CEO and Co-Founder
Amanda Gunderson is currently working as the West Coast American Whiskey Ambassador for Beam Suntory and is the co-founder of Another Round Another Rally, a non-profit providing financial resources and support to the hospitality industry.
With over two decades of hospitality experience under her belt, Amanda has been in the service of hospitality from barback to regional Brand Ambassador and everything in between. She’s had the opportunity to work alongside James Beard-award-winning chef, and humanitarian, Jose Andrés, and was part of the team nominated for Best American Restaurant bar at Julian Cox’s bar at Rivera in 2012.
On the spirits side, Amanda has experienced spirit-making in many shapes and sizes, from small batch distilleries to the global leader in bourbon making. Prior to joining the Beam Suntory family she spent nearly 5 years working in the House of Tequila at Pernod Ricard. Before her tenure at Pernod Ricard she was the Director of Product Development and Education for Congenial Spirits, introducing the United States to some of the finest craft spirits available today.
In 2018 She co-founded Another Round Another Rally with her business partner Travis Nass. This non-profit provides professional development grants and tuition reimbursements to underrepresented voices in the community, with the goal of developing leaders who create innovative, dynamic workplaces where equity and inclusion allow marginalized populations the space and safety to advance and thrive. They supply emergency assistance to people employed in restaurants, bars and hotels on an as needed basis for any unexpected struggle that may arise.
When she’s not working she likes to spend time with her two pups, while her Scotsman man’s the grill, with a dram of Booker’s Bourbon in her hand.
As a bartender Amanda was published in several publications including Los Angeles confidential, Tasting Panel Magazine, and the book Tequila Made Me Do It. She has also been featured as a key educator at San Antonio Cocktail Conference, Sacramento Cocktail Week, Golden State of Cocktails and Portland Cocktail Week.