LEADERSHIP TEAM
Luke O’Hare
Chief Executive Officer
Luke joined JAK’s with extensive senior leadership experience and an MBA, bringing a strategic and people-focused approach to the business. With a background spanning operations, finance, and organisational leadership, Luke plays a key role in guiding JAK’s long-term growth while maintaining the high standards the brand is known for. He is passionate about developing strong teams, refining the customer experience, and ensuring JAK’s continues to thrive as a community-focused retailer.
James Franey
Director of Procurement
James joined JAK’s in 2018, from a hospitality management background. James’ passion for wine began during his two years living in Spain. He is a certified sommelier, and has his WSET Diploma. Away from JAK’s, James enjoys spending time with his young sons, playing soccer, and cooking up feasts for family and friends.
Carla Ladeira
Director of Human Resources
Carla joined JAK’s in 2018, continuing her career in human resources and management. Carla has been instrumental in recruiting amazing team members and building the culture of JAK’s. Growing up in Canada’s unofficial wine capitol, Oliver, Carla has developed a love for all things wine. Carla and her husband, Mike, live in Vancouver with their two children.
support centre Team
Stephanie Ty
Controller – Accounting
Stephanie joined in 2006 when there were just 3 liquor stores and pubs, and it was not yet officially called JAK's. She’s seen the team grow and has been a part of the group for over 15 years.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing and spending time with my little niece. She is also an avid traveler and a foodie, and enjoys sightseeing and trying out local and foreign cuisines.
duncan maunders
Assistant Category Manager – Procurement
Duncan joined JAK's in 2016, working as a Product Specialist and Assistant Manager at South Granville before transitioning to the buying team. He has a passion for beer, wine, whisky, and cocktails, and is ever in pursuit of the perfect punch recipe.
Outside of JAK's, Duncan enjoys writing music, climbing, and hiking in the forests of North Van.
Leadership development Coaches
Kam Ahmed
Leadership Development Coach
Kam began his journey with JAK's in 2018. He worked seasonally in liquor retail for nearly a decade while pursuing a Master's in Cinema before realizing that beer, whisky, and wine were more interesting. He has WSET Level 3 in both wines and spirits, is a Prud'homme certified Beer Sommelier, and a certified Whisky Ambassador.
Outside of JAK's, find him at the Cinematheque, a local brewery, or a dog trail—Say hello to Charlie!
Bradley Howard
Leadership Development Coach
Bradley joined JAK’s in 2015 with a diverse career in customer service and being a Professional Goaltending Coach for the last 15+ years. Bradley brings a commitment to guest service, hospitality, and team building. He has WSET Level 2, Prud'homme Level 2 and is a certified Whisky Ambassador.
When not at JAK’s, you’ll find him at the ice rink playing or coaching hockey, checking out a brewery or winery, or in the great outdoors.
Partners
John Kettlewell |
Chairman
Meet the man behind the name JAK’s, John Andrew Kettlewell! John immigrated to Canada in 1972 from Australia after working with his father in a family plumbing business. He studied business at BCIT and finance and real estate at UBC in the 70’s. John worked in real estate development for five years and purchased his first location in 1981, joining a number of his in-laws in the liquor sector. Over the last ten years, John has built JAK’s to be a family business that shares a passion for people and spirits. John has extensive experience coaching local basketball teams, has been a director on various community and school boards, and enjoys travelling with his wife and friends.
Tim Dumas | Shareholder
Tim joined JAK’s in 2015 after spending the previous 11 years in sales and hospitality management. Tim studied accounting and marketing at Simon Fraser University, where he completed internships with Frito Lay and Ernst & Young. Tim is also a certified coach, speaker and trainer with the John Maxwell Team. Tim’s role with JAK’s allows him to do what he loves: coach, mentor and train JAK’s Service Champions to create raving fans utilizing the JAK’s leadership principles of: candor, generosity, vulnerability, edge and energy. Away from JAK’s, Tim can be found coaching minor sports with the South Delta United Soccer Association and the South Delta Rams Football Association.
Matt Kettlewell |
Shareholder
Matt joined JAK’s in 1992, beginning as a bartender and bar manager, then progressing to store and area manager. Matt studied business leadership at BCIT and has been a partner with JAK’s for the past ten years. Away from JAK’s, Matt can be found coaching minor baseball in South Delta and spending time outdoors and at the beach with his family.
Geoff Dear | Shareholder
Geoff joined JAK’s in 2010 after spending the previous 10 years in commercial aviation as an aircraft maintenance engineer; specializing in helicopters. Geoff studied wine in his first two years with JAK’s, obtaining WSET Level 3. Away from JAK’s, Geoff can be found coaching minor hockey for the Vancouver Thunderbirds or on the baseball field with Jericho Little League.
Mike McKee
| Chief Financial & Real Estate Officer
Mike joined JAK’s in 2009 after spending the previous fifteen years in the recycling business. Mike received his Bachelors of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business. Away from JAK’s, Mike can be found on a tennis court, coaching field hockey, or enthusiastically cheering on his kids from the sidelines of a sports field.