Tom Bryfczynski
Wine Division Manager
Tom began his career in the alcoholic beverage industry in 1982 at ShopKo Liquor. He worked his way up in the retail industry over the following 30 plus years from stock to sales, to inventory control, management and ownership.
Over time, his focus on retail wine sales resulted in the development of the area's first wine shop. Through this, he developed strong relationships and friendships with some of the best winemakers in the world.
Tom continually strove to increase his knowledge of wines. It was his knowledge and his California connections that allowed him to develop the first and largest charity wine tasting in Northeast Wisconsin, helping to raise over $1.5 million for the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay.
Over the years Tom has taken his wine knowledge to the wholesale level. When Triangle Distributing made the decision to diversify, expanding into wine, Gary Ziegelbauer chose Tom to lead the wine division now known as Legacy Brands. Tom's connections have already made Legacy a strong and respected wine distributor with great plans for the future.
In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife, and family.
Email: tbryfczynski@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -
Shane Ebel - Sales
Area Sales Manager / Madison Territory
When I was 20, I found myself in Tuscany for a semester abroad. I had the opportunity to spend my time with a generous host family who made amazing food for dinner every night and let me drink outstanding wine with them. I studied every type of wine we drank, and found more to buy at the market. It was a formative time in my wine-drinking life.
Later in my 20s, I spent more time abroad learning about customs, food and drink, and people from all over the world. I've spent time in Asia, Central America, and Europe drinking the local drinks, eating the local eats, and finding adventure along the way. These experiences make me so excited to help other people experience wines. To me, any meal can find the perfect companion in wine, even if it's from the other side of the world.
There isn't a food in the world that can't be paired with a wine to make the food go from delightful to transcendent.
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” -Andre Simon
Being a member of the Legacy team is a delight. I have the opportunity to sell our excellent wines in Madison and south-central Wisconsin, and the trust that Legacy has in me gives me all the confidence in the world. The wines that Legacy has to offer sell themselves. It is hard to beat the focus on estate wines and small, unique producers. It's an exciting time to drink wine.
Email: sebel@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -
Chelsie Nachreiner-Wickman - Sales
Fox Valley Territory
Growing up in a small town with a renowned local winery, I have always held an interest in wine from farming to production to enjoying a glass or two once I was able. As a trained artist, I bring a sense of creativity and attention to detail to everything I do. With over a decade of experience working in wine bars and restaurants, including creating Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” wine lists, I bring a strong passion for the wine world, as well as a wealth of knowledge I am continually expanding upon.
My favorite part about wine is the ability to travel with every sip. The connection between terroir and what’s in your glass is so interesting and adds an extra layer of appreciation to a great glass of wine. I have an affinity for both old and new world wines with some of my favorites hailing from Burgundy, Provence, Champagne, Tuscany, Eola-Amity Hills, Dry Creek Valley, and the Finger Lakes (This list could go on forever!). In addition to my love for wine and travel, I am an avid reader and enjoy learning and nerding out about wine. I love that Legacy Brands represents so many wonderful, smaller producers and family wineries throughout the world and I am excited to share them with the Fox Valley!
Email: cwickman@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -
Greg Hoover - Sales
Southeast WI Territory
I have always enjoyed wine with my family in Michigan growing up, especially during the holidays. Later in college I was able to spend a semester traveling all over Europe. I was amazed at all the great wine paired with our lunch and dinners.
I have previously worked in the animal health industry for 20 years in several sales & senior sales positions. After meeting the outstanding team at Legacy Brands I knew I found a great company to further my career in the wine business. They have an excellent portfolio of wines from all over the world for every customers palate. Superior customer service and product knowledge is my intent here at Legacy Brands.
I have spent extensive time traveling in the wine regions of France, Portugal, Italy, Austria, and North America. When I’m not promoting our brands of wine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and my three children boating, golfing and camping. I also enjoy cooking for friends and family, and sharing a great pour of Champaign, Pinot Gris, Burgundy and Cabernets.
“Beer is made by man wine by God” - Martin Luther
Email: ghoover@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -
Matt Cornett- Sales
Milwaukee Territory
My journey with wine has been enriching to say the least! I worked in restaurants as I studied and achieved my degree at UWM. After college, I found myself trying a few things and finding out that my original plan wasn’t my future like so many of us in life. Restaurants welcomed me in and provided a life for me. In 2002 I started at Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse in Appleton, WI. From this staging point, my appreciation and “thirst” for wine knowledge really started. From server to server/bartender, I was then recommended for Assistant General Manager. I decided to take it. It’s amazing how quickly you learn regions, wineries, and more just by doing inventory! On top of that, wine reps from all over would come in and help me build my pallet as I became educated on all things in the wine world. After Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse, I had the opportunity to take all of my knowledge of restaurants and my love for education to a bigger level. I took on the Midwest Training Manager position for Texas Roadhouse. I opened 32 restaurants as Training Manager. I was invited to write manager training and hourly materials. After 8 years, it was time to live closer to home and build a family. I reached out to a former wine representative with distributor connections and quickly found a position working solely as an On-Premise Wine Specialist in the Green Bay, WI area. I had a blast and made lots of friends but a family move was in store and we headed to Milwaukee. In Milwaukee, I was asked to join a small group of wine focused and passionate reps with the same company. I quickly accepted! My wine knowledge and passion for wine was solidified with support from many family, friends, and connections that I’ve made over the last 9 years.
I currently live in the Milwaukee area with my partner, Billie, and 3 daughters. We also have an amazing energetic husky named Mae Poncho that we rescued from the ElmBrook Humane Society. When I’m not out there sharing my love for wine and supporting businesses through partnerships, you’ll find our family camping as much as we can, and travelling to fun destinations! We are also advocates and members of many of the area’s fantastic museums and world renowned zoo!
I think what I love most about working with wine is learning that it’s all about the people and cultures. The science and sense of place with wine fuels thought provoking discussions and connections. I firmly believe that there is a wine out there for everyone. You don’t have to have the most expensive wine or the most rare to appreciate the gift that nature has made and then gifted. Passionate wine makers then mold and craft this elixir into something we ultimately share with friends and family. If it tastes good...drink it. Cheers, Kampai, Salud, Sante, Prost, Cin cin, Saude, Afya!
Email: mcornett@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -
Sara Bowler - Sales
Eau Claire, La Crosse, Hudson Territory
A central Minnesota native, my adventurous spirit brought me to Chicago, to experience the city life. After 13 years in the restaurant industry there, my (now) husband and I packed up our car and moved to Napa. I had gotten my feet wet learning about wine through my work and wanted to learn more! I enrolled in the Wine Immersion course at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, worked in the valley as a wine buyer and, later, acquired a Level 3 certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.
I will forever be a student and wine provides endless learning for me. It encompasses so many of my most beloved subjects – geography, chemistry, art, food & drink, biology, nature and language. The most valuable thing I’ve learned in my wine studies is how to connect what goes on in the vineyard or winery with what’s in my glass. I love to chat about wine and food, sharing my knowledge with others and learning from them at the same time. The best wine encounters for me are those that include trying a new grape or region, especially an off-the-beaten path one! Some of my current favorites are the Canary Islands, Savoie (France) and Alto-Adige (Italy). I also love a good Oloroso or Manzanilla Sherry. Such a fascinating beverage!
I’m excited to join the team at Legacy Brands and look forward to more wine adventures! Aside from wine, I also enjoy hiking, wildlife, travel and watching my two boys play baseball.
Email: sbowler@legacybrandswi.com- Click On Your Region -