Meet Our Team

  • David Baum | The Visionary Strategist

    FOUNDER

    David is the driving force behind American Journeys, blending creative vision with sharp business acumen. With a 30-year entrepreneurial career spanning telecom, online sales, real estate, venture capital, and publishing, he has successfully launched and led six startups.

    His previous venture, TourView Maps, took him across the country, where he discovered the craft distillery scene and developed the concept for American Journeys. David’s expertise in branding, emerging trends, and team-building fuels the company’s innovative approach.

    His ability to communicate a compelling vision and attract top talent keeps American Journeys moving forward, ensuring every bottle tells a story as bold as the open road.

  • Danny DeSimone | The Industry Expert

    SALES DIRECTOR

    With over 30 years in the alcohol industry, Danny brings deep expertise in brand development, distribution, and market strategy.

    Having worked with powerhouse brands like E & J Gallo Winery, Bacardi, Jack Daniel’s, Zonin USA, and Marie Brizard, he understands exactly what it takes to turn a great idea into a profitable, sought-after product. Danny has guided more than 30 alcohol brands from concept to market success, with his most recent venture growing from $100K to $9.4 million in sales in just three and a half years.

    With an unmatched network of over 400 distributors and 2,200 key industry contacts, Danny ensures American Journeys is not only crafted with excellence but positioned for nationwide success.

  • Janae Puleo | The Brand Architect

    CHIEF BRAND OFFICER

    Janae is the creative force behind American Journeys’ brand identity, ensuring every detail—from packaging to messaging—embodies the spirit of adventure.

    As the founder of 2Lane, she has built a reputation for blending artistic innovation with strategic precision. With a background in digital marketing in the automotive space and public relations in the entertainment industry—where she worked with A-list celebrities—Janae brings a fresh, forward-thinking perspective to the alcohol industry.

    Her expertise in branding, design, and market positioning makes her the glue that ties together American Journeys’ identity, turning a great product into an unforgettable experience.

“At American Journeys, we’re more than just whiskey makers—we’re a team of passionate entrepreneurs, industry experts, and creative minds united by a shared vision: to craft exceptional whiskey inspired by America’s most legendary roads. With decades of combined experience across branding, sales, and strategy, we bring together the best of our skills to build something truly special.”
— AJW