Saul Pollack, Owner and Proprieter
Is the son of Harry Pollack, who was the original owner and the stores namesake. Saul started working in the store in 1952. At that time he was the coal runner, carrying buckets from the back bin to the potbelly stove that was used to warm the store. After Harry’s death in 1966 Betty, Saul’s mother, took over day to day operations of the store while Saul worked as a teacher and coach. He worked evenings and weekends to help his mom and in 1978 Saul retired after 25 years in his first career and became full time operator of the store. Between 1980 and 2004 He was able to buy the property and guide the store through 5 expansions!
My staff has steadily grown with the expansions from 2 to its present 7 fulltime members of wine and artisanal beer professionals. These seven are backed up by 8 part timers that are also very important to our success. All are unique people chosen for their ability to add depth and diversity to the shop.
Let me introduce them to you…
William Miller, Director of Fine Wines
William took over as Fine Wine Director in 2001. He has over 23 years experience in the wine industry. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island and finished his education at the Hotel Institute of Management in Montreaux, Switzerland. His passion for wine and food is universal. Always here to make your experience both informative and accessible. If you have a question pertaining to the wine world, William is happy to answer the call. He leads a carefully selected team of wine lovers to assist you while you browse our wide and varied selections.
Patrick Monteleone, General Manager and Wine Specialist
Spent the first half of his career working in the culinary field using his palette to create menus and tempt diners with a variety of delicious foods. In the late 90’s, his fascination with wine growing, he decided to use his palette for another purpose, his love of wine. He left the restaurant world and immersed himself in wine, learning about, and tasting wines from around the world. Most recently he traveled to the wine regions of Spain soaking in the culture, food and of course wines. In 2006 & 2008 he and wife Janice spent time in Italy’s great wine regions. “Italy is where my heart lives” says Patrick. “I have always loved the food and the wines are, in my opinion the best in the world”. Although his heart might live in Italy, his knowledge of wines does not have borders. Truly a great fan of wine, whatever the country or grape type.
Christelle Marilhet, Wine Specialist
Born and raised in Lyon, France and a graduate of Thanan Les Bains. Christelle imported herself, along with her family from France in 1997. She took a job at Le Figaro, a French bistro in Greenwich and after nine years there she accepted a position with G.E. in Fairfield as Banquet supervisor. A year later Harry’s was fortunate enough to cross paths with her and looking for a career change, Christelle agreed to use her talented palette to our benefit. Since 2007, as a staple on staff at Harry’s Christelle’s opinion has helped us to expand and define not only our French section but has added much to the Italian section also. It is very obvious to us that she appreciates great wine at all price points and there cannot be any question that when she loves a wine Harry’s had better have enough for all.
Janice Monteleone, Books, Staff, Wine sales
Graduate of Quinnapiac College, Janice began her career as a Paralegal and spent 20 years at a well known and reputable law firm in New Haven. Since meeting Patrick at a wine tasting in May of 2003, she has turned in her Pinot Grigio for Pinot Noir and has become quite the aficionado. Like her husband Patrick, Janice loves to travel the world’s great wine regions and is always looking for to the next place to explore. There is nothing like being there to really make you understand the wine and its culture.
Jon Carr, Wine Sales
Jon began his wine career working at a liquor store part-time while attending Trinity College in Hartford.His initial area of responsibility was craft beer, but he eventually began to foster an interest in wine also.After graduation he returned to his hometown of Fairfield and was hired at Harry’s.He’s like a sponge and soaks up wine knowledge from the more senior staff members at every opportunity.“I learn something new every day, and for me that’s what makes coming to work so exciting,” says Jon.Be sure to ask for him on your next visit to Harry’s to catch some of his energy.
Renzo Kian-Kubota, Artisan Beer Specialist
Joined Harry’s team in 2004 as a stock person on the beer and liquor side of the store had the good fortune of working with 2 very knowledgeable beer fanatics. Renzo is truly the story of keeping your head down and your ears open. He surprised us along the way with all that he had learned working with, and for some of the best this business has to offer. In 2008 he made the leap from assistant to leader in our specialized beer section and continues to grow further than was ever expected. He takes great pride in all that he has accomplished and Harry’s is proud to see a young man like him put forth the commitment it takes to be good at what you do.
Harry’s is and has always been a teaching/learning store. We are proud of our accomplishments and will always strive to put forward a staff that is both knowledgeable and willing to learn. As long as we balance both of these criteria we should always be a force in this industry. Many of Harry’s alumni have moved on to other jobs in this and other industries, we are proud to say however that we have maintained relationships with a good many of them and when Saul sounds the call we are always surprised by how many of our friends lend a hand in a busy season or to help count inventory.
