THE COLLECTIVE

Kevin Wencel

Kevin Wencel

Kevin Wencel facing the camera and smiling

Sales Strategy

Business Development

P&L Analysis

Data Analytics

Pricing and Cost Management

Education: BA English Literature, Associate Degree Culinary Arts

Favorite Software: Excel, Powerpoint, Prezi, Zoho (CRM), Quickbooks

Additional Software: Cropster, Hubspot, Mailchimp, Shopify, Canva, Salesforce

Kevin Wencel brings extensive expertise in food and beverage leadership to Beverage Business Consulting. From a sales & business development in the complex distribution landscape to leading a multi-brand coffee market with full P&L accountability, he brings over 25 years of experience to the table.

Kevin cut his F&B teeth in Minneapolis/St. Paul kitchens as the Corporate Executive Chef for the Blue Plate Restaurant Company, Cooking School Director for the esteemed Cooks of Crocus Hill, and helping James Beard Best Midwest Chef Alex Roberts open Restaurant Alma in Minneapolis.

As part of the U.S. Foods team, Kevin focused on distribution & supply chain business development and sales with multiple key college and university partners like Yale, Princeton, U.S.C, and University of Washington, along with national Hospitality & Lodging partners across the country.

Most recently, Kevin served as Spyhouse Coffee’s President in MN, guiding the company through the M&A process to join FairWave Coffee Collective, where he led the CPG and retail/cafe businesses as FairWave MN’s Market President. When not pouring over spreadsheets or cupping new coffees, Kevin’s an avid cook and pianist and lives in St Paul, MN with his wife, 2 sons, and dog, Sherman.

  • "I worked with Kevin for over a year and a half, he was an excellent leader in our Minnesota market and a valuable member of our Executive team. He is passionate about his work, always willing to help out in any way possible, and always asks what is best for the business and the teams. I've seen him guide his team through different transitions and growth over his time with FairWave, and he's always kept his team excited about his vision. Kevin has always strived to support a project or decision with concise data and well thought out strategies. I hope our professional paths cross again."

    KEVIN JOHNSON
    Vice President of Cafe, Bakery and Food Operations at FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective

  • "Kevin is a brilliant and creative force. His insights into sales and strategy around rallying teams is impressive and ever growing. "

    -Joe Marrocco

  • "What makes a great leader goes much deeper than numbers and results in a spreadsheet - which Kevin can boast about each. A great leader is humble enough to seek wisdom, insights, and challenge from others. I see Kevin in this light. He is always open to learning, listening, growing, and becoming the best leader he can be. I have never heard a leader say these words more than Kevin, “So let me make sure I understand what you are saying, you are saying…” as he digs in. "

    -Joe Marrocco

  • "Kevin is also kind. Many leaders are good with people, but Kevin sees people through a generous eye, and will see the good even through a lot of bad sometimes. He is fair, don’t get me wrong. But he is hopeful and compassionate."

    -Joe Marrocco

  • New Kevin is a dedicated, passionate hard working individual. I have worked with many cooking instructors and believe him to be the best in the business. I have tried to emulate much of his teaching style myself, which I think is the highest complement that can be paid to someone. Kevin's passion for his work invigorates those who work with him and creates a fun and productive environment.

    Rachael Rydbeck (MBA|PMP

    Over 17 years strategy experience, successfully leading teams, growing revenue, and managing projects with Fortune 500 companies