About.
Since our inception, Maikai Ventures has been totally focused on building a strategic, quality products & venues.
Steve Walker
Founder & CEO
Steve Walker serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of 1858 Caesar Bar, bringing with him a wealth of experience garnered from owning and operating various businesses across multiple industries. Prior to establishing 1858 Caesar Bar, Walker co-founded Walkers OneShot Inc. alongside his wife. It was through Walkers OneShot Inc. that the foundation for the success of 1858 Caesar Bar was laid, with their innovative 'OneShot' technology ensuring consistency in every Caesar cocktail.
Drawing from his firsthand involvement in the success of Walkers OneShot, Walker ventured into the creation of 1858 Caesar Bar. In his role as CEO, he holds executive responsibility for overseeing all franchise and distribution agreements, ensuring the brand's growth and sustainability.
Beyond his business acumen, Walker is also a self-taught marketing and graphic design enthusiast. His creative vision has been instrumental in shaping the corporate identity of 1858 Caesar Bar, from logo design to web development and promotional materials. Through his expertise, the brand maintains its position at the forefront of contemporary design and strategic direction.
Despite not initially obtaining a high school diploma, Walker's determination led him back to night school, where he earned his diploma at the age of 24. A humorous twist to his educational journey was encountering a former high school acquaintance who happened to be his teacher. Walker attributes much of his learning to real-life experiences, referring to his career as a product of the "School of Hard Knocks." His extensive background in customer service, company ownership, and management equips him with the ability to adeptly navigate various business environments.
Vanessa Walker
Co-Founder - COO
Vanessa Walker assumes the role of COO and Co-Founder at 1858 Caesar Bar, while also serving as the Administrative Assistant to CEO Steve Walker.
In her capacity, Walker spearheads various promotional events for the company and oversees a spectrum of responsibilities ranging from full account management to coordinating with the daily operations team across corporate stores. She manages all office functions including HR, Accounting, and Management Teams, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations through her meticulous attention to detail.
Before co-founding 1858 Caesar Bar alongside her husband, Vanessa was also a Co-Founder of Walkers Oneshot Inc., the precursor to 1858 Caesar Bar. Her primary focus was on crafting recipes and sourcing top-tier ingredients for the Caesar Elixir, which served as the cornerstone for the success of 1858 Caesar Bar. Emphasizing the use of premium ingredients to maintain consistency in the Elixir was paramount to their success. Following a year of intensive research, development, and product testing driven by customer feedback, she and her husband commenced mass production of Walkers Oneshot for wholesale distribution.
Walker pursued her education at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.
Tim VanDolder
VP of Business Development
Tim VanDolder assumes the role of Vice President of Business Development at 1858 Caesar Bar, where he is tasked with overseeing and directing all corporate sales endeavors. His duties encompass a broad spectrum, including fostering customer account relationships, recruiting and managing sales teams, and formulating and executing sales strategies at local, regional, and national levels.
Before joining 1858 Caesar Bar, Tim played a pivotal role in the partnership and leadership development of VanDolder’s Custom Exteriors, Collingwood Location, where he dedicated 21 years of his career. His contributions were integral to establishing robust infrastructure, engineering design, leadership cultivation, product awareness, and sales expansion across Ontario.
Tim holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, which he earned from Broward Community College and Old Dominion University.