A little about me…

So, you’ve found my blog, huh?

Great! I hope it’s something you feel like coming back to on a regular basis.

This is the place where I can speak my mind about all things wine (and a bit about food and travel, from time to time). I’m sure you can tell that I’m really into wine. But, I’m guessing you are as well, if you’ve landed on this site…

For those who may be curious about my background and how I came to launch this blog, here’s the short and the long of it.

The Short:

I’m a product manager with a focus on FinTech. For those whose lives don’t happen to intersect with that particular corner of the world, that means I work in financial technology. I help to improve and automate traditional forms of payments for both businesses and consumers. Think about the magic of credit cards and such that most folks take for granted without ever having to know how all that stuff actually works.

I’m one of the people who has to know how that stuff actually works!

My wife Dio and I have been married since 2014. We live in Atlanta with two rescue dogs (Kirby and Matty), and when I’m not thinking about or dealing with FinTech, I am focused on my three main passions in life: fine wines, Cuban cigars and playing the drums.

You can stop reading now, if that’s all you need to know.

If not, here’s the Long:

I was born in the beautiful, historic coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. Both of my parents are retired now, but when I was growing up, one of my parents was a computer store owner and accounting professor who also plays the guitar. The other taught English. I suppose it’s no surprise that I grew up to become a computer guy that’s good with numbers and composition, who also enjoys playing heavy rock music!

I began my technology career before I’d even left college — as a tech support intern on what was supposed to be a three-month internship. However, once that internship had run its course, the company offered me a full-time position. Once I’d accepted, they paid for my tuition and books, as well. I stayed with that firm for six years, all the while completing my degree. I’m thrilled to say I graduated from Savannah State University with a BA In Business, and no student debt!

Afterwards, I moved to Atlanta and have worked in FinTech with various companies — both large and small — for the past 25 years. My specialty in that field is delivering innovative and highly available financial products for retailers and merchants of all shapes and sizes. In 2006, I was in Las Vegas attending a conference with one of those firms, when I had the very fortunate occasion at one of our business dinners to taste a 1982 Chateau Margaux.

Since that night, you could say I have been hooked on fine wine. 2022 even saw me receiving my WSET Level 1 Award in wines.

Recently, Dio and I have gotten involved with the Atlanta High Museum’s Wine Auction at the Benefactor level, and we’ve become investors in wineries in both Tuscany and Napa. Along the way, we’ve traveled the country and the world seeking out amazing wine, food and people.

Heavy Pour Wine is where I document and share my ongoing journey into this endlessly enjoyable, educational and inspirational world. Thanks for hanging out!

~ Brad