Blake grew up in a small town outside of Chicago. He attended Northern Illinois University before making the move to Tucson and transferring to the University of Arizona in 1988. Blake spent 16 years in the wonderful world of Food and Beverage, including directing the Food and Beverage divisions of two 4 Diamond resorts, one of which, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, was awarded the number 1 small resort in North America by Conde Naste Travelers Magazine. He also had a partnership in a very successful Tucson restaurant. Over the years he developed a taste and passion for fine wine, which eventually led to a career move, when he went to work for a national wine and sprits distributor. Today, Blake manages the Southwestern region for Crew Wine Company and resides in Oro Valley Arizona, just outside of Tucson. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his beautiful daughters, Casey and Hunter, as well as cycling, hiking, and an occasional game of basketball at the park.