Craig Ceccanti - CEO
Craig Ceccanti is a founding member and CEO of Pinot’s Palette (formerly Pinot & Picasso), Houston’s first and premier, upscale BYOB Painting Studio. As a pioneer in the newly developed and rapidly expanding Sip and Paint industry, Craig has directed an innovative start-up business with one location to a concept which is now being sold nationwide.
His contributions at Pinot’s Palette have involved strategy, financing, architecting proprietary technology, developing and standardizing operations, fundraising, building a team-based culture and a purpose-driven brand. These efforts have helped Pinot’s Palette attract both local and national media attention from TLC Network, The Business Journal, 002 Houston, Envy, Houston Press, ABC 13, Great Day Houston, among others.
Outside of Pinot’s Palette, Craig stays true to his background in Consulting and Project Management. He actively devotes his time to supporting young entrepreneurs, charities and alumni chapters in the Houston community. Some of his favorite projects include working with the LSU Houston Alumni Chapter, Jones Graduate School
Charles Willis - President
Charles Willis is a founding member and President of Pinot’s Palette (formerly Pinot & Picasso), Houston’s first and premier, upscale BYOB Painting Studio. As a pioneer in the newly developed and rapidly expanding Sip and Paint industry, Charles has played an instrumental role in expanding both the Houston corporate business as well as developing the business through national franchising.
His expertise has evolved Pinot’s Palette’s growth strategy, streamlining supply chains, developing key markets and strategic management techniques. His project management efforts have helped Pinot’s Palette attract national franchisees as he guides them through the process from introduction, implementation and ongoing support.
Outside of Pinot’s Palette, Charles stays true to his background in Project Management. He actively devotes his time to supporting local charities and alumni chapters in the Houston community and spending time with his wife, Beth, and their daughters.
Beth Willis - CCO
Beth Willis is a founding member and Chief Creative Officer of Pinot’s Palette. Beth is regarded as the leading visionary for product development, represents the customer’s perspective, and identifies key consumers trends. Within this role, she directs art direction on up to 10 new paintings every month for the Pinot’s Palette library, including any custom paintings requested by Pinot’s Palette customers, and plans the month calendars according to customer demand.
In the first days of Pinot’s Palette, Beth presented key evidence for consumer market sustainability of the Paint and Sip business which provided fuel for Charles and Craig to put their plans into action. She is both credited with scouting the Montrose location and designing the Galleria location, including the stylish Picasso room.
Outside of her work with Pinot’s Palette, Beth is a full time Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Memorial Herman Memorial City Hospital and mother of two daughters.
Mari Sokolowski - Marketing and Sales Director
Mari Johnson Sokolowski is a key member of the Pinot’s Palette team and is responsible for all Marketing at the company. Her background in branding, sales and media relations has helped bring Pinot’s Palette to a new awareness level in Houston and nationally. Mari graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with undergraduate degrees in both Marketing (B.B.A., 2005) and Advertising (B.S., 2005).
Will Borel - Marketing Coordinator
Will Borel is the newest member to the Pinot’s Palette team. He joins Pinot’s Palette with a multitude of marketing experience gained through working with companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. His primary focus at Pinot’s Palette is to further expand awareness for the Pinot’s Palette brand while working towards ensuring continued success for the Pinot’s Palette franchises.
Will is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing his MBA from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. In his time outside of Pinot’s Palette, Will enjoys spending time with his family and friends, supporting his beloved Aggies, and is an avid sports enthusiast.