Meet Your 2024 World Class East National Finalists

Dalton Bedard

Dalton Bedard embarked on his journey in the world of cocktail bars at the young age of 20, starting in Tallahassee, Florida. Swiftly delving into the local cocktail competition circuit, he honed his skills before venturing abroad to Auckland, New Zealand, to elevate his bartending career. Spending a year in the vibrant cocktail scene of NZ, Dalton then made his mark in Dubai, UAE, where he showcased his expertise in a bustling high-volume cocktail bar.

Transitioning continents once more, Dalton ventured to Brazil, where he and his wife established their own cocktail event company. Following their successful stint in Brazil, the couple returned to the United States, settling in Charleston, South Carolina. There, Dalton assumed the role of bar manager in a new venture, contributing his wealth of experience to its success.

Committed to their craft, Dalton and his wife recently attained their WSET Level 3 certification in wine, underscoring their dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. In Charleston, they continue to thrive, blending their expertise and passion to create memorable moments for patrons in their vibrant cocktail scene.

Personal bartending motto? The drinks come second, the guests come first.

Orestes Cruz

Orestes Cruz is a bartender and visual artist living and working in Atlanta, GA. Growing up between Mexico City and New Orleans, Orestes is inspired by the cultures of his hometowns, as well as the years he spent in the Basque Country of Spain.

Cruz has been in the hospitality industry for 10 years, perfecting his craft and expanding his expertise in the agave spirits and cocktail development. Orestes has most recently been a Top 10 finalist in the Most Imaginative Bartender competition (Bombay Sapphire & TOTC), a finalist in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience, a Patron Perfectionist regional finalist, and is currently Top 30 in the 2024 World Class US Competition.

He uses his travels and love for film and history to create cocktails that spark a conversation and transport you to another world.

Personal bartending motto? Here and now, breathe and smile.

Cody Dunavan

Cody Dunavan transitioned into the service industry seven years ago following a successful career as a Naval Officer aboard various ships.

Over the years, he has taken on diverse roles but has recently decided to focus exclusively on bartending. This shift allows him to concentrate on launching a cocktail ice company tailored for the city of Richmond.

With a vision for the future, Cody aims to establish his own restaurant within the next three years, leveraging his experience and passion for hospitality to create a unique culinary destination.

Personal bartending motto? Does this improve the guest experience? If not, find a better way.

Ingrid Folkers

Ingrid Folkers is a seasoned craft cocktail bartender with a keen focus on whiskey. With over eight years of experience, spanning more than half of her bartending career, she has honed her expertise in whiskey bars. Ingrid is deeply passionate about spirits and mixology, constantly expanding her knowledge through continuous learning. Not content with just mastering her craft, she finds joy in sharing her insights and currently spearheads the in-house education program at her workplace.

In pursuit of her aspirations, Ingrid aims to transition into a role as a spirit educator, leveraging her wealth of knowledge to inspire others. Additionally, she harbors ambitions of owning her own bar one day. Ingrid envisions her establishment not only as a haven for spirits enthusiasts but also as a hub for bartender education and creativity. She dreams of creating a space where bartenders can flourish, fostering innovation and exploration in mixology.

Personal bartending motto? There is always more to learn.

Robert Lam-Burns

Robert Lam-Burns began his journey in hospitality in Hong Kong and Thailand where he was trained in luxury hotel cocktail bars. In 2019, he returned to New York, the city where he was born, to continue his craft and study anthropology.

Robert takes a culturally informed approach to hospitality, building bar programs based on the history and stories that are appropriate for a bar's time and place. However, given free reign, Robert uses cocktails as a way to explore Asian-American fantasies through unique ingredients and periodic tastes.

Personal bartending motto? Do it well, but have fun.

Diego Livera

Diego Livera, hailing from Mexico, boasts a 12-year tenure in the hospitality industry, ascending from humble beginnings as a busboy to mastering the art of bartending. His journey through various roles has afforded him a rich understanding of the intricacies of service. Beyond his professional pursuits, Diego's passion for disco music resonates deeply, and he finds joy in exploring a diverse array of cuisines. With a penchant for both the rhythm of disco beats and the flavors of global cuisine, Diego embodies a vibrant spirit that enriches his interactions with patrons and peers alike.

Personal bartending motto? Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Jon Mateer

Jon has been working at high-profile bars over the last 13 years of his career with a major focus on craft cocktails. Jon is currently the Beverage Manager at TPC Sawgrass and oversees the beverage program for one of the top golf courses in the world.

Jon has also received his Diploma in Scotch from the famed Edinburgh Whiskey Academy, is an Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief Society, and is a certified level one Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. In 2022, Jon claimed the title of U.S. National Champion of the Giffard West Cup and traveled to France to compete in the International Finals.

Locally, Jon serves on the Board of Directors for the Jacksonville United States Bartender's Guild chapter. In his spare time, Jon also hosts a podcast called "Bardtenders" where he and a group of bartenders trade in their shakers for sets of dice. While they play D&D, their primary focus is providing on-the-job education for bartenders and advocating for mental and physical wellness behind the bar. You can listen to new episodes every Monday wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Personal bartending motto? Have fun and make people feel good. At the end of the day, it's all just liquids in cups.

Brenda Riepenhoff

Brenda Riepenhoff made the leap from her small farm town in Ohio to the bustling streets of NYC nearly a decade ago. Originally drawn to the world of audio engineering, she found herself bartending to make ends meet, and soon discovered her passion for the hospitality industry. As her interest in mixology blossomed, Brenda redirected her focus solely towards bartending, trading guitar pedals for cocktail books and ice cube trays.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence in all her endeavors, Brenda has traversed various bars across the city, continuously seeking opportunities for growth and skill development in both mixology and leadership. Looking ahead, she aspires to leverage her talents to make a meaningful impact on the world.

In her downtime, Brenda indulges her love for exploration, whether it's discovering new bars and restaurants, staying active with workouts, or unwinding with a baseball game.

Personal bartending motto? Every day is a new opportunity.

Chris Trull

Chris Trull's nomadic upbringing in an army household led him to settle in sunny Florida during his youth. Starting as a busboy at 14, he balanced various industry jobs while nurturing a passion for drumming. Transitioning to bartending at 18, Chris found his calling at a beachside tiki bar.

After touring as a musician, he returned to Florida, honing his bartending skills at renowned cocktail bars. Despite setbacks, including the closure of a beloved bar, Chris persisted, expanding his expertise to craft brewing and fermentation.

The challenges of Covid-19 fueled Chris's experimentation and learning, leading to his triumph as the North American winner of the IndieBartenderFund competition in 2023. This victory granted him the opportunity to showcase his skills at Alquimico, a world-renowned bar known for sustainability.

Throughout his journey, Chris has embraced storytelling, whether through crafting cocktails or sharing his experiences. As he continues to evolve, he eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his career.

Personal bartending motto? Sounds weird, let's try it.

Steve Yang

Steve Yang is the Beverage Director of Brenner Pass, Black Lodge, Metzger Bar & Butchery, and Pink Room. He is also a three-time National Finalist in the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo competition.

Personal bartending motto? Simpler is better.