Our Hosts
Mark Mulcahy
Mark is an award-winning retail consultant, educator, and organic advocate. He is the owner of Organic Options and member of Columinate which provides inspirational and applicable consulting services for co-ops, independent retailers, farmers, and produce distributors worldwide. With more than 35 years in the organic produce industry, Mark is well known for his creative merchandising, effective training techniques, passion for produce, successful financial strategies, and dedication to sustainable agriculture.
Mark is the co-creator and presenter of Rising Stars, a leadership development course for natural food retailers, and Roots & Relationships, a fun, thought-provoking, interactive and inspiring journey into the unique legacy of food and its relationship and connection with our mind, body and community.
Samuel Vandegrift
Samuel brings the honest passion of a wine lover and insider knowledge of an industry veteran to his work. Curiosity and a love of all things delicious guide his exploration of beverages. His decades in the wine trade include stints in retail management and floor sommelier; wholesale and importing; and now educator and consultant as a member of Columinate. Samuel is among a select group to hold a Diploma in Wines and Spirts from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
When asked about his passion for democratizing the beverage world he says, “Time and again consumers (and friends) seem apologetic, even embarrassed, to ask questions about wine. In these circumstances assurances of the shared goal of pleasure reopens people to enjoying what they love. The drinks world is rife with those hoping to capitalize on the antiquated notion that their judgement alone is the only opinion that matters. I take a different tack to empower through education and kindle our shared love of libations deserving of our precious time.”