Meet Our Team MEET THE MAVERICKS META DATA URL Slug: /meet-the-mavericks/ SEO Title: Meet the Mavericks | The Team Behind Maverick Distilling Character Count: ~58 Meta Description: Meet the team behind Maverick Distilling and discover the people who bring craftsmanship, hospitality, curiosity, and the Maverick spirit to life every day. Character Count: ~157 Primary Keyword: Meet the Mavericks Secondary Keywords: Distillery Team | Texas Distillers | San Antonio Distillery Team | Craft Distillery Team BLOCK 1 — HERO H1: Meet the Mavericks H2: The People Behind the Pour Photo Recommendation: Bartender 1.jpg — hospitality / people-first brand moment Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Sept%202025/Bartender%201.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AACA3BOp1TZzelT48YpD76wggz_z0S3WEbVPZUK5RWmWcA Bartender 2.jpg — alternate hospitality / team-at-work option Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Sept%202025/Bartender%202.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AAA7B45NTIWMZHW-hLtX4SVlXPbCmvgWPwG7bF3oYdCA0Q Every great whiskey has a story and so do the people behind every bottle, every cocktail, and every guest experience. Behind every bottle at Maverick Distilling is a team of individuals dedicated to craftsmanship, hospitality, and creating meaningful connections. From distillers and bartenders to educators and ambassadors, each person contributes to the experience guests encounter when they visit Maverick Distilling. Together, they carry the Maverick legacy forward. BLOCK 2 — SHARED COMMITMENT H2: A Shared Commitment Photo Recommendation: Brewing Process.jpg — hands-on craft / shared production work Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/April%202026/Brewing%20Process.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715 Distilling Process 22.jpg — production-team craftsmanship Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Sept%202025/Distilling%20Process%2022.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AAAbZ6fS7Bh77XJmlhMH8SkAt_rAEhwINlZNrYq7nsIFvQ While every team member brings their own perspective and expertise, they share a common commitment to the values that define Maverick Distilling. These principles guide how we work, how we serve our guests, and how we approach every opportunity to learn and improve. BLOCK 3 — MAVERICK VALUES H2: What Makes a Maverick? Photo Recommendation: Stop Motion Grain Pour16.jpg — ingredient / curiosity / process detail Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Feb%202026/Stop%20Motion%20Grain%20Pour16.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715 Stop Motion Grain Pour20.jpg — alternate grain / intentional-craft detail Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Feb%202026/Stop%20Motion%20Grain%20Pour20.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715 Intentionality Every decision has a purpose. From production methods to guest interactions, thoughtful choices shape meaningful experiences. Discernment Quality begins with understanding. We strive to make informed decisions that reflect our commitment to craftsmanship and continuous improvement. Ownership We act as stewards of the Maverick legacy. Every team member takes responsibility for the experience we create and the relationships we build. Curiosity & Continued Learning We are students as much as we are teachers. Through exploration, education, and a willingness to ask questions, we continue to grow both individually and collectively. Hospitality Through Relationships Great hospitality begins with genuine connection. We believe memorable experiences are created through conversations, shared stories, and lasting relationships. BLOCK 4 — MEET THE TEAM H2: Meet the Team Photo Recommendation: Distilling Employee Smiling.jpg — people-forward distillery team imagery Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/Sept%202025/Distilling%20Employee%20Smiling.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AACOlXGAx5Fp1rrm8mY50lTw09WVYReszCswnlsoqKM08g Brandon with Raspberry Bramble.jpg — current-team / hospitality personality option Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/August%202025/Brandon%20with%20Raspberry%20Bramble.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AAAJXKBcxl0p0_w6osmdrs3BX2LygcGtVRTmmgD2h-N-Gw This section will feature employee profiles with photography and individual biographies which are provided in this document Mark Shilling Brandon Onstott Eric Peay Michael Phillips Kim Fox Zack Booth BLOCK 5 — CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD H2: Carrying the Legacy Forward Photo Recommendation: Bartender in Bar.jpg — hospitality in the Maverick environment Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/August%202025/Bartender%20in%20Bar.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AADxxJkx9jLnexTud-sibyUOv--F8R0q8g66PZbkumTrZA Bartender in Bar 2.jpg — alternate people-and-place closing image Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/pri/get/Clients/Maverick%20Distilling/Photos/August%202025/Bartender%20in%20Bar%202.jpg?_subject_uid=237142715&w=AABuj900Dx1sVTS3yEZC6DfO0FacwxAzKACoxQtUFmD3Qw The Maverick story has always been about people. People who challenge convention, embrace responsibility, pursue excellence, and invest in their communities. Today, that story continues through the individuals who bring Maverick Distilling to life every day. We look forward to sharing it with you.CTA Button: Visit the Distillery CTA Link: /explore-maverick/ Mark Shilling WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Mark Shilling, President of Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Mark Shilling President [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — MARK SHILLING] When Mark joined Maverick Distilling, he wasn’t looking to become another general manager. After spending two years consulting with the distillery, he recognized that Maverick needed more than day-to-day oversight—it needed someone who understood how to build a distillery and help shape its future. Today, Mark leads every aspect of the business, from whiskey development and operations to sales, marketing, and guest experience. With more than a decade in the craft spirits industry—as a distillery founder, industry leader, and consultant—he brings a unique perspective to every decision and every tasting he leads. Ask Mark what he does, though, and you’re just as likely to hear, “I clean toilets, pay taxes, and try to keep every aspect of the distillery coordinated and growing.” That hands-on approach reflects his belief that no job is beneath a leader if it helps move the company forward. Mark’s favorite part of the job is helping people discover not just what’s in their glass, but why it’s there. He believes the best whiskey experiences combine great spirits with thoughtful conversation, genuine hospitality, and a deeper understanding of the craft. For Mark, being a Maverick means staying true to your principles, making difficult decisions, and never giving up simply because the path is challenging. Away from the distillery, you’ll usually find him watching college sports, listening to live rock music, spending time with his wife Rebecca and their dog Finlay, or enjoying a great cup of coffee—at least until 10 o’clock, when whiskey becomes a perfectly reasonable option. If you ask about his favorite band, don’t be surprised if AC/DC comes up. After all, one of his guiding principles has always been, “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ’n’ roll.” Brandon Onstott WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Brandon Onstott, Head Distiller at Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Brandon Onstott Head Distiller & Director of Production Operations [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — BRANDON ONSTOTT] Brandon has been helping shape Maverick’s whiskey since joining the team in 2022. A biology and chemistry student at the University of North Texas—and a former college lacrosse player—he originally came to Maverick to learn the art of brewing before discovering that whiskey was where his real passion lay. Today, Brandon oversees every stage of production, from milling grain to filling bottles, ensuring the same attention to detail carries through every bottle Maverick produces. He is especially drawn to the intersection of science and art that makes craft spirits so rewarding. He’s particularly proud of helping guide the distillery through an important period of evolution, embracing a culture of curiosity, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement, and of Maverick’s recognition at the Texas Whiskey Festival. These days, he’s excited to see Maverick’s whiskeys reaching the age and maturity that reveal their full potential. When Brandon isn’t at the distillery, you’ll probably find him spending time with his dogs, painting Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, or enjoying a glass of Maverick Bottled-in-Bond or Four Grain Bourbon. For Brandon, being a Maverick means challenging conventional wisdom—a philosophy reflected in both his approach to whiskey and his willingness to experiment with new ideas. Eric Peay WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Eric Peay, Head Brewer and Fermentation Manager at Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Eric Peay Head Brewer & Fermentation Manager [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — ERIC PEAY] Eric joined Maverick in 2026 from Waikiki Brewing Company, which he helped found. As Head Brewer & Fermentation Manager, he oversees every aspect of beer production and serves as Maverick’s fermentation specialist, while also assisting with spirits production, barreling, and bottling. Ask Eric what he enjoys most about working at Maverick, and he won’t talk about recipes or equipment—he’ll tell you it’s the people. He values the family atmosphere that has grown around the distillery and believes the future here has enormous potential. Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, believes in following your own course, and lives by a simple philosophy: keep your head down and work through your problems. Whether he’s refining a fermentation, running a still, or welcoming guests, he hopes people remember him for one thing above all else: being friendly. Michael Phillips WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Michael Phillips, Whiskey Ambassador and Bar Lead at Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Michael Phillips Whiskey Ambassador & Bar Lead [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — MICHAEL PHILLIPS] Michael joined Maverick after building a career as an educator, bartender, and beverage director in New Braunfels before relocating to San Antonio. He was drawn to Maverick by the opportunity to experience a different side of the spirits industry—moving beyond the bar to help tell the story behind every bottle. Today, Michael’s favorite part of the job is helping guests discover something new. Whether he’s leading a tasting, crafting cocktails, or talking whiskey at the bar, his goal is simple: teach people, make them happy, and share his enthusiasm for great spirits. A self-described “whiskey nerd,” Michael believes being a Maverick means caring less about convention and more about finding what works for everyone. He’s guided by consistency, has learned to adapt and “roll with the punches,” and is motivated by always moving forward rather than backward. When he’s not at the distillery, you’ll likely find him cooking, reading, gaming, gardening, or diving into history and other cultures. If he could share a drink with anyone, it would be Leonardo da Vinci. His favorite way to enjoy whiskey is with friends, and these days he’s most often reaching for Maverick Rodeo Bourbon because it’s incredibly versatile—equally at home in a cocktail, enjoyed neat, or paired with a good cigar. Kim Fox WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Kim Fox, Whiskey Ambassador at Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Kim Fox Whiskey Ambassador [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — KIM FOX] Kim joined Maverick in 2026 with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences and helping people discover the world of craft whiskey. Whether she’s introducing someone to their first tasting flight or shaking up a classic cocktail, her goal is simple: make every visit fun, welcoming, and memorable. The part of the job Kim enjoys most is connecting with guests. She loves sharing Maverick’s story, crafting cocktails, and creating experiences that leave people smiling long after they’ve left the distillery. She’s especially excited about helping grow Maverick’s social media presence and introducing even more people to everything happening here. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and exploring some of Texas’s oldest cemeteries with her mom. Since joining Maverick, she’s discovered a new appreciation for whiskey and reaches for Maverick Rye whenever she’s making an Old Fashioned. Ask Kim what she hopes guests remember most about her, and the answer is exactly what you’d expect: her positivity and great energy. Zack Booth WEB DEV STRUCTURE [H2 — TEAM MEMBER NAME] [SUPPORTING TITLE / DISPLAY TEXT — NOT H3] [IMAGE / ALT TEXT: Zack Booth, Texas Market Manager at Maverick Distilling] [BIOGRAPHY — BODY PARAGRAPHS] Zack Booth Texas Market Manager [TEAM PHOTO PLACEHOLDER — ZACK BOOTH] Since 2023, Zack has been introducing Maverick Distilling to retailers, restaurants, bars, and whiskey lovers across Texas. As Texas Market Manager, he’s responsible for growing the Maverick brand beyond the walls of the distillery—opening new markets, building relationships, educating consumers, and sharing the stories behind every bottle. Before joining Maverick, Zack built more than a decade of experience in the beverage industry after starting in hospitality. His path has been anything but ordinary, including time as a martial artist, professional boxer, songwriter, musician, and world traveler. That diverse background shaped the curiosity and enthusiasm he brings to every conversation about whiskey. Zack’s favorite part of the job is watching someone discover the connection between tradition, craftsmanship, and the spirit in their glass. He’s proud of helping expand Maverick’s footprint across Texas while introducing new audiences to the distillery’s commitment to quality and hospitality. When he’s not on the road, Zack enjoys good food, travel, music, basketball, and spending time with his family. Ask him about whiskey, and chances are you’ll also hear a great story along the way.