manager for several years, Sean is now the Manager of our Park & Tilford store.
South Point - Aaron Silk
Having devoted his youth first to the study of literature and then to the study of food, Aaron first turned his hand to wine upon his arrival in Vancouver in 1997.
An avid interest quickly developed into something of an obsession and a lifelong odyssey was begun. Aaron served as Assistant Manager at Liberty Point Grey before assuming manager-ship of South Point Exchange store upon its 2000 inception.
Love of and interest in wine has drawn Aaron to Chile, the Niagara Peninsula and many and varied wine growing areas of BC and the Pacific Northwest. When not tasting or discussing wine, he can be found riding his long board, experimenting in the kitchen accompanied by wife Jennie and daughter Ella or trying to learn bass guitar.
Granville Island - Pierre Ruiz
Granville Island Liberty’s Manager loves wine and food! Growing up in the south of France, wine was a part of Pierre’s life as much as air and sunshine. His grandmother used to give him wine (cut with water) from a very tender age to be “just like Papa”. It is the French way. Since joining Liberty in 2007 Pierre has developed a strong following: known as “the French Guy” and “Bon Vivant”. His forté is naturally French wines, but extensive knowledge of other wine regions and true love for great cuisine makes him a particularly good resource when you need a pairing suggestion. Grab something at the market for dinner and pop over to see Pierre- you won’t be disappointed!
When not at the store, running or traveling the world, Pierre can be found in his studio painting. He is an accomplished pastel and oil on canvas artist, having studied in France and exhibited his works internationally.
Robert Simpson - General Manager
Robert is an 8th-generation Canadian and native Vancouverite. In 1975 he established The Hawthornes, a fine dining restaurant in Washington state (USA) with a world-class wine cellar, and in 1982 he founded Liberty Merchant Company, a retail store situated in a 19th century home, specializing in rare & exclusive wines.
Returning to Vancouver in 1986, he opened Liberty Merchant Company Ltd., an import agency serving the needs of BC’s wine-passionate populace. Robert’s next step was to become General Manager of Liberty Wine Merchants, Western Canada’s largest privately-owned fine wine retail store chain. Long-known for supporting the Oak Tree Clinic (BC Children’s Hospital) and amateur sports activities at the Vancouver Rowing Club, Robert organizes several fundraisers disguised as wine tastings: Taste BC (the largest local wine and food tasting) and the Tastings-in-the-Park series of four events.
Marietjie Bower - VP Finance and Controller
Born and raised in South Africa, Marietjie immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a Canadian Citizen in 2001. She has over 13 years accounting experience and over five years senior management experience. In the last 10 years she has successfully managed and led the administration, finance, information technology, procurement and human resource service functions within the transportation and manufacturing industries.
Joining Liberty in April 2009, this designated CMA self-starter applies her analytical and strategic thinking towards implementing the best practices for Liberty. As a previous small business owner, she also applies entrepreneurial spirit into these efforts.
Marietjie balances work with singing, reading, long walks and spending time with her family.
Patti Lim - Administrative Assistant
Patti has been committed to the service industry and has balanced it with her love of working with people, the sciences, and health & fitness. With a UBC BSc degree and a WCCMT 3-year diploma in massage therapy, Patti’s diverse career began in UBC administration, then in the fitness industry with The Fitness Group as a group leader and corporate contractor for ICBC, Canadian Airlines, BC Hydro and GVRD. She has also worked in the hair industry where she was Manager of the west side Suki’s salon.
Responsible for the purchase of wine accessories and the administrative needs of Head Office and all stores, this multi-tasker enjoys working out, fine dining and wining, checking out the arts community, long walks, literature and music. Patti also serves on several committees and is actively involved with volunteer community service.
Michelle Edmundson - Marketing
Michelle brings her skills in both design and marketing to the Liberty team. She is an honors graduate with a Bachelors of Design from Emily Carr University and also holds a diploma in Marketing. She specializes in retail marketing strategies and is also responsible for Liberty’s event planning and graphic design. Originally starting her career as a graphic designer, Michelle developed her own company after graduation but realized the challenges presented in marketing were far more exciting, while still allowing for creativity. Some day Michelle would love to continue her education towards her Masters in Design.
Michelle enjoys spending time with her two dogs, heading to the gym for a good workout, testing out the newest restaurants, shopping, and when the opportunity presents itself, travelling both locally and overseas.
Paul Melis - Company Courier
778-552-0614
Born and raised in North Vancouver. Paul & his 3 sisters make a family of 6. His parents emigrated from the Netherlands, so he is lucky enough to be tri-lingual, speaking English, Dutch and French.
Paul is an entrepreneur and was involved in the creation of a Healthy Lifestyle café, a retail sportswear outlet, fitness and nutritional consulting and many other interesting business ventures. He has also competed in Bodybuilding contests at a National Level. Other interests include weight training, playing and watching European style football, landscaping, cars, music, game shows and checkers.