Jason Mantis
Manager
Enthusiastic veteran of the industry having started in sales at Bacchus Importers in 1991 (the company my father founded), before moving over to Winebow as a district manager for DE and MD Eastern Shore. The itch to launch my own vision become too much to ignore, and I was fortunate enough to partner with Standard Distributing to create Elevation at the beginning of 2022. Since then, I’ve been striving to maintain our status as the “cool kids on the block” and have no intentions of relinquishing that crown. When I’m not busy discovering new treasures to bring to our customers, you’ll find me every morning along the C&D Canal, listening to metal, or planning my next vacation to the nooks and crannies of France (or Spain, or Italy). Will sell soul for a 1997 Ciacci Brunello.
Nikki Farley
Upstate Sales Representative
I have been in wine sales for over 10 years with a restaurant background spanning more than 3 decades. Spending time in both the back and front of the house has helped shape my sales philosophy which I see as a mutually beneficial relationship with my accounts. That involves being hospitable and knowledgeable, and by anticipating customer needs balanced by the goal of growing my business. I am Level 3 certified in the WSET program.
My favorite wine of all time is the one I’m drinking now. I like to read about wine, talk about wine and drink wine, but I am also wildly obsessive about my garden. I prefer my dog’s company to that of most humans (no offense to the humans reading this).
My ideal day would be spent in my garden under the sunshine, sipping wine with my dog by my side, listening to my favorite album, Kill ‘Em All.
Bill Donovan
Sales Development Manager
Recently retired as a senior brand and regional sales leader with 34 years of experience in the three-tier wine and spirits system, specializing in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets. He has built a career growing premium wine brands through distributor leadership, key account development, pricing strategy, and hands-on in-market execution. Bill has extensive experience managing complex wholesaler networks across WV, VA, PA, NY, VT, MA, ME, NH, CT, RI, NJ, DE, MD, and DC, with a strong record of driving volume, distribution, and profitability while keeping brands top of mind at both the distributor and account level.
Throughout his career, Bill has led turnaround efforts, launched emerging brands, and delivered sustained growth for supplier portfolios across grocery, independent, control, military, and on-premise channels. He has partnered closely with major distributors and accounts to secure placements, features, displays, and programming that convert into depletion growth and long-term market share. Known for combining strategic thinking with strong field presence, Bill has built high-performing teams, strengthened relationships, and consistently delivered measurable results, including significant revenue growth, expanded distribution, and improved ROI.
A die-hard fan of Philadelphia Sports fan, Bill brings that same passion and loyalty to his professional relationships. Outside of work, he is a proud grandfather to two grandsons who keep him active, energized, and on the move.
I am excited to take on his next chapter with Elevation Wine Merchants, where I am committed to building strong partnerships and delivering win-win solutions for suppliers, and customers alike.