Steve is a partner/owner at J.W. Thomas Wines, a Napa Valley boutique winery and the former Executive Director of the Dear Jack Foundation. Steve has 17 years of experience in the music business, focusing on A&R, artist management, and strategic partnerships. He has worked with the likes of John Mayer, Train, Five for Fighting, Mat Kearney, Andrew McMahon, and The Fray.

Steve’s pivotal role in the successful launch of Verse & Chorus Napa Valley Red Wine fortified his knowledge and love of wine, and allowed him to bring to the wine industry his expertise in strategic brand development, relationship management, and partnership formation. Steve is also a member of The Co-op for Chicago Ideas Week, and is an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University.