Who We Are

Chris Siconolfi, brings over 20 years of supplier experience in the wine and spirits industry. A Southern California native and Cal Poly Pomona University graduate, Chris has worked with industry leaders like Moet Hennessy, Trinchero Family Estates, and Riboli Wine Estates (Stella Rosa). His strategic vision and customer-centric approach drive business growth and innovation. Based in Frisco, Texas since 2018, Chris fosters collaborative cultures, inspiring teams to excel and elevate brands in a dynamic market landscape.

WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

Brent is a native Arkansan with 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing. He specialized in B2B manufacturing, agriculture and sustainability efforts within row crop production. He has focused on projects that highlight new technologies to maintain resource stewardship and on-farm profitability for producers. Brent has directed, produced and hosted podcasts and documentaries in agriculture.

WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

Brett, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, was immersed in the world of hospitality from a young age, thanks to his step-father, Chef Mark Abernathy. Starting his career in the beverage industry in 2009, Brett has held various positions, including Beverage Director at Yellow Rocket Concepts, President of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, and Sales Representative at De Nux Distributors. With a deep appreciation for storytelling, Brett's love for craft beverages continues to grow as he discovers new drinks and their rich histories.
Brett's involvement in the industry extends beyond his professional roles. He proudly served as a United States Ambassador for the official launch of the Bat Friendly Agave Program in Guadalajara, Mexico. Additionally, he was a member of the Founder's Council for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.
Brett's dedication to his craft is evident through his certifications. He holds certifications from The Court of Master Sommeliers, The Cicerone Certification Program, and is a Certified Sake Professional.

Originally from North Little Rock, Maggie is a graduate of Maumelle High School and Arkansas State University, where, in 2021, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with a Minor in Sales Leadership and a certificate in Social Media Management. Outside of creating content or planning events, you will find her walking her dog Kelly, baking, or when the weather is nice enjoying the lake!

WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional 

A Pacific Northwest native, Justin has called Japan home since 2004. His past lives include roles media localization, marketing, education, event planning, digital publishing, agriculture, and tourism, resulting in his discovery of koji, and subsequently, sake; a path which led him to become one of Japan’s leading non-Japanese sake specialists. His focus is on meaningful project development that empowers Japan’s inspiring local food and beverage producers. 

Justin spent several years as a kurabito (sake brewer) at the distinctive Kidoizumi Sake Brewery in Chiba, having also done stints brewing while working on a range of projects with sake producers throughout the country. He’s a certified lecturer for the Japan Sake Service Institute and holds both sakasho and kikizakeshi certifications. Now a recovering sake educator gone rogue, Justin has been developing personalized education and entertainment experiences for private entities, while consulting on a range of products and services for a wide range of leading Japanese corporations. He’s a tireless kanzake advocate and thoroughly believes that the best of what sake has to offer has yet to be properly discovered and fully appreciated.  

 Justin has held advisory roles with Japan’s National Tax Agency, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Cabinet Office of Japan. In addition to producing and co-hosting Sake On Air, the official podcast of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association (JSS), he also served as program facilitator and interpreter for the annual JSS Sake & Shochu Academy from 2019-2022. 

Prior to joining Origami Sake, Justin worked with leading global bioscience company, Chr. Hansen, developing new fermented beverage business and products for Japan’s domestic market. For his own company co-founded with his wife, together they create and host gastronomic experiences throughout Japan’s countryside proposing family-centric platforms for good food and sake.

At Origami Sake, Justin is central to helping assure quality, consistency, and character across every bottle and label that we send out into the world, leaning on his diverse exposure, experience, and insight into traditions and innovations throughout the Japanese sake industry. He works closely with our supporting breweries and brewers in Japan to help assure that he and the rest of the brewing team craft sake that’s both authentic and inspired. 

 Michael Daigle is a talented brewer with a knack for creating unique and delicious beverages. With 13 years of experience in the brewing industry, Michael has mastered the art of crafting beer, kombucha, and is now on his way with sake. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, he brings a vibrant energy to his work that is inspired by the rich culture of his hometown. When he's not busy brewing, Michael enjoys cooking, staying active outdoors, and restoring vintage guitars in his spare time. He also has a furry friend named Moose who keeps him company. With his diverse skill set and passion for his craft, Michael is constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity in the world of brewing.

WSET Level 1 Certified Sake Professional