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Draft:Eric Faber

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Eric Faber is an executive in the American wine industry who currently serves as the President and COO of Cutting Edge Selections, an Ohio-based wine distributor and importer[1]. Before joining Cutting Edge, Faber worked at various restaurants in the Midwest as a sommelier and wine director. In his role at Cutting Edge, Faber has been quoted by multiple news sources in both the mainstream and industry-specific media around issues including tariffs, Covid-19 relief, and changes in the beverage wholesale industry.

Early sommelier career

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Faber began his career working as a sommelier at La Poste Eatery in Cincinnati's historic Gaslight District, earning acclaim for his work prior to moving to Chicago to pursue new opportunites[2]. After working as a wine director and sommelier in Chicago, Faber returned to Cincinnati and earned the Advanced Sommelier Diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2014[3].

Cutting Edge Selections

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Following a return to Cincinnati in 2014, Faber transitioned to the distribution side of the industry to work with his mentor, Cutting Edge Selections founder Mark Maher, Following Maher's passing in early 2016, Faber was promoted to General Manager. In 2020, he was named President and COO of the company[4] [5].

Tariffs and public activity

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2020 Tariffs and Covid Relief

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Following the announcement of proposed tariffs on wine and other European goods as a response the trade disputes surrounding Boeing and Airbus as well as the French digital services tax Faber became one of the wine industries vocal leaders. He was quoted in several national and trade publications, including the Wall Street Journal and Wine Enthusiast, discussing the potential effects of the tariffs on American importers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and consumers[6][7][8].

Faber was also quoted on the need for additional relief for restaurants due to the economic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, and worked to bring awareness to members of Congress about the potential effects of the pandemic and the tariffs on the industry[9]. Faber was also involved in working with American wineries to increase their involvement over the tariff issues[10].

U.S. Trade Representative testimony and Lobbying

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In January 2020, Faber testified at the U.S. Trade Representatives Section 301 hearing, speaking on behalf of the wine industry and highlighting the potential effects that tariffs would have on American businesses[11] [12].

Later career and industry recognition

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WSWA 'Movers and Shakers' Award Recipient

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In 2023, Faber received recognition as one of the inaugural winners of the Wine and Spirits Wholesaler's of America 'Movers and Shakers' award for his work as one of the rising innovators and leaders in the wholesale tier[13][14].. Of the winners, Faber was the only one employed by a family-owned, boutique distributor and importer[15].

Continued Advocacy and Media Coverage

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Following threats in 2024 from President Donald Trump that European wines could be subject to a 200% tariff, Faber was a panelist during a U.S. Wine Trade Alliance Media roundtable on the potential effects the threatened levy would have on the domestic wine industry that was covered in multiple industry publications including the Wine Industry Advisor[16].

Shortly thereafter, Faber was quoted in a Wine-Searcher article discussing changes in the U.S. wine distribution industry, speaking to the philosophical differences between large and smaller distributors and implying that smaller distributors were better suited to navigate current industry challenges[17].

In March 2025, Faber was quoted in a Reuter's article concerning newly proposed tariffs on European wine and spirits where he commented on the potential effects such tariffs would have on restaurants, distributors, and consumers[18].

Family and Personal Life

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Faber is a descendent of Cincinnati industrialist, philanthropist[19] and Formica Corporation co-founder Herbert A. Faber[20] and is the grandson of Cincinnati builder and philanthropist[21][22][23] Stuart L. Faber.

He is a graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati.

References

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  1. ↑ "The Science of Food + Alcohol Pairings". Cincinnati CityBeat. 2012.
  2. ↑ "The Science of Food + Alcohol Pairings". Cincinnati CityBeat. 2012.
  3. ↑ Hamilton Cogill, Hayley (July 9, 2014). "New Advanced Sommeliers Announced". D Magazine.
  4. ↑ "Eric Faber - President / COO". Cutting Edge Selections. Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. ↑ Dash, Julekha (July 7, 2020). "Upcoming Tariffs Decision Looms Over Beleaguered Wine Industry". Wine Enthusiast.
  6. ↑ Dash, Julekha (July 7, 2020). "Upcoming Tariffs Decision Looms Over Beleaguered Wine Industry". Wine Enthusiast.
  7. ↑ "U.S. Wine Industry Remains 'Pawns' in Airbus Dispute". Wine Enthusiast. August 18, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Battered U.S. Wine Importers Brace for Higher Tariffs" (PDF). The Wall Street Journal. November 20, 2020.
  9. ↑ Kristen Swilley (2020). "Restaurateurs say Trump's proposed 100% wine tariff could hobble entire industry". WCPO.
  10. ↑ Kelley, Tracey L. (August 25, 2020). "Understanding the Domino Effect of the European Wine Tariffs". The Grapevine Magazine.
  11. ↑ "Section 301 Hearing Panel Schedule — January 7, 2020" (PDF). Office of the United States Trade Representative. January 7, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Section 301 Investigation Hearing Transcript" (PDF). Office of the United States Trade Representative.
  13. ↑ "WSWA Announces 2023 Wholesaler Movers & Shakers to be Celebrated at Access LIVE". Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. March 30, 2023.
  14. ↑ "WSWA Announces 2023 Wholesaler Movers & Shakers to be Celebrated at Access LIVE". Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. March 30, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Eric Faber - President / COO". Cutting Edge Selections. Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. ↑ "U.S. Wine Trade Alliance Media Roundtable: The Trouble with Tariffs". Wine Industry Advisor. October 25, 2024.
  17. ↑ Gray, W. Blake (October 25, 2024). "Biggest US Wine Distributor Slashes Staff". Wine-Searcher.
  18. ↑ "Trump threatens 200% wine tariff if EU does not remove whiskey tariff". Reuters. March 13, 2025.
  19. ↑ Gall, Irma (Winter 2009). "Remembering the work of Stuart Faber" (PDF). Appalachian Center Newsletter. Berea College.
  20. ↑ "Formica Collection". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. ↑ Obermiller, Phillip J. "Stuart Faber" (PDF). Urban Appalachian Council Research Newsletter. 3 (1).
  22. ↑ Gall, Irma (Winter 2009). "Remembering the work of Stuart Faber" (PDF). Appalachian Center Newsletter. Berea College.
  23. ↑ "Community Service, Not Philanthropy". American Association of University Professors. 2009.