Journeyman Distillery names first COO
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Michigan-based Journeyman Distillery, which has operations in Valparaiso, has hired its first chief operating officer, an executive whose experience includes working for such brands as Havana 1957 in Las Vegas and Hard Rock International.
Michael Wozniak joins the company as the distillery continues to expand, including last year’s launch of its Sea of Monsters brewery on its $40 million American Factory campus in Valparaiso. Valparaiso is the hometown of CEO Bill Welter, who along with his wife, Johanna, founded the distillery in 2010.
Wozniak’s work experience includes roles as a restaurant consultant, COO of V&E Restaurant Group (now called V&E Hospitality Group), which operates restaurants in Las Vegas and Miami, and area vice president with Hard Rock International. He also studied at culinary schools and worked with acclaimed chefs in Michelin-recognized kitchens, a news release announcing the appointment said.
Also joining Journeyman is Tim Turbett as director of marketing, who founded a Chicago marketing firm and held marketing leadership roles for companies such as insurer Beazley, consumer and industrial project manufacturer Sunstar Americas Inc. and Bosch Power Tools.
“We’re raising a glass to welcome experience, enthusiasm and leadership to Journeyman Distillery,” Bill Welter said in the news release. “Our team embodies a strong sense of determination and craftsmanship in everything we do, and Tim and Mike will bring their extensive backgrounds to build a platform that elevates our brand. We look forward to seeing them thrive as we dive into 2025, which promises to be a year full of opportunities.”
The award-winning distillery plans a host of spirits releases and events throughout 2025, such as a continuation of the Meet The Makers series, family-friendly brunches events, live music events, guest chef dinners and mixologist takeovers, the news release said.