An inspired culture created by family values
We are ignited by passion, inspired through engagement, and driven by a common vision of quality and excellence.
About Sam Assaad
Sam founded MISA Imports in August 1998, fueled by an overwhelming desire to revolutionize the wine business. Named after his children, Michael and Sarah, MISA was built brick by brick, bottle by bottle and container by container. Today, MISA and its affiliate distributor network serves 48 states and imports from 10 countries around the world.
Sam began his wine career interning with a local Texas wine distributor, Tarrant Distributors. Shortly after, he joined national French wine importer, Bercut Vandervoort. He continued his career with Labouré Roi, the famed Burgundy producer, and later Dubos Frères & Cie, the prestigious Bordeaux négociant.
Since the very beginning, Sam has grown the business by staying true to his 3 guiding principles: transparent pricing, exceptional customer service, and top-quality products. He credits MISA’s success to the relationships he has built over the course of a tireless career, from partnerships forged with the best Bordeaux and international wine and spirit producers, to the warm ties with MISA’s valued customers. According to Sam, a true partnership requires finding the right fit; matching the right customer with the right supplier and delivering products in a transparent manner. As MISA moves into the next stage of growth, this founding principle remains unwavering: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”
The MISA Team
Oubada Duwaji // Chief Executive Officer
Oubada, Chief Executive Officer, has been with MISA since March 2016.
Oubada is also the Founder of ENANNA Equity Partners, a family office Investment Management Company. In this role, he served as the lead business advisor to the Assaad Family. Prior to joining MISA, he co-founded BlackBarrel Capital, a Dubai based investment firm focused on alternative investments. He also held leadership positions with SHUAA Capital and the ABRAAJ Group, the largest Private Equity Firm in the MENA region. He started his career in Dallas, TX, working with JP Morgan Chase, Lehman Brothers, and Salomon Smith Barney.
Oubada has a B.B.A in Finance from the University of Texas and is undergoing an EMBA at Harvard Business School.
Nagi Saikali // Senior Vice President Sales
Nagi, Senior Vice President Sales, has been with MISA since May 2015. His mission with all of MISA's sales team is to offer our producers’ “truffles” to the right customer and forging a lasting and balanced relationship with both, as they are part of MISA’s family too! Nagi is thrilled to lead a great team of gifted “entrepreneurs;” he sees that each one provides a unique contribution to the company and tremendous potential to grow.
Passionate about food, travel and wine, Nagi spent an enriching 15 years in the Hotel and Restaurant industry with Intercontinental Hotels, Disney Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Omni Hotels; in more than 10 countries. He then joined IXSIR, one of his family’s ventures in Lebanon, and spent 6 years developing it in more than 20 countries. As MISA became the top export customer of IXSIR, it turned out to be nothing less than a second home for him!
Sammer Arnouk // Affiliate Director
Sammer, Affiliates Director, has been with MISA since October 2012. He in charge of about everything at MISA, from managing the relationship with affiliate partners, overseeing operations at MISA's Dallas headquarters, to managing the Information Technology infrastructure.
He brings with him over 25 years of experience in Information Technology. Born in Syria, Sammer moved to New York to complete his studies and later relocated to Texas, where he spent 11 years with Quintana Mineral Corporation in Houston as an IT Director.
Sammer lives in Plano with his wife of 25 years, Nicole, and their sons, David and Daniel.
Sammer received both his B.Sc. in Computer Science as well as his M.Sc. in Management Engineering from Long Island University.
Alan Unruh // Regional Vice President Sales
Alan, one of our Regional Vice Presidents of Sales, has been with MISA since March 2013.
He has spent the past 20 years working in the wine import business. After beginning in restaurant management, Alan transitioned to wine distribution, fine wine retail and finally into wine imports with Stacole Fine Wines. He plans to nurture his career with MISA Imports from his Central Texas home which he shares with his wife Diana and his son Miles.
Occasionally, you will find Alan on his mountain bike enjoying the great Texas outdoors.
Katie Drew // Distribution & Planning Director
Katie, our Director of Distribution & Planning, has been with MISA since June 2010! Katie started supporting MISA using her expertise in graphic design. Since then she has developed the MISA Network of Distributors across the United States.
Katie received a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Texas Christian University. Katie lives in Fort Worth with her husband, enjoys running and monthly reading club.
Aldo Norman // Logistics Associate
Aldo joined MISA in June 2016 as a Logistics Associate. A diligent and dedicated worker, he brings over 9 years of experience to the Logistics family. He received is Bachelor of Science in International Business from University of Guanajuato in Mexico and received a Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of Texas at Arlington.
When not organizing our next shipment, Aldo loves to discuss films and traveling around the world.
Connie Chavez // Logistics Associate
Connie joined MISA’s Logistics team in August 2016. Previously, she spent nine years with Michael’s Stores, Inc. in Strategic Sourcing and Category Management.
Connie has an Associate’s Degree from Northlake College and plans to pursue a degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Sadie Warwick // Product Development Manager
Sadie joined MISA in July of 2015! Prior to MISA Sadie worked in Tax Accounting for five years. Today, she supports MISA by maintaining relationships with key accounts and overseeing the development of their programs.
Sadie received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the College of Idaho.
Erica Guerra // Senior Logistics Coordinator
Erica joins the MISA family with 20 years of Logistics experience under her belt. With an extensive background in Freight Forwarding, Department Supervision, and Customs Brokerage, Erica brings a high caliber of analytical skills, leadership, and drive to the MISA Team. Her off days are full of travel, shopping, and adventuring with her husband of 28 years, 3 wonderful adult kids and grandchildren.
Kelly Anthony // Compliance Manager
Kelly Anthony joins the MISA family with a plethora of experience. Prior to MISA, she spent a total of 10 years working for Republic National Distribution, where she worked 6 years in Master Data Management and 4 years in Supply Chain Management. Kelly brings the ability to coordinate strong relationships, customer service, and organizational knowledge to the Compliance team. Additionally, she worked on the Enterprise Resource Planning to streamline software systems and processes country wide.
A Texas Aggie through and through, she was a member of Alpha Chi and enjoys trying out new sports. When she is not hitting the trail, Kelly spends her time in Houston with her family and her dog, Beaux.
Lauren Collazo // Senior Sales Support Coordinator
Lauren Collazo joins MISA with five years of experience in marketing, sales support and business development. A Dallas native, Lauren returned earlier this month, after spending the last year and a half in New England with her husband, Chris, who was stationed in the Navy. Lauren graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a concentration in Strategic Communications. When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, building Lego sets with her stepson, and the wonders of Sunday night Tex-Mex family dinners.
Megan Vassh // Distributor Coordinator
Megan joined MISA in May of 2017, as a Distributor Coordinator. Most recently, she was studying at the University of North Texas and completed internships in the area of logistics and supply chain for the past three years. She recently received her Bachelors in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Richard Zacha // Outbound Logistics Coordinator
Richard joined the MISA team in October 2017, bringing with him three years worth of logistics and warehouse experience, and comedic relief. With a bold innovative style, Richard brings a strong work ethic to the MISA family. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, music, and the wonders of Dancing with the Stars.
Francisco Mendoza // Sales Ambassador
Francisco, one of our dedicated Sales Ambassadors, has been with MISA since May 2015! Before MISA, Francisco was a business consultant at PacificShores Ventures Inc. His dedication to sales has thrived while at MISA and started long before in his prior roles for Dillards, Hertz and Home Depot.
Francisco completed his BA in International Business at the University of May Hardin Baylor while playing for Men's Soccer Team which he continues to enjoy in a traveling league in Dallas Fort Worth. He was ranked as Global performer in "The Business Strategy Game" and 1st place in his class.
Lisa Xiong // Front Office
Lisa joined MISA in May 2017, bringing with her over seven years of Logistics and administrative experience with major logistics companies including Cardinal Logistics and CH Robinson.
Lisa is currently pursuing her degree in Business Administration. In her free time, Lisa enjoys Ballroom Dancing and is excited to expand her knowledge of wine.
Gail Dino // Vice President National Sales
Gail, Vice President of National Sales, has been with MISA since June 2017. Her efforts are focused on developing the Spanish portfolio at MISA while expanding national reach and mentoring and developing the Sales & Marketing team.
Gail is a wine industry veteran. She developed her wealth of knowledge and experience over a long career. For over 18 years she has worked for companies such as Prestige, Central Market, and Chalone; in wine sales, product placement, brand positioning, and national programs.
Gail is passionate about what brings the best out of her; she doesn’t call work “work,” as doing what she loves most is her life’s passion!
Monica Parssinen // Inbound Logistics Coordinator
Monica Joined MISA in November 2017 as an Inbound Logistics Coordinator, bringing a diligent and impressive eye for detail to the MISA family. After graduating from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, she obtained certification as a Ski Instructor and went on to commit two winter seasons with Vail Resorts in Breckenridge, CO. On her time off, she enjoys the art of travel and leafing through French books.
Jake Graf // Sales Ambassador
Jake, one of our dedicated Sales Ambassadors, has been with MISA since June 2016! He focuses on the regional and local customers of MISA's headquarters throughout Dallas Fort Worth.
He received his BA in Marketing from Texas State University.
Dennis Graf // Accounting Director
Dennis joined MISA in November 2013 as Controller, bringing over 35 years of accounting experience with him. He is a licensed CPA in the State of Texas, having received his BA in Accounting from San Diego State University and his MBA in Finance from the University of Dallas.
When not crunching numbers, Dennis enjoys spending time with his wife Anne and his three sons.
Mays Alhusseini // Purchasing & Planning Officer
Mays joined MISA in June 2012, shortly after graduating from Syria’s Kalamoon University with her Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems. She has assumed several positions during her tenure with the company, including purchasing, international, logistics, and planning.
Fluent in Arabic and English, Mays was selected to represent Syria’s students in the Dubai Events and Promotion Apprenticeship Program in 2011 in Dubai, UAE. She is a Former Officer for Preston Persuaders Toastmasters Club and currently volunteers with the Human Rights Initiative and Heart House through the Dallas Internations Group.
Ashley Woo // International Coordinator
Ashley joined MISA's International team in November 2017, bringing a positive and strong leadership energy to the position of International Coordinator. Prior to MISA, she worked in the diverse world of a Fortune 500 company, providing the highest caliber of service in logistics, customer service, and customs for ten years. A natural linguistics lover, she graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Literature and Language. In her spare time, she loves to pour over Dante, with her "fur children" and husband at her side.
Louis Cabello // Warehouse Specialist
Louis is a vital part of the MISA team. He brings forth organizational experience and an immense dedication to his work. When he isn't busy running the MISA warehouse, Louis is an avid Cowboys fan, who enjoys spending time with his family and adoring Mustang cars.
Graciela Lobo // Logistics Director
Graciela, our Director of Logistics and Transportation, has been with MISA since March 2016. Coupled with her foundations in Hospitality and the Travel Industry, she believes a focus on empathy and communication strengthens any team and collaboration. She brings 12 years of experience in Supply Chain Management (CSCP Certified), as well as a deep love of problem solving, strategy execution, and mentoring. Her most recent experience includes companies such as Michael’s Stores, Tandy Brands & Accessories, and Zale Jewelers.
Graciela began her journey at MISA after having lived in Louisiana for 6 years and weathering the storm there. Texas has become the perfect place to lay down new roots, though she brought her love of jazz music and Cajun cuisine. Graciela has an Associate Degree in Project Management, and received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Texas A&M Commerce.
Hayden Cavanagh // Sales Ambassador
Hayden, one of our dedicated Sales Ambassadors in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, has been with MISA since May 2017. He has grown up with the world of fine wine thanks to his sommelier father and continues to refine his knowledge of Bordeaux wines.
Hayden completed his Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Media at Texas Tech University.
Lilia Gonzalez // Purchasing Associate
Lilia, our Purchasing Associate, has been with MISA since March 2017. Prior to joining , Lilia gained over seven years of international trade experience in navigating logistics, customs laws and development of new markets with the Mexican Government as well as esteemed companies including Avery Dennison.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico.
In her precious free time, Lilia enjoys reading and cooking.
Matt Mize // Chief Operating Officer
Matt, our COO, has been with MISA since January 2018. His desire is to help build a lasting foundation at MISA that will sustain the company long into the future. He believes that prosperity for MISA, our suppliers and our customers will come through hard work, focus and superior customer service.
Matt joined MISA following 14 years of experience from Costco Wholesale in a variety of roles including Corporate Buyer for Beer, Wine and Spirits.
Matt graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2003 with a B.A. in English.
Kathy Stewart // Compliance Officer
Kathy joined MISA’s Compliance Team in October 2015, bringing over 20 years of professional management experience with her. Kathy works diligently to ensure that MISA is always in compliance with all state beverage laws.
Prior to MISA, Kathy was the Manager of Building Security for Everest College, coordinating all events, workshops and special projects for the student body. Kathy is a paralegal graduate and a current student at Dallas Baptist University.
Kathy devotes her free time to serving the local homeless community.
Carolina Sanchez // Consolidations Manager
Carolina joined MISA in April 2016 in the Logistics Department. Prior to MISA, Carolina previously worked in Sales for T-Mobile as well as a Scheduling Manager for the Dallas Museum of Art.
Carolina received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M International University.
Carolina spends her free time with her husband Rodrigo and their “two monkeys” Sophie and Abram.
Hector Elizondo // International Logistics Coordinator
Hector, one of our International Logistics Coordinator, has been with MISA since June 2017!
Hector comes to us with previous experience in Logistics and Finance. He completed a Bachelor Degree in Logistics and a minor in Accounting the from University of North Texas.
Paul Lawyer // Warehouse Manager
Paul, our Warehouse Manager, has been with MISA since August 2012!
He spent his first 32 years of work experience in the Magazine Distribution industry. He started as a delivery driver in Dallas, TX, and finished as the Operations Manager distributing over 1,700,000 copies of magazines per week to 4 states. He oversaw 126 warehouses, 18 office staff, and their supervisors and managers. With the fragmentation of the print business due to the internet , Paul spent a relaxing year managing restaurants for a longtime friend.
Paul is married to his best friend, Joan. They take at least 2 trips a year to a beach with crystal blue water, and they love to bring their 2 boys, Maston and John, with them anytime the young men can free up their schedule. Paul’s heart’s desire is to serve at his church and to help as many people as he can. He is also involved with Hope Kids and Operation Touching Lives.
Tina Boyle // General Manager California
Tina, our General Manager California, has been with MISA since January 2017. We are fortunate to have found a partner with her wealth of knowledge, dedication, and experience!
She acquired extensive experience and depth during her 22 years of Buying experience and 6 years of operations working with Costco Wholesale.
Davis Bruegger // Purchasing Associate
Davis joined the MISA team in June 2017 as a Purchasing Associate. He is a graduate of Jesuit College Preparatory School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the University of Oklahoma.
Prior to MISA, his work experience including scheduling and procurement at Woodward Inc., an aerospace and defense manufacturer as well as working for Southwest Airlines in their Systems and Processes division within supply chain management.
Davis earned yellow and green belt certifications in Lean Six Sigma and has worked on several projects for the Bridge Homeless Shelter near Downtown.
Maria Ramirez // Senior Distributor Coordinator
Maria joined MISA in November 2012, having previously worked for several Dallas non-profits including the Campfire Boys & Girls and Girl Scouts of America.
Maria spends her days ensuring that our distributors and customers receive their orders in the quickest, most cost-effective way possible.
Maria has an Associate Degree from Dallas Community Colleges. Outside of work, Maria has her hand full, taking care of her daughter Sophia and son Santiago along with her husband Aaron.
Elisa Ballard // Marketing Director
Elisa, our Marketing Director, has been with MISA since March 2017! Her day is filled working with producers on the latest sourced item, educating the staff and customers on MISA’s portfolio, and creating marketing initiatives for customers to promote MISA’s inventory.
Prior to MISA, Elisa worked in Strategy and Research at Starcom for Kraft and Microsoft. She worked in Fine Dining and Activities for Vail Resorts and then returned to her hometown of Dallas, TX, to offer marketing and media consulting to international and local businesses based in DFW - rewardStyle, Stocks & Bondy and DWELR.
Elisa received her MBA in Marketing and Finance and BA in Management and Economics from the University of Denver.
Craig Baker // Senior Vice President Sales
Craig, Senior Vice President Sales, has been with MISA since May 2015. While growing MISA's footprint across the east coast, he has also developed MISA's Craig Baker Selections Portfolio. Drawing upon his wealth of experience, he selects an exceptional range of artisan producers to showcase in the portfolio. This selection focuses on Burgundy and the Rhone Valley but also includes offerings from Champagne and Loire Valley.
Craig has been involved in the wine industry since 1987 with positions in retail, wholesale, and winery work. He has been working with limited-production, family-run wineries since 1991, and he has been mentored by some of the top U.S. importers over the last quarter century. He has worked for national importers since 1997, working with iconic importers Robert Kacher, Frederick Wildman, and Fran Kysela. During his 17 years with Robert Kacher, he also worked very closely with the growers.
Rami Noaman // Senior Vice President Sales
Rami, Senior Vice President Sales, has been with MISA since February 2006. Rami started his career at MISA in the Dallas headquarters in sales and operations. Since then, he has expanded the business portfolio to include the California market which is where he resides today.
Rami completed his BS in International Economics from Southern Methodist University.
Catalina Celemin // Sales Support Associate
Catalina has been working with MISA for several years and gained significant knowledge in logistics, distribution operations, and marketing. Her greatest thrill from working in the industry comes from the many opportunities to meet new and interesting people. Currently attending the University of Texas Dallas, Catalina brings diligence and ambition to everything she does with an eye for detail. In her spare time, she enjoys venturing out to explore new countries, restaurants, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Leonardo Cabello // Warehouse Specialist
Leo is one of MISA's Warehouse Specialist, joing in 2013. With a mind for organization and an excellent work ethic, Leo keeps MISA at its best. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, church, and time with his family.
Crystal Ford // Distributor Coordinator
Crystal hails from the sunny hills of Pasadena, California and moved to Texas “a super long time ago”. An avid Dodgers fan and ComicCon enthusiast, she joins the MISA family with the hopes of mastering Supply Chain development. With great diligence, Crystal is currently on her way to completing her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Arlington. She holds an Associate’s Degree in General Studies.
Ann Connors // Community Manager
Ann, our Community Manager, has been with MISA since April 2014! She spent over a decade developing and executing Marketing programs and Special Events for French and other European wines, spirits, and specialty foods at Sopexa USA, an international marketing agency with offices in 27 countries. Having consulted for Patina Restaurant Group and managed marketing initiatives for restaurants at such landmark locations as Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, and Walt Disney World, she loves entertaining and has a passion for fine food and warm hospitality.
Ann received her BA Summa Cum Laude in French and Theatre Criticism from Fordham University and spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Brussels, Belgium.
Gene Joseph // Regional Vice President Sales
Gene, one of our Regional Vice Presidents of Sales, has been with MISA since 2013.
He worked in the Retail wine and spirits industry for several years in the Houston and Katy, TX, area. After spending some time working in premise wines sales for a major distributor, he worked in wine and spirit sales for 2 small, family-owned distributors.
In his free time, Gene enjoys to cook while entertaining friends, play golf, and hunt.
Uvaldo Salinas // Warehouse Specialist
Uvaldo has been with MISA for four great years. As one of our Warehouse Specialist, he is always ready to solve problems and navigate solutions. When he isn't working, Uvaldo spends his time indulging in cars, a great Mavericks game, and time with his friends.
Debbie Byers // Sales Ambassador
Debbie, one of our dedicated Sales Ambassadors, joined MISA in March 2015, bringing with her a passion for wine and loyal customer service that she uses to serve her accounts. Prior to MISA, Debbie worked for over twenty years as an Administrator in the medical field in Palm Beach County, Florida, with various top surgeons.
She is an avid sports enthusiast with a true love for her Dallas Cowboys having moved to Texas in 2006 to be closer to the them. She loves traveling the world with her husband, Phil. She spends her free time volunteering with numerous charities and is a dedicated volunteer for HopeKids North Texas.
Carlos Cabello // Warehouse Supervisor
For five years, Carlos has provided MISA with an exceptional skilled management of inventory. As the warehouse manager, Carlos keeps a mental catalog of MISA stock at all time. He is a professional bass player, who divides his time between sports and his love of music.
Blake Maso // Sales Ambassador
Blake, one of our dedicated Sales Ambassadors, has been with MISA since September 2011! His fantastic palate and amazing “wine memory” has allowed him to develop into MISA’s in-house wine guru.
Blake's prodigious musical talent at French Horn allowed him to play with symphonies around the country and for TV scores. After then spending a few years in Malibu, CA, working in Finance, he returned to his hometown of Dallas, TX.
Outside of the office, Blake enjoys surfing, enjoying a great beer, and spending time with his nephew, Pierce.
Blake received his BA in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Travis King // Accounting Manager
Travis joined MISA in the Fall of 2012, bringing over 20 years of Accounting experience. His background also includes four years installing, configuring and training on accounting software, as well as five years of management in the hospitality industry. He attended college at The University of Texas in Austin, majoring in Accounting.
Travis lives in Bedford, TX with his beautiful wife Deanna and their two dogs, Honey Bear and Sugar Baby. His son Tyler is in high school. In his spare time, Travis enjoys sports, scratch golfer and loves to go country/western dancing. He also volunteers for Hope Kids of North Texas.
Bety Moran // Staff Accountant
Bety joined MISA in August 2010 and has witnessed MISA’s rapid growth first-hand. She has worked across many of MISA's department and currently is a key member of the Accounting team.
Prior to MISA, Bety worked for the City of Hurst, and before that was busy raising her three kids along with her high-school sweetheart and husband Robert.
Christine Giacalone // Executive Assistant
Christine joined MISA in May 2017 bringing over 20 years of accounting experience in the hospitality industry where she was an Owner/Operator of a successful restaurant and bakery for over 2 decades.
Her accounting experience spans the hospitality industry including a 5-Star restaurants and a software company for the travel industry. From here, she is able to evolve the position of Executive Assistant with the upmost dedication and eye for detail.
Christine is a team captain for the annual American Cancer Society “Relay for Life.”
Steven Wheeless // Accounting Associate
Steven joined the MISA team in July 2016. Previously, he worked as an Accountant for the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Daisy Brand, among others. Steven is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas.
In his free time, he volunteers at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney and enjoys playing basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Edward Rodriguez // Inventory Auditor
Edward joined MISA on Labor Day 2010, bringing with him over 10 years of Logistics experience, having worked at several logistics companies throughout DFW. Since then, he has expanded his role and responsibilities to our Warehouse team, where he works as MISA's Inventory Auditor.
Outside of work, Edward is the equally hard-working husband to Maria and father to Ethan and Eliana. He also plays baseball.
CloseBety Moran // Staff Accountant
Bety joined MISA in August 2010 and has witnessed MISA’s rapid growth first-hand. She has worked across many of MISA's department and currently is a key member of the Accounting team.
Prior to MISA, Bety worked for the City of Hurst, and before that was busy raising her three kids along with her high-school sweetheart and husband Robert.