Hi there. I’m the owner and founder of Wine Cellar Experts, and Vinotel - Phoenix/Scottsdale. I have many passions that I’ve become masterful at, which have kept me evolving for decades. I’d love to share those experiences with you, and inspire you with the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’d also like to be transparent and share any failures I’ve had, because I believe that our setbacks can often be the catalyst for growth. Honestly, I have had many failures, but I’ve never let them hold me back. Often times, we can use other people’s failures and experiences to help us navigate through life, and I believe that sharing my own story can help you do just that. As a very young boy, I took to woodworking, and from there, my passion for designing and building only grew stronger. I went from building pingpong paddles to designing and building multi-million dollar yachts for some of the nation’s wealthiest individuals. In between those years, I built custom homes, retail stores, sports bars, salons, restaurants, home bars, custom furniture, wine cellars, a large wine shop, and even a winery. (A personal business project) My passion for designing, engineering, and building has always driven me to push beyond my limits, and I believe that this mindset can help you achieve your own goals. Solving problems and creating beautiful, high-end projects is not just what I do - it’s who I am. Over twenty-five years ago, I discovered my passion for wine, and everything that it represents. My wife’s aunt and uncle have a vineyard in Napa Valley, and after visiting their estate, I was hooked. From that point on, I dedicated myself to building a business that combines my love of wine with my passion for design and construction. Today, my company has designed and built hundreds of wine cellars, wine bars, and wine storage facilities around the country. We specialize in creating custom, radius-designed projects that are both beautiful and functional. A twist that most wine cellar companies stay clear of. As a sommelier, I’ve had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of wine, and to share that knowledge with others. I believe that wine has the power to bring people together, and to create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned wine collector or just starting out, I believe that it’s essential to store your wine in a safe and secure environment. That’s why I’m dedicated to providing solutions for exceptional wine storage solutions that not only protect your investment but also enhance your overall wine experience. In this season of my life, I’m excited to continue sharing my passion and knowledge with others. Whether through wine education, judging, designing/building concepts, or simply sharing my story. I believe that I can inspire and motivate you to pursue your own passion projects. So let’s raise a glass, and celebrate the journey ahead. Cheers, Richard Allen Benson (Rick) Wine Cellar Experts

As a father, husband, and restauranteur I understand the challenges of running and managing a small business. Surviving war and Covid are just a couple of the skills that have helped me succeed despite a world that seems to want to put people like you and me out of business. My great grandfather started our family business in 1916. As fourth generation I’ve been running our fine dining, destination restaurant in Oregon for over 20 years. Now that my boys are older and my restaurant continues to succeed even without my day-to-day interaction, I’ve discovered in myself a desire to help others through their struggles and provide the kind of mentorship that I did not get to enjoy. 

I am a seasoned HR professional and business owner with a strong background in human resources spanning both the United States and Latin America (LATAM), with a specialized focus on M&A Integration and business ethics. My career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, driving results through strategic analysis, and proactive improvements that adapt to evolving conditions while retaining and developing top talent. Key Attributes: Strategic Vision: I bring a strategic mindset to HR, consistently analyzing current strategies and identifying opportunities for improvement. My ability to align HR initiatives with overall organizational goals helps drive growth and success. Efficiency Maximization: My dedication to efficiency is unwavering. I excel at streamlining HR operations, policies, and procedures to create a well-oiled machine that serves the company's needs while reducing unnecessary overhead. Problem-Solving: As a problem solver, I approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, addressing issues with creative and practical solutions. My approach to HR issues is marked by adaptability and an ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Effective Communication: Whether it's dealing with employees, management, or labor unions, I am a persuasive and empathetic communicator when the need arises. My ability to build rapport and navigate challenging conversations is a valuable asset. Comprehensive Expertise: I possess a wide range of HR competencies, including HR operations, policies and procedures, ethics and compliance, negotiation, people management, personnel evaluation, labor relations, employee engagement, retention strategies, change management, compensation and benefits, leadership training and development, and mergers and acquisitions.