Meet the Gardensita Cocktail Team
At Gardenista, our cocktails are infused with more than garden-fresh ingredients; they’re built on decades of industry expertise, passion for premium flavor, and a shared belief in doing things differently. Behind every bottle is a team of innovators, operators, and tastemakers who bring vision to life through hard-earned experience and an undeniable love for the craft. Meet the people who make Gardenista the brand it is.
Founders
Kevin Berg – Co-Founder
With over 35 years of experience building brands in the beverage and alcohol space, Kevin Berg is a seasoned trailblazer. As Chairman of RNG, he has led Legacy Marketing and KBA Marketing, supporting thousands of accounts and launching iconic labels like Effen Vodka and Kilo Kai Rum. For Kevin, Gardenista is more than a product; it's a return to authentic, ingredient-driven innovation with the potential to reshape the ready-to-drink space.
Vince Parinello - Co-Founder
Vince brings deep agency leadership to Gardenista as CEO of RNG. With more than three decades of marketing experience, he's led successful experiential campaigns. Vince is the original founder of Effen Vodka and Kilo Kai Rum, and sees Gardenista as the future of elevated, real-ingredient cocktails designed for a more mindful generation.
Todd Clark
A veteran of the hospitality industry with over 30 years working in luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, Todd is currently a partner and director of operations for Matsuhisa Colorado restaurants. His passion for premium brand experiences fuels every detail of Gardenista, from flavor to packaging.
Leadership
John Serieka - Chief Operating Officer
With 30 years in the consumer packaged goods industry, John leads Gardenista's operations with unmatched precision. He’s held leadership roles at PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Gatorade, and has guided startups in R&D, brand positioning, and national distribution.
Jason Merz - Director of Marketing
Jason brings 20 years of brand-building success to Gardenista, with past roles at Deep Eddy Vodka, Fender, and Hard Rock International. He blends creativity with analytical insight to build consumer interest and drive market momentum.
Senior Advisors
Steve Berg - Sales & Distribution
Steve’s 35+ years in the beverage alcohol industry include leadership roles at Constellation Brands, Coors, and Bacardi. His experience in large-scale distribution and sales is instrumental in bringing Gardenista to market efficiently and strategically.
Steven Weiner - Strategy & Finance
Steven offers insight from 35+ years of executive leadership across operations, finance, marketing, and technology. He has served as COO/CFO to various companies, bringing a sharp strategic focus to Gardenista’s growth trajectory.
We’re Building More Than Cocktails
At Gardenista, we’re not just shaking up the ready-to-drink category but raising the bar. Our team believes that real ingredients, expert craft, and meaningful storytelling make for a better cocktail and brand. From formulation to flavor to final pour, we love what we do. And it shows in every bottle.
Ready to taste the difference? Explore more about Gardenista cocktail products today.
