Our Team

​Grant Richardson started Pangea Selections in 2019 with the goal of increasing accessibility of natural wines to Texas. Grant has led the growth of Pangea from a self-funded one man hustle into one of the country's most exciting import and distribution companies. Grant has launched three successful start ups in agriculture and hospitality and has a passion for projects at the intersection of farming, food & beverage, and sustainability. Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Grant worked in operations and compliance for  Fortune 500 companies such as Goldman Sachs and Chevron. He has a Masters in Environmental Engineering & Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida and a BS in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas. Outside of work Grant is an amateur triathlete, enjoys spending time with his husband, daughter, and dogs, & traveling to off the beaten path beach towns and corners of wine country.

Justin Paul Russell joined the team at Pangea Selections in 2022, coming from a broad and varied background throughout the wine industry in hospitality, production, and wholesale businesses. He worked the ground floor in wine retail for several years and over a decade working harvest in Oregon, seven of which were in service of his own winery, Jasper Sisco. After his time in Oregon, he transitioned to a sales role for International Wine in Birmingham, Alabama, which reignited his interest in the wholesale and import side of the wine world. All of this experience was bolstered by working arm-in-arm in high profile fine dining restaurants in Oregon and Texas. Justin now seeks to marry these experiences by building an exciting and compelling view of the world of wine for Texas and beyond. Outside of work, you'll find him adventuring to a swimming hole with his partner and their dog, curled up with a book, or scheming an epic dinner. 

Bailey McCarthy comes to Pangea from artisan wine's culinary sister: cheese! Bailey is an ACS Certified Cheese Professional with experience in fine wine and cheese eventing and wholesale. Prior to that, Bailey was a Solutions Architect in the Austin SaaS industry, worked the dining scene in Seattle, and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia. 

Bailey's love of wine derives from a sense of place and history. Where else than in natural wine can you experience a sensory throughline from the ancient Levantine to now, tasting the same flavors that have delighted and inspired humanity for a hundred generations.  Bailey is excited to share the passion and mission behind Pangea Selections, ideally over a glass, anytime and anywhere.  

Andrew Werth joins the Pangea team as a long time supporter of the brand from a buyer’s perspective. He’s been fervently exploring the world of natural wine for the last decade, most recently at a multi unit bike shop/cafe/wine shop. From fine dining to quick service, Andrew has managed restaurants, food wholesalers, and small farms. Andrew oversees warehouse management, order fulfillment, and compliance.

Specialty coffee, natural wine, and gourmet food are at the heart of his undying love for food and community. Outside of work, Andrew is a father of 3, husband, and avid baker...if you get a chance to try his bagels run, don't walk.

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Sarah Escobar’s professional journey began as a cook in San Francisco after finishing culinary school. She transitioned to the front of the house, where her love for wine flourished. Over the years, she honed her skills alongside some of the best in the Bay Area and Austin and has her fingerprints of Austin institutions such as June's All Day, Lamberts, Asti, and Austin Wine Merchant. In 2021, Sarah made the move into wine distribution and earned her Level 3 WSET certification in 2023. She joined Pangea in 2025

Outside of work, Sarah loves to travel, most recently to our national parks and exploring nature. Though her gardening skills are still a work in progress, she makes a decent sourdough bread and cakes, and cookies with her daughter. She loves to spend time in the kitchen with her husband and her two dogs who are always standing by to catch some treats.

Born & raised in Houston, Carlo's passion for wine was sparked early by his family's Italian heritage and their love for Italian cuisine and wine. Carlo graduated from the University of St. Thomas then pursued his true calling—food and wine. Carlo began his wine career with Trader Joe’s in 2016, where he spent five years contributing to the growth of the company’s wine program. Carlo then worked with several boutique wine distributors, further refining his expertise. He has formalized his knowledge by earning a WSET III certification as well as the prestigious French Wine Scholar title.

Today, Carlo is proud to be a part of the Pangea family, where he continues to share his passion and expertise with the local wine community. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him swimming, skateboarding, surfing at Galveston Beach, or exploring throughout Texas.

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North Carolina native Chris Coulson relocated to Texas in 2020 and quickly established himself in the hospitality and fine dining scene. While working as a server assistant at Sammie's Italian, Chris thrived under the mentorship of Justin Paul Russell (now Pangea Sales Manager), which fueled his professional growth and deepened his passion for wine. Chris advanced to Bar Lead before moving to Dallas in 2023, where he immersed himself in the city’s cocktail scene at the prestigious Bowen House.

Joining the Pangea team, Chris brings a wealth of experience as a young beverage professional dedicated to elevating the Dallas-Fort Worth wine scene. He credits his love for hospitality to his mother, who he believes passed down her southern hospitality gene. Outside of work, you’ll often find Chris in Carolina Panthers blue, spending time with his partner Julia and their golden retriever, or teeing off at a loca golf course.

Carly Stoy is fresh off getting her hands dirty—quite literally—in the world of winemaking. Her journey began in Siena, Italy, where she first discovered wine as a calling while studying abroad. That spark turned into a full-blown passion during her time at The Austin Winery, where she interned while attending the University of Texas. Since graduating last spring, Carly has followed the harvest seasons, working vintages in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Australia’s Adelaide Hills. But after a whirlwind year of travel, Austin—and its vibrant wine scene—called her home. What draws Carly most to wine is the opportunity to act as a steward of the natural world, sharing an experience that connects people to place. She’s thrilled to bring that passion to Pangea, eager to grow, learn, and share exceptional producers with the Central Texas community.

Phil Villanueva has been working in wine fulfillment for 16 years across Texas and has been part of the Pangea team since 2022. When he isn't behind the wheel, Phil loves going to the movies and spending time with his grandkids.