With such a broad occupational history, when questioned how he ended up at Smoky Hill assisting with the winemaking processes and working under the direction of the late founder, Steve Jennings, he replies simply, "Because Steve asked if I would."  Steve and Brett met over six years ago while Steve was hitting the highways, developing a distribution network with wine retailers, and Brett was operating his liquor store.

Brett has certainly come up through the ranks in the past several years.  Brett worked most closely with Steve in the vineyard, in the wine lab and in the winery, prior to Norm's arrival.  Brett has been the silent go-to guy for just about anything on the grounds at Smoky Hill. While he likes the newcomer to believe he is somewhat gruff and cranky, he actually has a great sense of humor. Rumor has it he writes poetry in his spare time.  Brett is single.

His hobbies include coin collecting, and he has collected several prestigious autographs, including "Fast Eddie" Felsen, former Sen. Robert Dole, former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater, Buck O'Neal, a ballplayer known for his years with Satchel Paige, former President Jimmy Carter and that of his mother, Lillian Carter. He has the autographs of Stan Musial, Pete Rose and Nolan Ryan. Celebrities he has seen in person include Jodie Foster, Madelyn Kahn and Chris Connelly. Brett holds inauguration invitations to JFK and Clinton inauguration festivities. His favorite famous encounter was meeting and shaking hands with former President Ronald Reagan.

Brett has also seen Former Presidents Gerald Ford and George HW Bush in person. Actor Ryan O'Neal signed a $20 bill Brett's family provided in the film "Paper Moon" when portions were filmed in Wilson. The autograph is signed on the bill near "Happy Birthday, Addy" which was part of the scam little Oscar Winner Tatum O'Neal used in the famous scene from the movie. Most recently, Brett met and visited with Global Flyer pilot Steve Fossett and financier and owner of Virgin Airlines, Sir Richard Branson. Of the most unique things Brett owns is a section of the original floor of Allen Field House, including a section of famous Jayhawk crimson from the "paint".

Spaghetti Red is Brett's favorite Smoky Hill Wine, but says he doesn't mind a nice, cold beer every now and then.