Bryson Ryan is a beverage director and mixologist based in Midlothian, Illinois, currently serving as General Manager at Thornton Distilling Company, a craft distillery built from the oldest brewery site in Illinois. With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Bryson has honed his craft across fine dining, entertainment, and the Chicago cocktail scene.

Trained through Bridget Albert's Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, Bryson developed deep knowledge of spirits history, distillation techniques, and cocktail artistry. He has worked at prestigious venues including the University Club of Chicago, where fine service shaped his professional style. His expertise spans classic and contemporary cocktails, wine pairing, craft spirits, and biodynamic wines.

Bryson has been featured in publications including Chilled 100, BarbizMag, Time Out Chicago, and the Caorunn Cocktail Collection Book. He serves as a Chilled 100 Chicago Market Ambassador. A proud South Side of Chicago native with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Bryson is passionate about continuing education in mixology and elevating the craft cocktail experience.

Business & Communications

Operations Manager

Food & Beverage

Mixologist

Mixology

Beverage Director at Thornton Distilling Company with 20+ years in hospitality, Chilled 100 Ambassador and cocktail artistry expert.

Instacart Tentpole - New Year's Eve

Kurvball - Confirmed Experts - 2026-07-27

Kurvball

Georgia Pacific PRO - Round 2 (30 Experts)

Classes

How-Tos

Product Reviews

Articles

Gideon Akande is a nationally recognized elite fitness coach, consultant, and brand partner. Known for his ability to provide energetic, engaging and memorable fitness experiences, Gideon aims to uplift, educate, and motivate people about integrating fitness into daily and corporate life. While growing up on Chicago’s north side, Gideon was a dedicated athlete who wrestled, ran track, played football, and was a three-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion. He earned a scholarship to Holy Cross College, where he played Division 1 football and earned a B.A. in Political Science. 

After graduation, he worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for four years before entering an 8-week competition that won him the 2015 Men's Health Next Top Trainer award. This allowed him to represent the brand as an elite fitness motivator, trainer, and educator. Since winning this award, Gideon has become a popular content creator and social media influencer. He has served as a consultant to fitness brands such as Fitbit, Gatorade, lululemon, NordicTrack, and PopSugar. 

He has been featured as a fitness expert in well-known publications, like GQ.com, Men’s Health, Shape Magazine, and Men’s Journal. An excellent communicator, industry leader, and lifelong learner, Gideon recently added marathon running to his fitness resume. He also works with companies to curate local experiences and wellness events and is an ambassador for the Illinois Special Olympics. Gideon is the proud father of two young children. 

Sports & Fitness

Personal Trainer

Boxing

Jesus R. Garcia is a professional automotive journalist and creative writer with over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. His expertise in writing includes journalism, advertising, marketing, product review, motorsport, film production, and travel. He also has experience with video editing and photography, producing media to support his written material. In his personal life, Jesus grew up in a bilingual family on a 10-acre ranch in Laredo, Texas, raising livestock in the quintessential Texas lifestyle. All his passions in life, whether it be filmmaking, creating artwork, traveling, or writing creative short stories, carry inspiration from his rural upbringing and passion for automotive, often referring to his unique style as “Highway Cowboy” aesthetic.

Automotive Writer

https://jesusbehindthewheel.com/2024/10/15/testing-all-new-street-legal-hoosier-track-attack-pro-tires/ 

https://jesusbehindthewheel.com/2024/08/18/1000-miles-across-the-desert-in-a-2024-mustang-dark-horse/ 



Entertainment & Media

Journalist

Journalism

Travel & Transportation

Travel Influencer / Travel Content Creator

Outdoors & Agriculture

Rancher

Brandon Lefholz is a highly trained diesel mechanic and electromechanical engineer who delivers excellence in diagnostic, repair, and preventative maintenance. He currently works as a lead electromechanic for Tapestry and has also provided his expertise for Mercedes-Benz and The Boring Company. 

Brandon earned degrees in Electrical Power Generation and Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology / Technician from the State Technical College of Missouri. He has earned numerous certifications in his field.   

Brandon worked as a diesel technician before joining the team at Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis. While at Mercedes-Benz, Brandon was mentored by a company leader, who modeled principles of accountability, character, and integrity. This was a turning point in his career and inspired him to pass the wisdom on to others. Brandon is known as a fair, considerate, engaged leader who takes the time to build trust and connection with his teams. 

Based in Las Vegas, Brandon also has extensive experience in construction and runs an interior/ exterior remodeling business. Outgoing, energetic, and a lifelong learner, Brandon believes if he’s not learning something new every day, he’s sitting still. In his free time, Brandon enjoys helping others, fixing things around the house, and working on dirt bikes and race cars. 


Automotive Technician

Automotive

Maryah Greene is a New York based, Plant Stylist, Gardening Expert & Consultant. She is a former fifth grade teacher and graduate from the Bank Street College of Education mastering in General Education and Literacy. Much like her plants, Maryah knows what it's like to start from seed and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. Maryah's blended background and upbringing—paired with her inherent and undeniably nurturing nature—seamlessly led to the creation of Greene Piece, a company focused on cultivating green spaces. Today, Maryah has become known as New York's go-to plant stylist following appearances in The New York Times, Vogue and more.

Bryson Ryan

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