Meet The KJ Team
KJ has been around for over 40 years and we have had some amazing team members. We have former employees visiting (and making wine) all of the time and it is so awesome. Below is the current KJ team!
Adrian
KJ’s Wine specialist, President & “Handyman”
I have worked in the wine industry for over 25 years. I was a professional winemaker that studied winemaking and oenology in five European countries and have been a guest speaker for over a dozen winemaking events and conferences. Kamil Juices was started by my parents in 1979 from the basement of their home, and then became a retail / wholesale bricks and mortar operation in 1981. It has now become a world recognized distributor of 100% pure grape juices from Europe for the home and commercial wine industry.
My goal is to continue with the traditions of wine and also to bring KJ to everyone that is passionate for winemaking and wine drinking. With the reintroduction of craft brewing supplies into our portfolio, I feel that we now have an even stronger appeal to any fan of fermentation.
Connor
Vice President: The Tech Guy
Originally from Vancouver, I have settled in Ontario and have come to immerse myself in the craft brewing and winery scene. While completing a history degree from the University of Guelph, I also worked at many high end hotels and Country Clubs. My varied experiences in the hospitality industry honed my customer service philosophy that guides me today as KJ’s Vice President. I believe strongly in creating an environment at KJ that is both welcoming and professional.
I am an avid winemaker and a budding craft brewer. I truly enjoy sharing my expertise and stories with the clients and staff of KJ. I am thrilled and thankful to work hand in hand with everyone in their journey to create the perfect beverage.
Devon
General Manager | The Real Boss
Devon has been at KJ for over 6 years and has made awesome, fundamental changes to our company. Dev is the engine that keeps KJ running. She consistently keeps orders, inventory and projects updated. Adrian and Connor tend to forget things – Devon remembers for them.
Devon has always loved wine – particularly red wine (Valpolicella, Cabernet are some of her favourites). Since working here she has become quite the brewer as well. She makes a killer cider with a secret ingredient. She might even tell you what it is.
Jeremy
Assistant Manager & "The Brewer"
Jer spent 8 years working at Wellington Brewery before joining us in December 2019. He worked every part of Welly and learned a ton about brewing beer both at an industrial level, and about all of the ingredients and flavours that go into it. At KJ, Jeremy has now transitioned into being the rock of our brewing. He loves to make beer, chat about beer, and he's starting to get into wine too.
Jer can be found in the 'Brewing Room' found near our mill. There he is typically brewing one of the upcoming beer of the months. He loves inquisitive visitors! (we promise this is not sarcastic). Jer also runs our brewing classes. He has a lot of fun teaching newcomers the craft. If you haven't attended, we recommend trying one out!
His favourite beers are IPAs, followed by Juicy IPAs, followed by lagers/pilsners. Do NOT ask him about Milkshake IPAs. His favourite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dana
"The Backup Techie + Social Media Guru"
Dana joined us in September 2020. She works a few days a week when she isn't bartending and keeps it light. She loves to assist our bottling clients and is always happy to help. Outside of work she is pretty busy these days! Currently she works a couple of jobs, and is a (failing) stand-up comedian.
Dana is big into the non-alcoholic beverage world. She really likes the non-alc Jelly King from Bellwoods, anything Blood Brothers does, and the Feel Free non alcoholic champagne we carry too!
Eli
"The Big Shy Guy"
Eli joined the KJ team in February 2023. He is an absolute rock, and one of the nicest people around. He is a bit shy, but has a heart of gold. Eli helps us with wine production, and leads filter days. He is also our muscle -- Anything heavy, he will lift it. Eli likes most kinds of beer and is always interested in trying new ones, and prefers dry red wines - in particular Valpolicella and Malbec.
Kaelyn
"The Student"
Kaelyn just joined us in September 2023. Already she has made a big impact. Full of energy and ideas, she keeps things fresh here at the store! Currently, she is studying at the University of Guelph, and has plans to continue her studies in Niagara when finished. She also has a marketing degree!
Kaelyn's favourite style of wine is Riesling and her favourite beers are sours!
