TAYLOR FOXMAN
Founder and CEO , The Industry Collective
First industry job : PR assistant account executive Favorite drink : Super smoky mezcal , club soda with lime wedge and salted rim
Taylor Foxman ’ s first foray into the beverage industry was interning for Svedka in college .
“ I thought to myself , ‘ there ’ s no way this could be a profession ,’” she says . “ Once I moved to New York and immersed myself into the beverage industry culture , I knew it was for me . The people , the innovation , the community and overall warm feeling the industry organically creates .”
Now her career highlights include helping her Industry Collective clients break into big accounts , secure capital and gain national media exposure .
Not to say it ’ s all been smooth sailing . Among the challenges Foxman has overcome includes “ being a woman within the wider beverage industry and the venture capital community ,” she says . “ Many times did I have to push to be ‘ in the room ’ – and I don ’ t regret those occurrences as it helped me better understand what I needed to do to be asked to join next time around .”
Now much of her time is spent supporting historically underrepresented brand founders , sharing her access and experience .
“ Currently more than 30 of the CEOs I support come from diverse backgrounds – Black and Latinx , LGBTQIA , woman-owned , AAP ,” she says . “ I hope to provide these crucial communities resources and support .”
RIVIERE DUFFY
Attorney , Taylor English Duma
First industry job : Licensing department at current firm Favorite drink : Champagne
Riviere Duffy didn ’ t set out to work in the beverage industry , or even to practice law . She first obtained a Master ’ s in education and taught French for several years before taking the LSAT “ as a leap of faith and hope of finding a satisfying career .”
Looking back , she calls it one of the best decisions she ever made .
“ I found a career filled with the best clients – after all , people in hospitality are some of the nicest folks around – and a career that challenges me intellectually every day and fulfills me ,” she says .
She ’ s demonstrated the ability to “ navigate complex regulatory landscapes and foster collaboration between stakeholders ,” according to her firm . She regularly engages with C-suite officials at Fortune 500 companies in coordinating high-stakes negotiations and providing strategic legal counsel .
She regularly works with clients and industry regulators to assist with legal changes . For example , she helped a high-end hotel add a wine shop in a multiuse development where it wasn ’ t previously allowed , and worked with Georgia legislators during Covid to legalize cocktails-to-go and curbside package store pickup options .
NIKO NOVICK
Executive of Beverage , Spiegelworld
First industry job : His consulting company N2 Mixology Favorite drink : Ice cold Martini
Since it opened its first dining and beverage concept , Superfrico , Niko Novick has been integral to Spiegelworld ’ s growth in Las Vegas and its expansion to the East Coast in Atlantic City . He oversees six beverage programs for the entertainment and hospitality company , which has been called a contemporary circus .
Novick “ fell in love with the social and artistic elements of bartending ” at age 19 , consulting for numerous bar programs and television commercials . He also created activations for events like The Oscars and Tales of the Cocktail , championing unique cocktail ingredients .
Working on high-profile events and venues on both coasts , it ’ s not surprising that Novick enjoys a challenge .
“ Once I was knee-deep in three bar openings and in the final design phase of two other concepts . Just when I thought my plate was full , I got a call from a client to pull off 18 craft cocktail event bars at eight concurrent parties over three days at Coachella with only 24 hours notice ,” he says . “ The masochist in me couldn ’ t resist saying yes to something that felt so impossible .”
“ Not only did we survive ,” he adds . “ it was the greatest weekend of my life and everyone involved still talks about it !”
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