John Bernett Quam

John Bernett Quam

Chief Operations Officer

Strategic Operations

Executive Biography

John Quam is a globally experienced executive and strategist whose career spans the spirits industry, nuclear emergency operations, publishing, and ecological conservation. His diverse background brings unique perspectives to strategic operations and crisis management.

As Worldwide Director of Sales for Charles Jacquin et Cie., Inc., the oldest distillery in the United States, Quam played a vital role in taking Chambord Liqueur to international prominence. He later founded Sonitech NDT, a classified technology firm for non-destructive testing in the nuclear sector, earning a Q Clearance from the Department of Energy.

He simultaneously served as Civilian Commander of a DOE/NNSA Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), leading advanced field operations in radiological threat environments alongside agencies like the FBI and DOD. This role required exceptional leadership under pressure and coordination with multiple federal agencies.

After retiring from U.S. federal service, Quam moved to Costa Rica and became Editor-in-Chief of Howler Magazine, transforming the publication into a digital and print hub for Costa Rican culture, nature, and travel. His environmental advocacy led to the creation of the Bee Oasis Project, a partnership with SoulGives, which focuses on the conservation of native stingless bees and sustainable land use.

Across each chapter of his life, Quam has embodied adaptive leadership and mission-driven innovation, from defense tech to nature preservation. At Blue Line Holdings, he brings this unique blend of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and environmental consciousness to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Career Highlights

A distinguished career spanning multiple industries and leadership roles

Worldwide Director of Sales

Charles Jacquin et Cie., Inc.

Led Chambord Liqueur to international prominence at America's oldest distillery

Founder & CEO

Sonitech NDT

Founded classified technology firm for non-destructive testing in nuclear sector

Civilian Commander

DOE/NNSA Nuclear Emergency Support Team

Led advanced field operations in radiological threat environments

Editor-in-Chief

Howler Magazine

Transformed publication into digital and print hub for Costa Rican culture

Key Achievements

Exceptional leadership across diverse industries and challenging environments

Global Leadership

Worldwide Director of Sales for Charles Jacquin et Cie., Inc.

Security Clearance

Q Clearance from Department of Energy for classified technology

NEST Commander

Civilian Commander of DOE/NNSA Nuclear Emergency Support Team

Environmental Advocacy

Founded Bee Oasis Project for native stingless bee conservation

Core Expertise
Strategic Operations
International Sales
Nuclear Emergency Response
Publishing & Media
Environmental Conservation
Technology Development
Crisis Management
Cross-Cultural Leadership
Industry Experience
Spirits & Beverage Industry
Nuclear Technology
Defense & Security
Publishing & Media
Environmental Conservation
International Trade