The people behind the pour

Mark Shilling

Mark leads every aspect of the business, from whiskey development and operations to sales, marketing, and guest experience. Ask him 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."

After 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. He brings more than a decade in craft spirits as a founder, industry leader, and consultant.

Staying true to your principles, making difficult decisions, and never giving up simply because the path is challenging. Or, as one of his guiding principles puts it: "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll."

Brandon Onstott

Brandon oversees every stage of production, from milling grain to filling bottles, ensuring the same attention to detail carries through every bottle Maverick produces.

A biology and chemistry student at the University of North Texas — and a former college lacrosse player — he joined in 2022 to learn the art of brewing before discovering that whiskey was where his real passion lay. He's especially drawn to the intersection of science and art that makes craft spirits so rewarding, and proud of helping guide the distillery through an important period of evolution — including Maverick's recognition at the Texas Whiskey Festival.

Being a Maverick means challenging conventional wisdom — a philosophy reflected in both his approach to whiskey and his willingness to experiment. Off the clock: his dogs, Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, and a glass of Bottled-in-Bond or Four Grain.

Eric Peay

Eric oversees every aspect of beer production and serves as Maverick's fermentation specialist, while also assisting with spirits production, barreling, and bottling.

He joined Maverick in 2026 from Waikiki Brewing Company, which he helped found. Ask what he enjoys most and he won't talk about recipes or equipment — he'll tell you it's the people.

He believes in following your own course and lives by a simple philosophy: keep your head down and work through your problems. Above all, he hopes people remember him for being friendly.

Michael Phillips

Michael leads tastings, crafts cocktails, and talks whiskey at the bar. His goal is simple: teach people, make them happy, and share his enthusiasm for great spirits.

He built a career as an educator, bartender, and beverage director in New Braunfels before relocating to San Antonio, drawn to Maverick by the chance to move beyond the bar and help tell the story behind every bottle.

A self-described whiskey nerd, Michael believes being a Maverick means caring less about convention and more about finding what works for everyone. These days he reaches for Rodeo Bourbon — equally at home in a cocktail, neat, or with a good cigar.

Kim Fox

Whether she's introducing someone to their first tasting flight or shaking up a classic cocktail, Kim's goal is simple: make every visit fun, welcoming, and memorable.

She joined Maverick in 2026 with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences and helping people discover craft whiskey — and is now helping grow Maverick's presence beyond the distillery walls.

Positivity and great energy — the thing she hopes guests remember most. Since joining she's found a new appreciation for whiskey, and reaches for Maverick Rye whenever she's making an Old Fashioned.

Zack Booth

Zack grows the Maverick brand beyond the walls of the distillery — opening new markets, building relationships with retailers and bars, educating consumers, and sharing the stories behind every bottle.

He built more than a decade in the beverage industry after starting in hospitality. His path has been anything but ordinary: martial artist, professional boxer, songwriter, musician, and world traveler.

His favorite part of the job is watching someone discover the connection between tradition, craftsmanship, and the spirit in their glass. Ask him about whiskey and chances are you'll hear a great story along the way.