CEO

Shaun grew up in the south of Sweden where his father introduced him to the love of wine. After moving to the United States in 1985, his father turned his love into a career in wine sales and distribution, thus sealing their fate as a "wine family". Shaun began his first wine collection after college while working on the Pacific Stock Exchange in San Francisco, where he was a partner at a stock options trading firm. He held numerous positions with the Exchange, including Chair of the Options Allocations Committee and Vice-Chair of the Options Listing Committee, and helped build Cole-Roesler Trading into the largest privately held options trading firm on the Pacific Coast.

During this time, Shaun met Michael Stajer and became a co-partner and investor in WineCommune - the wine auction site Michael founded while in law school. In 2004, he left the financial markets for the wine markets and dedicated himself full-time to the enterprise. Together, Shaun and Michael developed a wine search engine site, WineZap, and in 2006, the retail entity JJ Buckley Fine Wines. With Michael, he helped secure many recognitions, including Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2008 and The #1 Fastest Growing Bay Area Business in 2007 by the San Francisco Business Times.

Shaun is known for his quick thinking and fast decision making, but it is his wine knowledge that sustains the business that is JJ Buckley today. As CEO and "Chief Buyer", Shaun is responsible for managing all aspects of purchasing and sales. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with his wife, Julie, and their three children.

President

Michael Stajer, began his career in the wine world in the late `90s while working his way through law school. As the manager and wine buyer for a high end Berkeley, California restaurant, he experienced the frustration of acquiring fine and rare wines. Never a man to sit around and complain, in 1999, Michael set to work on the creation of a wine auction website that would connect wine buyers to wine sellers - WineCommune.com. Michael graduated Magna cum Laude at Hastings Law School, but left the legal world to focus on WineCommune.

Accolades for Michael include Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, the Inc. 500 list, and others. Michael and partner, Shaun Bishop, began JJ Buckley as the retail arm of WineCommune in 2006. Michael is responsible for the technology behind JJ Buckley and the daily operations of the company. He is also a pilot and a Board Member of San Francisco Goodwill, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2018

Jeff brings a unique perspective to the role of Fine Wine Specialist, having been one of JJ Buckley's private clients for many years before leaving a career in the financial sector to join our team. His lifelong love of wine was seeded from family trips to wine country, as well as post-college trips to Italy, France, and Spain. His long tenure in business banking afforded him the opportunity to grow his wine knowledge through international travel and the exploration of foreign cuisine. Jeff earned WSET Level 2 certification in 2018.

Professional Credentials & Awards
WSET Level 2, Wine & Spirits Education Trust

Email Jeff or call him at 510.343.5099

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2018

After earning a degree in Wine Business Strategies from Sonoma State University, Greg's 10+ years of experience has ranged from tasting room and wine production for multiple Sonoma wineries, to sales and territory management with one of California's top distributors of wine and spirits. During his tenure in sales, he attained WSET Level 2 certification from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust before joining the team at JJ Buckley.

Professional Credentials & Awards
B.S. Wine Business Strategies, Sonoma State University, California
WSET Level 2, Wine & Spirits Education Trust

Email Greg or call him at 510.877.0296

Senior Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2006

Geoffrey's 20+ year career in the wine business was launched during his college years in New Jersey, where he worked in sales, purchasing, and management for a wine and gourmet foods retailer. His long tenure with JJ Buckley began shortly after relocating to the Bay Area, first serving as warehouse manager, then in private cellar acquisitions, and later transitioning to sales and private client management. Geoffrey is an avid wine collector with an extensive cellar, primarily focused in German, Rhone, and Italian wines.

Email Geoffrey or call him at 510.903.5908

Senior Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2012

Chris' 20+ years of diverse experience ranges from founding and operating his own wine import company, to serving as wine specialist for a prominent California retailer, to formal wine instruction. In addition to sales and private client management at JJ Buckley, he teaches several wine classes for the UC Berkeley Extension program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chris earned his Certified Sommelier credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2012.

Professional Credentials & Awards
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers

Email Chris or call him at 510.858.2714

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2017

With over 15 years of fine wine experience, Noah has had a diverse and productive career in the wine industry. His multi-faceted background spans purchasing and management for the wine departments of a boutique specialty market and a prominent national grocery chain, to cellar work at Kendall-Jackson, to restaurant service where he served as the Lead Sommelier at Farallon — one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s top restaurants. Noah earned his Certified Sommelier credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2008.

Professional Credentials & Awards
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers

Email Noah or call him at 510.343.6185

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2022

Kyle's wine journey began in 2009 at Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, AZ. He rose to assistant sommelier at Le Ecole, the restaurant affiliated with the school, while gaining fine dining certification from the Federation of Dining Room Professionals. Post-education, he joined an Arizona-based boutique wine distributor, advancing from intern to Key Account Manager before landing in California and joining JJB. Kyle has led numerous in-person tastings and wine classes, earning his Certified Specialist of Wine designation in 2017. He has a strong affinity for Spanish wines, having made multiple trips to the country, yet relishes any chance to explore further afield.

Email Kyle or call him at 510.343.5341

Senior Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2010

Jeff's nearly 20-year career in wine began right after college, managing the tasting room and assisting with cellar work at a small, family-run Carneros winery. Later, as manager and buyer for a boutique wine bar and retail store in the Bay Area, he discovered a passion for the wines of Bordeaux and set about establishing relationships in the region. His persistence paid off, providing him with the opportunity to participate in the 2009 harvest for noteworthy chateaux in Pomerol (Chateaux La Croix and La Croix St. Georges) and St. Emilion (La Confession). Jeff earned his sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2008.

Professional Credentials & Awards
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers

Email Jeff or call him at 510.250.5689

Senior Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2011

Devon has nearly 20 years in the wine business, spanning positions in retail sales, journalism, and wine production with some of the industry's most notable names. His career commenced at the Pacific Northwest's largest wine retailer, Esquin where he acquired a love of Bordeaux. Later, while studying French in Paris, he worked for the famous Paris wine bar, Juveniles, and participated in a harvest at Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. On his return to the U.S. he worked harvest at Jordan Winery in Sonoma, before transitioning to journalism as an Associate Editor for Wine & Spirits Magazine. Devon still returns to France to work harvest when he can and has served as cellar hand for Bellefont-Belcier in St. Emilion and Chandon de Briailles in Burgundy. He is studying for the final exam to complete the WSET Level 4 Diploma certification. 

Professional Credentials & Awards
Viticulture Certificate, Washington State University
WSET Level 3, Wine & Spirits Education Trust
WSET Level 4 Diploma, Wine & Spirits Education Trust (ongoing, not yet completed)

Email Devon or call him at 510.903.5924

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2019

Mark has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, beginning his wine career and education as a server for Wente Vineyards. He quickly transitioned to sommelier and wine director positions, earning multiple industry accolades for his wine lists at some of California's most prestigious restaurants and restaurant groups. These include San Francisco's Farallon and Redwood Park, four restaurants in the Los Angeles-based David Myers Group, which includes the Michelin-starred Sona, and five restaurants in San Francisco's Daniel Patterson Group, including Coi.

Professional Credentials & Awards
Advanced Sommelier Certificate, Court of Master Sommeliers
Wine Spectator "Grand Award" 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (Sona Restaurant)
Wine Enthusiast "Award of Ultimate Distinction" 2007, 2008 (Sona Restaurant)
Food & Wine Magazine "Best New Wine List", July 2002 (Redwood Park Restaurant)

Email Mark or call him at 510.343.7988

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2017

Justin has more than 15 years in wine sales and communications, starting out as supervisor for a wine and spirits retail store in Massachusetts, and later in sales with a highly-regarded New York City boutique wine retailer. After relocating to California wine country to continue his career, Justin held positions in events and communications for a small Sonoma winery, and in sales of rare and back-vintage wines for an online wine retailer in Napa. He earned WSET Level 2 certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in 2017 before joining the team at JJ Buckley.

Professional Credentials & Awards
WSET Level 2, Wine & Spirits Education Trust

Email Justin or call him at 510.254.5639

Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2021

More about Rob coming soon!

Email Rob or call him at 510.877.0154

Senior Fine Wine Specialist
Joined Team: 2009

A third-generation wine professional, Alex has more than 25 years of diverse industry experience, spanning positions in Bordeaux, New York, and California. Beginning his career in the family wine business while in high school, he later focused on wine studies while earning a degree from Cornell University. Alex's subsequent professional endeavors include retail sales, import and distribution, purchasing, marketing, and brand management before joining the team of Fine Wine Specialists at JJ Buckley.

Email Alex or call him at 510.250.5693

Customer Experience Manager

From coordinating tournaments, to serving as services department lead for one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of golf equipment, Jeff’s 20+ years delivering high-level client service and his attention to detail make him a great candidate to lead our Customer Service team. When he is not working tirelessly to deliver excellence to our clients, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, travelling, playing golf (naturally), and rooting for the Green Bay Packers as one of its owners.

Email Jeff or call him at 510.343.7986

Customer Service Lead
Joined Team: 2017

After living in over 30 different U.S. states (!!), Jack finally settled down to make the SF Bay Area his home. He brings our service team a wide range of experience in customer-centric roles - from leading the Revenue Retention Department at AT&T Wireless, to wearing many hats for a popular San Francisco ecommerce start-up, to Corporate Conciergerie for American Express. 

It was in this role that he developed his love for wine, creating personalized wine tours for Black Card members. Living vicariously through his jet-setting clients from around the world, he was able to expand his knowledge of both the hospitality and wine industries.

With over 15 years in customer service, Jack's goal is to ensure that all of our clients get the world class experience they deserve. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his wife and French Bulldog dog Lil Monster. They're always planning their next Caribbean getaway, wine tasting adventure, or road trip to explore somewhere new.

Email Jack or call him at 510.679.6366

Customer Service Lead
Joined Team: 2012

Email Seth or call him at 510.900.5786

Wine Buyer
Joined Team: 2007

Like many in the industry, David experienced his wine epiphany while traveling through Europe - his was a fine Riesling Spatlese, drunk on the banks of the Mosel in Koblenz. When he returned home, he took a job as a waiter, and six months later became the restaurant's floor sommelier. The following year, he was promoted to beverage manager and the wine list grew from 5 pages to over 100.

Pursuing the marriage of food and wine, David moved to Philadelphia to work at the Four Seasons Hotel, and later as a wine broker for Margolis Wine and Spirits. Frustrated with the limitations of working in a controlled state monopoly, David packed his bags and headed to San Diego to continue his passion for learning. He landed at the WineSellar & Brasserie - a combination wine retail shop and restaurant with a Wine Spectator Grand Award wine list. With access to older wines, he conducted many vertical tastings to demonstrate the changing characteristics as wine matures. To balance those events, he hosted large horizontal tastings of current releases.

Since 2007 David has been a buyer for JJ Buckley, still staying abreast of all the growth and changes in the wonderful world of wine. David’s philosophy on buying focuses on what will make his customers happy, not on what he likes. David says, “There is beauty in a well made wine that speaks of its place and history, and a joy in matching it with someone who appreciates those charms.”

Email David or call him at 510.257.2655

Logistics Manager
Joined Team: 2016

A Bay Area native and graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Diana brings her developing wine skills and customer-oriented approach to our team in her role as Logistics Manager. Her positive attitude, creativity, and adaptability ensure our operations run smoothly.

Email Diana or call her at 510.632.5306

Email Marketing & Sales Operations
Joined Team: 2008

John developed his passion for wine while working at a local market. Educating himself by gradually tasting through the store’s inventory, John worked his way up to become the wine buyer. This coincided with his time at UC Davis, where John was pursuing a degree in Political Science, while at the same time immersing himself in as many classes as possible at the school’s renowned Department of Viticulture and Enology.

After working briefly as an advocate for patients' rights, John followed his dream of making it in the wine industry when he gained employment with a Napa retailer. He later joined the team at JJ Buckley, first in consignment and cellar acquisitions, and soon after in sales as a Fine Wine Specialist. In his current position, John serves as the link between sales and marketing, manages our product merchandising and content, and works with our strategic marketing partners. In his free time, John is an avid cyclist, throwing himself with reckless abandon up and down the scenic hills of the Bay Area.

Email John

Technology Manager
Joined Team: 2004

Sam is busy right now supporting helpful internet things. But we'll get a bio from him one day.

Email Sam

Operations Manager
Joined Team: 2007

A resident and native of Oakland, CA Sambat (aka "Sam") leads our Operations team with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step. Ensuring the thousands and thousands of bottles we purchase each year are properly received, stored, and shipped, he gives 110% every day and is the first to help out a team member in need.

From a large family with origins in Thailand and Cambodia, Sam is a fluent speaker of both languages. When he isn't ensuring your wine arrives on time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, hiking, and playing with his children.

Assistant Operations Manager
Joined Team: 2006

As Assistant Ops Manager, Chhay overseas the team who handles the nearly 800,000 bottles we ship each year - ensuring our clients receive their wines on time and as promised. His reliability, dedication, committment, and positive attitude make him an ideal candidate for this challenging position!

Emigrating from Cambodia as a small child, Chhay has become a true native son of Oakland, having worked in activist groups to help empower the local community. When he's not working tirelessly to get your shipments to you, he loves to spend time with his wife, two children, and his dog Max. A huge fan of the outdoors, Chhay also loves camping and fishing, karaoke, watching horror movies, writing, and most of all, spending time with his kids.

Storage Services Manager
Joined Team: 2011

Byron's obsessive attention to detail and commitment to excellent service make him the perfect leader for our Storage Services team. Keeping our immense storage warehouse organized and in ship-shape, he wears other hats for us as needed due to his natural problem-solving abilities and his calm, cool, and collected demeanor. (We're pretty sure he's a super-hero.)

When not giving the utmost of care to your stored wines, Byron likes to read - history mostly, but he's well-rounded. He also plays guitar, walks and enjoys spending time with his wife of 20+ years.

Charles Chen - Int'l & Freight Logistics Coordinator
Erik Hernandez - Customer Service Lead

Alexandro Hernandez - Inventory Quality Assurance
David Ryan - Inventory Quality Assurance

Ricky Hoang - Receiving Lead
Jose Cortez - Receiving
Luis Garcia - Receiving
Jesus Ortiz - Receiving

Treshawn Wilson - Warehouse Lead
Miguel Alvarez - Warehouse Associate
Mike Chavez - Warehouse Associate
Abdul Flores - Warehouse Associate
Akil Hill - Warehouse Associate
Alejandro Pablo Jeronimo - Warehouse Associate
Deandre Moore - Warehouse Associate
Roeun Pos - Warehouse Associate
David Rodriguez - Warehouse Associate
Lauren Rutkovitz - Warehouse Associate
Carl Smith - Warehouse Associate
Jimmy Thomas - Warehouse Associate

Office Manager
Joined Team: 2011

When Cindy’s not kicking the copier or resetting the server, you can find her getting a tattoo, questing in WoW, or playing with fire.

Email Cindy or call her at 510.257.2652

Senior Accountant
Joined Team: 2015

Email Jason or call him at 510.858.2709

Accounts Payable
Joined Team: 2022

Email Kamanie or call her at 510.858.2715