DAVE SCHMIER

Dave Schmier is a serial entrepreneur focusing on the spirits business.

With roots in the  service side of business Dave founded Marketing Promotion agency, The Idea Foundation in early 90’s to promote national beverage brands with entertainment based brand programs..  Clients includes Absolut, Vodka,Alize, Captain Morgan, Chivas Regal, Fischer Breweries, and AnhueserBusch.  Dave led The Idea Foundation to the Promo Magazine Top 100 Agency list, 2 Reggie Awards and many satisfied clients.

In 2002/2003 Dave launched his first spirits brand, Orange V Vodka- an intense Florida Orange Flavored Vodka. It was a colossal failure, AKA a learning experience.

Along the way, Dave recognized the challenges that small spirits brands have in getting their word out and created The Indie Spirits Expo in 2005 as a forum for small spirits brands, be they imported, contract distilled and bottled or micro distiller an opportunity to efficiently showcase their product to the trade and industry alike.  Indie Spirits events have taken place in NY, SF, KY, Chicago and New Orleans.

In 2010 Dave co-founded Redemption Rye and built the brand to be a player on the national and international marketplace.  In 2015 Redemption was acquired by Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits.

Not one to rest on past success, Dave immediately established Proof and Wood Ventures, Inc to create and invest bulk whiskey and spirits brands.   To date, Proof and Wood has Launched Deadwood Bourbon and Rye, The Funk Jamaican Rum and began importing deBorgen Genever from the Netherlands as well as invested in a soon to be released aquavit brands.  Occasionally Dave bottles some limited edition older expression whiskies from his stock of barrels under names such as Presidential Dram, The Ambassador, The Senator and Tumblin’ Dice.