Erik Martin has worked in the alcohol beverage industry for over 14 years, including 4 years as President of the Oregon Distillers Guild. He also worked for an additional 10 years with the U.S. Attorney's Office's White Collar Crime Unit where he assisted the Internal Revenue Service and the Tax and Trade Bureau with enforcing alcohol regulations for the federal government. During his time working for the government, he participated in investigations and advised regulatory agencies in compliance and tax matters.
Erik now has his own licensed distillery in Portland, Oregon and consults with startup companies in navigating the regulatory process of bringing craft beverages from the home garage (where it usually starts) to the open market (where many would like to go with their creation). When not being a distiller or compliance consultant, he can be found kayaking on the river with his family (and his favorite K9 companion, Charlemagne the Dog) or hiking to visit one of the many Fire Lookouts here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.