CEO
By trade Dr. Paul is an emergency medicine physician and he revels in all things water whether surfing, skiing, or whitewater kayaking to get his ya-yas out. While on a ski trip in Hokkaido, he knew from the first sip of cool, premium sake that his tequila, beer and wine interests were in trouble. On this trip, the group of five friends celebrated the day of endless powder with sakes that amplified the joy of the day. Sāfu sake is that day, in all it’s authenticity, bottled up. Kanpai!
Certified Sake Sommelier, Japan Operations
Born and raised in Beppu, the hot springs epicenter of Japan, Kaori has a passion for nature, the sea and the beautiful port town where she lives. This relaxed life doesn’t mean that Kaori isn’t a mover and shaker! As a certified sake exporter and sake educator, her fascination with Japan’s revered elixir is not only in the cultural heritage and history but also in the world of microorganisms, the living koji at the heart of sake. As founder and CEO of Taishi Co., Ltd, her mission is to preserve and create a revolution in the art of sake.
Global Director of Business
We are driven to connect the world to the traditions and beauty of Japanese Sake, Reina has been preparing for this journey her whole life. From her earliest memories of being a part of her family’s food business in Japan, to later importing and selling Japanese foods throughout the United States, Reina’s love of sharing culturally imaginative culinary experiences has only grown. SĀFU is a representation of all of us, but for Reina it is even more personal, our first varietal is brewed in her hometown of Oita Japan.
Regional Sales
With the most welcoming smile along with an insatiable appetite for connecting with others, you’ll forever be sold on Toko’s exuberant personality. Hailing from Aichi, Japan, and a business economics graduate of UCLA, Toko’s love for cuisine and spirits, and sharing these passions with others is what lights her flame. When Toko isn’t offering marketing and advertising solutions for small businesses in the Southern California area, she is pouring you Sake! Safu Sake!
Marketing
After a successful career in sports marketing, Katie stepped away to pursue her passion of helping brands better tell their story. When not working around the clock, you will always find Katie exploring food and drink experiences all over the world. It is not often that two of your passions can intersect in one project, but that is exactly what SĀFU has done for Katie.
Marketing
From his early days in the DJ booth to eventually becoming the CMO of a professional sports team, Wayne’s energy for his work is infectious. Through years of working with the beverage industry through media and sports, Wayne’s strategic vision is matched with a knowledge of the tactical opportunities. You can usually spot Wayne in the room as his shirt may be the only thing louder than he is.
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