Sunset Corners Staff
Michael Bittel
Owner, Wine Buyer
Michael came to Sunset Corners, at the invitation of his grandparents, in 1975. He quickly developed a passion for wines and as an owner, assumed the responsibility of wine buyer in 1983. Besides wine, Michael is an avid reader and player of cards! He is one of the founders of the Miami Wine and Food Festival. His favorite kind of wine? That would be one with or without a cork!
Larry Solomon
Owner, Spirits Buyer
Larry came to Sunset Corners in 1977. As one the store’s owners, Larry purchases all the spirits and manages the financial and human resources side of the business. His hobbies include country music, boxing and working out. Pool side margaritas are the specialty of the Solomon home.
Jamie Futscher
General Manager, Wine Buyer, Cheese Buyer
Jamie has been with Sunset Corners since 2005. She is currently enrolled as a student in The Master of Wine program. In addition she holds a Diploma from the WSET and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Jamie is the General Manager at Sunset Corners, with responsibilities as a wine buyer, the cheese buyer and both the administrator and lecturer of the ‘Wine Academy' at Sunset Corners. Besides wine, Jamie enjoys gourmet cooking at home & Crossfit! Her favorite wine? Bubbles!
Paul Atwood
Beer Buyer
While a student at FSU, Paul would come home for the holidays and work at Sunset Corners. At college Paul had developed a passion for craft beers and saw, while working at the shop, that perhaps his hobby had the possibility to turn into a vocation! The rest, as they say is history! Paul became a full time employee in 2008 and quickly assumed, along with John, the management of our beer department. His favorite style of beer? Double IPAs.
John McGriff
Manager,Buyer
John has the distinction of having more years at Sunset Corners than any other staff member, starting in 1976. Over those many years, John has been involved in every aspect of the shop, from operations, to sales, and management. John started Sunset Corners in developing our award winning beer selection. It remains one of his top priorities!
David McGriff
Webmaster
David spent 23 years aboard a US Navy Destroyer as a weapons controller. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 2005, David came to join his brother John at Sunset Corners. His computer skills quickly found good use at the shop! With David’s sweet tooth, he is always the first in line when a dessert wine is opened for tasting!
David Conkle
Manager
David’s career in the wine industry started in 1972, first with The Wine Warehouse and then with Shell City Liquors. When Sunset Corners expanded in 1983, David came to join our staff. Dave’s responsibilities include operational and wine warehouse management. As far as David is concerned, there is only one kind of wine that counts. And that’s Champagne!
Gil Rios
Sales, delivery
Gil started at the shop in 1987. Over the course of time, Gil has had a host of different responsibilities, in both sales and operations. Gil loves to unwind with a glass of a good single malt!
John Davis
Sales
John has worked in a variety of positions within the wine industry over the last forty years. After several years of working in a retail liquor store, John moved to the wholesale side of the business, working for Southern Wine & Spirits for 27 years. After retiring, he found a life of leisure was too boring and came to work at Sunset Corners in 2005. John regularly travels to California to visit the vineyards. His first wine love? Not surprisingly, California reds.
Scott Ackman
Internet Shipping Manager
Scott joined the staff at Sunset Corners after retiring from the United States Postal Service in June, 2011. Scott worked in a variety of management positions within the USPS during his 36 year career with his last position as District Finance Manager. He is currently managing the expansion of our Internet shipping segment. Scott is a long time resident of South Florida, attended the University of Florida, and his favorite hobby is playing golf.
Crystal Doumenis
Sales
Crystal, currently a student at FIU, is majoring in Hospitality management with a minor in beverage management. Having been raised by a mother who's Puerto Rican and a Father who's Greek, this "Greekarican" was exposed to a wide range of foods and cultures. It's no surprise her motto when it comes to food and wine is "I'll try anything at least once." She is a fan of Anthony Bourdain and loves to workout. Her favorite Wine? Big, bold reds!
