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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 - Caroline Musselli
Born and raised in Sao Paulo Brazil, Caroline graduated with a degree in Journalism from Universidade Paulista. Her knowledge in communications laid a foundation to public relations work for celebrated companies such as Moët Hennessy, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and some of Brazil’s well-renowned chefs, restaurants and hotels.
With the intention of learning English abroad in 2008, Caroline and her husband visited Vancouver and fell in love with the city. Caroline joined the Liberty team in 2010 and received her International Sommeliers Guild Diploma in the same year. She is currently enrolled in the WSET Diploma program, and is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
When not working or studying, Caroline’s passions are ballet and spending time with her husband, friends, and cats named Punk and Joanna.
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!
Point Grey - 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.
Willoughby Langley - 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 becoming the Manager of the South Point Exchange store upon its 2000 inception and subsequent move to the current Willoughby Langley location.
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.
Commercial Drive - William Ford
Hailing from small town Antigonish in Nova Scotia, Wil moved to Vancouver after graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 2008. Wil’s interest in wine began at an early age, crediting his mother who always served wine at the dinner table.
Starting his career at Steamworks Cold Beer & Wine, Wil was quickly promoted to wine buyer for the company. He completed his WSET Level 2 in 2010 (Art Institute) and his Level 3 in June 2011 (James Cluer MW), and joined the Liberty team in October 2011. On describing his fellow colleagues, Wil quotes ‘I work with a bunch of fun, passionate, dynamic wine, beer and whisky geeks’.
When outside of work, Wil is often found at the climbing gym, reading or discovering new music at the local concert venues. Wil would love to share his many eureka wine moments with anyone who visits him at the Commercial Drive store.
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.
Marketing - Alexander Wilde
Please contact our Marketing Department directly with any promotional or advertising opportunities.
Paul Melis - Company Courier
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.