Staff

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Darius Anderson, Wing & Barrel Ranch Co-Founder & CEO

Darius Anderson is the Founder and CEO of Kenwood Investments, a California Opportunity Fund seeking new ventures to build upon the unique brand of California. Darius is a talented political strategist who also understands the hard-charging working dynamics of big business and big government. Philanthropy is important to Darius, and he is involved in a variety of charitable activities. He is a passionate art collector and owns world-class collections of baseball memorabilia. Darius Anderson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

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Mike Sutsos, Sr., Wing & Barrel Ranch Co-Founder, National Champion Dog Trainer & Author

Wing & Barrel Ranch is managed by co-Founder Mike Sutsos, Sr. who owned and managed Wing & Barrel Ranch’s predecessor hunting club, Black Point Sports Club, until its sale in 2013. With over 35 years of experience, Mike has trained 8 national field trial champion dogs. He has an innate ability to identify each dog’s best characteristics in the field, working one-on-one with members to develop their dog’s hunting abilities. Mike strives to train all hunting breeds, so whether in the field hunting or at home, your dog remains an important part of the family. Seasonal lessons and annual continued education for both dog and owner are offered to keep your dog obedient and in top-notch condition.

Joseph Travaglio, Wing & Barrel Ranch General Manager

Joseph has an extensive background in the hospitality industry spanning over 30 years. He began his career in Chicago in hotel and restaurant management and soon moved in to operating private country clubs. Joseph is familiar with our wine community and looks forward to sharing his passions for food & wine, fishing, and shooting sporting clays.

Most recently, Joseph served as General Manager/COO of two exclusive private Country Clubs, SouthShore Country Club and Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, NV with a combined membership of over 1200 members. During his five-year tenure, SouthShore Country Club was listed as a top 100 Golf Club in the country and was recently recognized as a top Distinguished Club by Board Room Magazine and Forbes Travel. Ultimately, we selected Joseph for his strong track record in results driven leadership, food and beverage operations, shooting sports and for his attention to member service and satisfaction.

 

Pilar Oldham, Director of Member Services & Hospitality

Born in San Francisco, Pilar brings over 20 years working in hospitality, customer service, management, and operations to the Ranch. Most recently she worked at Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club for 12 years where she wore many hats in multiple positions including Wellness Director and Food & Beverage Director. Pilar and her husband moved to Sonoma County in 2020 to be closer to family, and they look forward to exploring their passion for food + wine at local wineries and restaurants. Pilar enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking with her husband and their three dogs, spending time with friends and family, especially her 7 godchildren. Pilar looks forward to enhancing your member experience and seeing you at the club.

Jacob Bower, Assistant General Manager

Jake has worked in operations roles for the last 14 years ranging from security operations for the White House and heads of state to business operations supporting non-profits. He enjoys off-roading, target shooting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two daughters. Jake maintains efficient operations of The Clubhouse, Shooting Range, Fishing Lodge, Airstream Village, Grounds and Polaris's on the property. He will also ensure that all permits, license, contracts and facility-engaged services and programs are up-to-date and current, working closely with all departments to create and maintain facility standards, manage risk, and eliminate hazards.

Wendy Nelson, Director of Sales + Strategic Partnerships

Bringing over three decades of experience in the creation of strategic partnerships, business development, and political consulting, Wendy is right at home at Wing & Barrel Ranch, growing our membership and strategic partner development while also heading our women’s retail program. Wendy is passionate about getting more women and families involved in the sport and the outdoor lifestyle. Reared in Morgan Hill, CA, on apricot orchards with five siblings and plenty of animals, Wendy has had lifelong passion for the outdoors, arts, culture, shooting, and worldwide travel, and is active in multiple arts organizations. When not at Wing & Barrel Ranch, Wendy can be found spending time with her family and friends.

Jim Cutler, Executive Chef

Chef Cutler brings many years of experience from notable Napa Valley culinary destinations such as Farmstead, Silver Oak, Cakebread Cellars, Inglenook, and The Culinary Institute of America at Copia. After Copia, he was Executive Chef at Sterling Vineyards running the food program, wine pairings and special events. Most recently, Chef Cutler was Executive Chef at Sonoma Golf Club catering to their 350 members.

Chef Cutler showcases his culinary expertise in both French and Mediterranean cooking to bring seasonal offerings to our members.

Mike Sutsos, Jr., Hunting Operations

The Wing & Barrel Ranch property has been in Mike’s family for his entire life – first as Black Point Sports Club, and now as Wing & Barrel Ranch. Mike’s passion revolves around each unique aspect of the business – he knows them all. Mike works to ensure that everyone has a safe and comfortable experience enjoying the outdoors and all the ranch has to offer. He has been teaching shotgun shooting for over 10 years, and hunting since he was seven 7 years old. In his spare time Mike enjoys fishing, hand carving duck calls, reloading ammo for his rifles and spending time with his family.

Amber Eilert, Director of Brand Marketing

Amber is a brand designer with 15 years of experience helping leaders showcase their talent in the business world. Amber shapes brands, creates content, drives social media, and builds audiences from small businesses to global. She's worked with top companies such as Restoration Hardware, Minted, New Line Cinema, Pottery Barn and more. You can see Amber’s work on all WBR printed and digital campaigns, interior + exterior club signage, and more. Amber is a fan of great books and crisp rosé, and when she’s not dreaming up new ideas, she’s likely driving out to the coast with her husband and 2 daughters, balancing in tree pose, or traveling the world.

 

George Gebhard, Director of Sporting Experiences 

George's path to the ranch is nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to joining our team, he served as a US Navy SEAL based out of Coronado, California, where he honed his skills in precision + discipline. This experience instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility, which he carries with him into every aspect of his work. Before his time in Naval Special Operations, George ventured into the world of hospitality at the renowned Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, where he served as a guide. George brings his multifaceted expertise to our ranch, where he oversees our diverse sporting activities. When he's not immersed in the ranch's sporting adventures, you'll find George mountain biking through the picturesque landscapes of Marin or indulging in his love for fly fishing and skiing in the breathtaking terrain of Tahoe.

Samantha Lopez
Catering + Event Sales Manager

Samantha brings with her over a decade of experience in hospitality and event sales. Before joining us, Samantha took on multiple roles working in sports entertainment ranging from Suites Manager for The Anaheim Ducks to Formula One Premium Sales Manager and more recently the General Manager of Catering for Levy Restaurants at Sonoma Raceway. Samantha grew up in Bakersfield, racing off-road and riding horses ultimately fueling her passion for racing, animals, and farming. Samantha is elated to be here and looks forward to making every event truly one of a kind.