Russell FletcherFounder, CEO, Director, & Master DistillerRussell Scott Fletcher II, a Brooklyn native, is a multifaceted entrepreneur who has made a significant mark in the worlds of entertainment, winemaking, and spirits since 2008. His career began with tour production for industry giants like Loud Records, Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man, and Jay Z in 1998. In 2008, while running New Swag City, a multimedia company in New York, Russell discovered his passion for winemaking. In 2009, he relocated to the Lehigh Valley, where he opened a winery in a building owned by his mother, crafting Brenéa Sparkling Rosé (named in honor of his mother Brenda) in 2010. Faced with global grape challenges, Russell shifted his focus to spirits, creating the original recipe for Mishka Premium Vodka. This Life Forever, under his leadership, became the nation's first dual-licensed minority-owned winery and distillery, with Mishka winning a Double Gold award at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Russell's company pivoted to produce hand sanitizer, serving clients from Comcast nationally to the U.S. Postal Service locally. His efforts supported frontline initiatives and exemplified his commitment to the community. Russell resides in the Lehigh Valley with his wife, Tetyana, and their son, Russell Scott Fletcher III. He actively contributes to various boards, including the Rising Tide (CDFI), The Greater Lehigh Valley Board of Governors and Executive Committee, and the Philanthropy Advisory Board for The Reilly Children's Hospital. His story is one of adaptability, innovation, and community dedication, inspiring success in the wine and spirits industry., John Barsoum Owner, Chief Financial Officer, & DirectorJohn has a background of more than 15 years in finance, analytics and operations experience spanning over multiple industries including wine and spirits. Johns expertise has been the backbone of This Life Forever’s model building and performance projections, as his experience in solving macro and micro business challenges has supported TLF’s lean growth. Tetyana Fletcher (Full-Time)Office Support, Social Media & Brand AdvisorTetyana Fletcher, founder Russell Fletcher's wife, is a key member of the team and has been with the company since the beginning. We use event marketing and getting liquid to people's lips to increase sales and visibility because This Life Forever is a lifestyle brand. Tetyana assists the sales, event, and billing teams with back-end support. Tetyana's Ukrainian descent inspired the creation of the Mishka Premium Vodka Brand. Mickal “Mr. Mikey” StubblefieldCreative AdvisorMickal “Mr. Mikey” Stubblefield is a multidimensional brand operator, designer and creative wizard. Mr. Mikey specializes in apparel, product, packaging, graphic and logo design. With a keen eye and refined understanding of the art of aesthetics, design language and color theory, he is able to masterfully execute his work. His passion is found in creating things with purposeful intent to add value to the world. Mr. Mikey has used his expertise and knowledge of branding to lead This Life Forever from a design perspective. Not only creating the signature T.L.F. Logo, but also the iconic bear that our flagship brand Mishka is know for. Jason Easter (Full Time)Regional Sales Manager Jason Easter brings over 18 years of sales experience to This Life Forever from previous experience in the hospitality industry, most recently with Hilton Hotels and Sandals Resorts. He has been active in the community as a Board Member with the MLK Center of Erie as well as Founder/ Chair of Visions and Reflections, Inc. A native of Erie and a graduate of Cathedral Prep High School, Mr. Easter spent his life as an Erie resident but also as a true “Road Warrior” throughout the Eastern United States and internationally. Jason attended college at Gannon University, where he excelled as a student-athlete for the Golden Knights Football team, shortly after meeting his wife Meghan. The Easter family consists of three young men (Devin, Gavin, and Jaxson) and one daughter (Londyn), who keep the family very busy outside of their daily business duties. With his previous experience and expertise, Jason brings to his current role the skills and knowledge to continue to excel in relationships and meet the service needs that are dedicated to supporting businesses and organizations within and outside the area for continued growth. Jake Hirner (Full Time)Production LeadJake is the group's youngest member, having just finished his freshman year of college. Jake started working for the company on weekends in 2021 and went full-time last summer. He works as a production lead on weekends and is an understudy to the CEO while learning about all aspects of Mishka's business, from manufacturing to finance, when he isn't competing as a college baseball pitcher and a student majoring in finance. Murice AndersonBrand AdvisorMurice has over 20 years of industry experience, beginning with Gallo Winery, which is now part of Southern Glazers. In addition, he has worked for Republic National, Pernod Ricard, and Coca-Cola. Murice joined TLF in late 2022 to help with corporate placement as he represents multiple wine brands that are currently sold in big box stores across the country, such as Target, HEB, Walmart, and Costco. His on-site relationships have resulted in previous and current placements with Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, and Hyatt Lifestyle. With Murice's extensive background in product placement, route to market, and distribution relationships, as well as a mastery of corporate partnerships, this is his first run at an independent spirits brand since formerly serving as Grey Goose's Multi-Cultural Brand Director. Khamila "Kitty" BarnesMixologist Advisor, Mishka ExpertKitty, a proud Philadelphian, brings a unique blend of skills to her enterprise. Kitty's establishment goes beyond the typical bar experience, offering a journey into the world of liquid craftsmanship. Influenced by Philadelphia's history and thriving art scene, she has curated an ambiance that invites patrons to enjoy an elegant and innovative atmosphere. At the heart of Kitty's work is her collaboration with Mishka premium vodka. This partnership aims to enhance bars across the country by introducing a range of enticing cocktails. Kitty's ultimate goal is to establish Mishka as a highly regarded brand, making it a staple in the spirits market. Through her carefully crafted beverages, she aims to make Mishka a part of celebrations and memories for patrons all over. Her legacy extends beyond her business acumen, highlighting her ability to connect people with the drinks they enjoy. Join Kitty on her journey as she continues to elevate Mishka's presence while cherishing the connections formed over delightful cocktails. Jumaine Jones Strategic Brand AdvisorJumaine Jones, also known as the "Thrilla from Camilla," was drafted in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. Jones #33 first made a name for himself in the 2001 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, flying high with alley-oop dunks off Allen Iverson. After 8 years in the NBA, Jumaine played an impressive 8 years of international basketball and traveled the world. Jumaine has brought his rolodex of NBA contacts and personal relationships to the Mishka team in 2021, increasing our exposure to NBA players, both past and present, as well as the NBA and NBA Players Association. Lamar GordyMixologist Advisor, Mishka ExpertLamar Gordy is an experienced bartender with a 14-year background in the food and beverage industry. He skillfully tends to patrons, crafting delightful drinks and ensuring their needs are met with finesse. Alongside his knack for mixology, Lamar also has a talent for entertaining his customers with witty humor, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their experiences. Currently, he is further enriching his skill set by delving into the realms of sales and demo bartending within the dynamic city of Philadelphia, with Mishka being with him every step of the way! Joseph Smart Brand AdvisorChef Joseph Smart provides culinary excellence, passionate presentations, and the ultimate dining experience for each client's taste. Chef Joe, who grew up in the Bronx, New York, was born into a family of amazing chefs who migrated from the south to New York to open Daddy Willie's first restaurant. Joe relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to work as a personal chef for celebrities and corporate clients, landing clients such as Sean Combs, Rosario Dawson, and Cedric the Entertainer! Joe's resume includes not only individual clients, but also corporate clients such as BMW, Google, and Lockheed Martin. Joe had a specialty burger named after him at Truist Park in 2022. Joe has popularized the phrase "cooking with Mishka" thanks to his culinary skills that have been tested by some of the most refined palates! His culinary skills, which are typically found in restaurants, are professionally catered to your event or home and transport your palate on a magical journey with love in every bite! Eric Nathan Mixologist, Expert in how to Mix Mishka in a GlassEric Nathan was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, primarily in Atlanta's revolutionary nightlife scene. Eric has worked as a lead bartender and mixologist at fine dining establishments such as Seasons 52, Del Frisco's Double Eagle, 10 Degrees South, the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Hawks' Courtside Club. Eric's has also collaborated with numerous spirit brands, ranging from Bicardi to Gentleman Jack, and has led them in categories such as pairings, high capacity event coordination, and cocktail creation. Eric has taken on two roles at Mishka: one as the leader of our experiential experience at the bar, and the other as the leader of our Georgia sales team.
