Kim Laderer-Veiga is the President of Felene Inc. Kim is a single mom who had held a senior IT position for 17 years at market-data giant, NPD Group in Port Washington, New York until 2022 when the company was sold to rival Information Resources Group of Chicago. Earlier in her career, Kim also held information technology positions at Pall Corporation and IBM.
Kim’s story is a classic tale of true grit and incredible work ethic. Starting out as the Felene social media director in 2019 (while still holding a full-time job), Kim quickly assumed the added role of New York regional sales director in 2020. During a period of the pandemic when many retail and hospitality businesses were shut down, Kim managed to on-board dozens of strategic accounts. Within a year, Kim built a vibrant sales territory and the logistics infrastructure to support sales, distribution and continuity. After leaving her position at NPD in 2022, Kim was appointed company president and became a principle shareholder in the company.
Kim now oversees sales and logistics for the company’s operations in five states including: Florida, New York, Colorado, California and Texas.
Tim Kelly, Master Distiller of Felene Inc.
Tim Kelly is the Master Distiller of Felene Inc., a role that blends his rich family legacy in the spirits industry with his personal journey of exploration and innovation. As the son of a third-generation liquor store operator and restaurateur, Tim grew up immersed in the culture of fine spirits, wines, and hospitality. His passion for the craft led him to study and live in Florence, Italy, where he gained invaluable insights into the artistry and science of distillation and winemaking in the heart of Tuscany.
Tim’s time in Italy profoundly shaped his approach to spirits production. Immersed in a tradition of excellence, he learned the importance of precision, patience, and respect for ingredients. This education, combined with his family’s entrepreneurial spirit, formed the foundation of his vision for Felene Inc.
At Felene, Tim leads an operation that seamlessly marries traditional distilling methods with cutting-edge technology. Drawing on his deep understanding of the industry, he developed proprietary filtration methods that ensure Felene Vodka’s signature clarity and smoothness. His distillery prioritizes sustainability and efficiency, reflecting his commitment to producing premium vodka with minimal environmental impact. Felene is one of the first Colorado distilleries to be certified USDA Organic by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
The excellence of Tim’s operation is reflected in Felene Vodka’s numerous awards:
- Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Platinum at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards
- Double Gold at the Sipp Awards
- Gold Medal at the Denver International Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal and Best in Class at the American Distilling Institute
- Gold Medal, Top 20 Vodkas in the US, and Colorado Vodka of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition
These accolades underscore the mastery behind Felene’s distillery operations. Every bottle of Felene Vodka represents the culmination of generations of industry experience, a commitment to sustainability, and Tim’s personal dedication to excellence.
Beyond his technical expertise, Tim continues to drive innovation while preserving the artisanal integrity of Felene’s production. His leadership ensures that the distillery operates at the highest standards, combining family tradition, global inspiration, and cutting-edge methods.
Tim Kelly’s journey from a family legacy in the spirits business to studying in Tuscany and leading Felene Inc. is a testament to his passion and expertise. His story, much like Felene Vodka itself, is a blend of tradition and modernity, standing as a benchmark in the world of premium spirits.
Eric Selhorn brings a wealth of expertise to the distillery industry, with almost 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, including six impactful years specifically within the distillery sector. Beginning his career at Deloitte, Eric earned his CPA, marking the start of a distinguished path that blends rigorous financial acumen with a deep passion for the distillery world.
A native of Long Island, New York, Eric’s educational journey led him to Boston College, where he graduated with concentrations in Accounting and Finance. Currently residing in Colorado, Eric embraces the outdoor lifestyle, finding balance and inspiration in hiking, running marathons, and competing in triathlons. This love for adventure and challenge mirrors his professional approach, where innovation, endurance, and strategic foresight are key.
Eric’s transition to the distillery industry was driven by a desire to apply his financial expertise to a field he is passionate about, underscoring the importance of sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship in distilling. His contributions have not only enhanced the financial health of the organizations he’s been a part of but also fostered growth and excellence within the industry at large.