ASHLEY HANKE
Attorney Malkin Law
Age : 37 First Industry Job : Malkin Law Favorite Drink : Gin with soda , muddled cucumber and jalapeño with a Tajín rim
Attorney Ashley Hanke specializes in regulatory compliance , working with clients across all tiers of the beverage alcohol industry — from brand owners , distilleries , wineries , breweries , importers and retailers . Her in-depth knowledge of federal and state alcohol beverage regulations , combined with her passion for the industry , has made a significant impact Hanke ’ s clients at Malkin Law .
Before joining the firm , Hanke worked as a legal director of the Fair Housing Justice Center in New York , where she oversaw a staff of 15 and gained specialized expertise in compliance , land use and zoning , and local , state and federal civil rights laws . But her desire to pursue a legal career in the beverage alcohol field was solidified during her time working at a vineyard in Tuscany , where she gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the winemaking process .
This unique perspective transformed her approach , giving her the opportunity to guide clients not only from a legal standpoint , but also with a deep understanding of how they operate , ultimately promoting their growth and positioning them for success .
Changing from non-profit housing to the alcohol beverage sector in 2017 was a big deal , “ especially when I had developed years of knowledge in a particular specialty ,” Hanke says . “ But if you are not challenged and motivated every day , I think it is essential to step out of your comfort zone and pursue what interests you and what drives you , even if that means starting over .”
Further , she adds , “ It is empowering to take a leap of faith and have the confidence in yourself to disrupt your comfortable day-to-day career and start over , but in my experience , pursuing a professional path that excites you is worth the reward of working in a field that you are passionate about .”
ASHLEY SHERMAN
VP Commercial Route-to-market Breakthru Beverage Group
Age : 30 First Industry Job : Part-time tasting consultant at a wine sampling agency Favorite Drink : A glass of Nebbiolo from the Langhe or Valtellina
As VP , Commercial Route-to-Market , Ashley Sherman has led some of this year ’ s most important and transformational work at Breakthru Beverage . For one , she designed an industry-leading capability that surveys customers so the company can hear first-hand what is working and where they can improve .
Sherman also currently leads a newly built department that assesses where the business is going and aligns with Breakthru Beverage ’ s resources by futureproofing the route-to-market .
On top of the work Sherman has done and continues to do at Breakthru Beverage , she also cofounded Liquid Confidence , a ready-to-drink hard kombucha brand that launched in the Chicago area in October 2021 . The brand started with a 5,000-case pilot run and secured placement in more than 20 accounts with a 100 % order rate .
And while Sherman has faced many challenges working in the beverage alcohol industry , her biggest was launching Liquid Confidence .
“ From commercial recipe formulation and co-manufacturing obstacles , to convincing local retailers that we could drive enough velocity to justify space in the cold box , I learned how every challenge that seems insurmountable can be solved with a bit of ingenuity and grit ,” she says .
“ Ultimately , we did not move forward with expansion , but I draw from the learnings of that experience each time I ’ m faced with a new barrier .”
Her secret to success ? Keeping supportive people in her corner .
“ A critical component of this is the incredible support network I ’ ve been able to build in my career thus far – I have amazing people in my corner that advocate and empower me to bring humble confidence into every room I enter ,” Sherman says . “ I try to remind myself that this isn ’ t rocket science : What ’ s the worst that can happen ?”
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