In 2018, Spirits Capital Corporation was formed with a singular vision: to revolutionize the way we think about barrel-aged spirits, blending tradition with innovation to create a truly transformative asset. What we learned along the way was that there are gatekeepers, a lack of transparency and hurdles along the path to engaging with prospective makers, buyers and sellers of barrel-aged spirits.
Today, we are proud to share our future: The Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange: DBFEX™. We have created the world’s first digital exchange dedicated solely to the buying and selling of barrel-aged spirits. A platform where buyers, sellers, distilleries, brokers, and investors alike can engage in a dynamic, secure and transparent ecosystem.
The idea for DBFEX was born from this conviction. We are long-time admirers of the craftsmanship behind fine whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, and other aged spirits. We recognized a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional distillation, its gatekeepers, and everyone who desires to acquire barrels of spirits. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, AI analyzed real-time data, and a transparent trading platform, DBFEX brings liquidity, accessibility, and trust to a market that has long been shrouded in mystery.
Our mission goes beyond creating a marketplace. We are building a global community of investors, distilleries, and brands that all share a passion for excellence. By partnering with world-renowned distilleries and leveraging a network of industry experts, we ensure that every barrel listed on DBFEX meets the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and compliance.
Todd Sanders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset and deep expertise in the small to mid-sized enterprise market. A seasoned leader, he has played a pivotal role in numerous technology, consumer goods, medical device, and biopharmaceutical companies, both as a senior executive and as one of the largest beneficial shareholders. With a proven track record in corporate strategy and capital formation, Mr. Sanders has been instrumental in building high-performing management teams, structuring boards of directors and advisory boards, and crafting investor relations strategies that drive growth and market success. His extensive background spans venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and corporate finance. Throughout his career, Mr. Sanders has served as a founder, executive, investor, board member, or consultant to over two dozen private and publicly traded companies. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and foster innovation has solidified his reputation as a transformative force in the business world.
Reza Hashemi is our CTO. He is an Edison award winner, inventor, and entrepreneur specializing in AI and Web3 solutions. Reza has extensive experience in executive positions, which has allowed him to bridge the gap between the tech and business worlds. Raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Reza studied Information Technology Management and simultaneously pioneered the very first digital networked rental car company, which he later successfully exited to continue his education at MIT.
Patrick J. Flynn is the Chief Financial Officer of Spirits Capital. He has over 20 years of finance & accounting experience across a variety of industries and businesses. After beginning his career with United Technologies, Mr. Flynn moved into an executive finance role with a KKR-owned portfolio company that was successfully exited with a sale to 3M. He then spent five years with a publicly traded Aerospace & Defense manufacturer in the role of Vice President of Financial, Planning & Analysis. Most recent to joining Spirits Capital, Pat was consulting for primarily Private Equity-backed businesses on financial, strategic and M&A initiatives. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.
With nearly 30 years in the beverage alcohol industry, Ray Franklin is a seasoned leader known for driving innovation and growth. Beginning his career at United Distributors in fine wine, he later joined GWC as a Senior Account Manager in spirits, collaborating with major brands like Diageo, Campari, Pernod Ricard, and Constellation Brands. Ray’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a pot still distillation operation in Dahlonega, Georgia, alongside industry legend Dave Pickerell and Jeff Odem. The venture was later sold to country music icon Zac Brown, with Ray playing a key role in its design, construction, and acquisition. In 2018, Ray founded Staghorn, a leader in Kentucky’s contract distillation sector. His work gained recognition from Forbes and The Spirits Business, culminating in the development of a $250 million distillery in Lancaster, Kentucky—the ninth-largest independent distillery in the U.S. With two 36-inch column stills, the facility produces 9.5 million proof gallons annually, equivalent to 150,000 barrels of whiskey. As Chief Revenue Officer of DBFEX, the world's largest barrel exchange under Spirits Capital, Ray oversees the trading of bourbon, tequila, neutral grain spirits, and casks from Ireland and Scotland. He also leads Distilled Insights, offering cooperage, insurance, and consulting services to help brands navigate distillery design, compliance, distribution, and blending. Ray’s expertise has been recognized with multiple Double Gold awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and New York Spirits Competition, along with a Gold award from the International Wine and Spirits Competition for All Nations' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A true innovator, Ray Franklin continues to shape the future of the spirits industry with his deep knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence.
Michael D. Weydemuller is the Chief Compliance Officer at Spirits Capital Corporation, where he oversees compliance for the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX). With over 25 years of expertise in corporate and trust taxation, he specializes in developing and implementing strategic compliance frameworks that serve as the foundation of DBFEX’s trading platform. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in International Business and International Relations from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. He later obtained a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA. Recognized for his deep knowledge and leadership in compliance and taxation, he is a trusted authority in the industry.
Kelsee Pottorff is the Vice President of Finance and Operations for Spirits Capital. With a background in Financial Services and Private Equity, she has an exquisite acumen when it comes to addressing investor needs and presenting financial material. Additionally, Ms. Pottorff’s financial literacy and perspicuity enhance her ability to communicate the company's vision both internally and externally. Ms. Pottorff received her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Irvine.
With over seven years of experience managing and operating trading platforms in fintech and crypto, Danial Safvat specializes in leveraging technology to modernize traditional markets. His expertise in automation and digital transformation has been instrumental in replacing outdated manual processes with scalable, efficient solutions that enhance accessibility and performance. Coming from a background in the liquor industry, Danial has a deep appreciation for its heritage and understands the challenges it faces in adapting to the digital age. By combining this industry knowledge with his fintech expertise, he is driving innovation in the way spirits are bought, sold, and traded—modernizing the market while preserving its legacy. At the intersection of tradition and technology, Danial is committed to helping businesses transition seamlessly into the digital era, unlocking new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and long-term success
John Iannetta is the Vice President of Sales for Spirits Capital and the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX), bringing a wealth of experience in sales leadership and strategic management. With a track record of leading award-winning mortgage teams to over $3.5 billion in lifetime fundings, he now drives client engagement and business growth in the spirits industry. John understands the unique needs of every partner—from emerging craft distilleries to large-scale production houses—and is committed to building high-trust relationships from day one. He holds a BSBA in Business Management with a focus on Real Estate from Christopher Newport University.
