California
Eric Dopkins
President, California
As President of Young’s California, Eric is responsible for all aspects of the Chain and General Market divisions. Eric is also responsible for Trade Development, Business Development, National Accounts and California Operations. Charged with delivering best in class performance and leading the organization in its evolution as a preeminent wine & spirits distributor, each function has evolved in 2011 and support our mission of being “Best in the West”,
Eric joined Young’s Market Company in May of 2010. Eric has over 20 years of spirit industry experience, most recently with Pernod Ricard, USA where he was Vice President and General Sales Manager of the Western US. Prior to Pernod Ricard, he held various sales and channel management roles with Diageo North America, prior to departing in 2007.
Office Location: Tustin
Greg Franklin
Senior Vice President & CIO
Greg is responsible for all Young’s Market Company & Affiliates communication and information systems. Greg is a 23 year veteran of the alcohol beverage industry, coming to Young’s from a successful career with another California distributor. Greg started on the ground floor as a computer operator and was steadily promoted to his last position of Director of Information Technology. During his tenure, he installed multiple systems ranging from departmental to enterprise-wide in scale, and brings expertise in programming, system assessment, system installations, communication systems and leadership in his field.
Office Location: Union City
Valerie Gart
Senior Vice President of Strategic Human Resources
Throughout her more than twenty year career, Val has been part of and led Human Resource groups at Fortune 100 organizations and middle-market businesses in manufacturing, sales and distribution, hi-tech manufacturing, and professional services. Her career experience was gained at Boeing, Epson America, Colgate Palmolive, National Starch & Chemical and BDO Seidman. Val’s generalist experience encompasses all facets of Human Resources management including: HR strategic planning; compensation and benefits; labor and employee relations; talent acquisition; HR information systems; safety; and organizational development and training. Val earned her Master and Bachelor degrees from Michigan State University in Labor Industrial Relations and Industrial Psychology respectively.
Office Location: Tustin
Jason Wooler
Senior Vice President General Market Northern CA
A California native, and a 16-year industry veteran, Jason’s first job in the industry was working for a major California wholesaler in Southern California. He then took a job working at Jim Beam Brands working in both the chains and broad market channels. In 2000 he went back to the wholesaler side as a Key Account Specialist working in the Beverly Hills and LA market, moving through their organization as Wine Manager and Division Manager. His last role, prior to joining Young’s Market Company, was General Manager. In January of 2010 Jason joined Young’s Market Company as the Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager for the General Market in Northern California. In this role he oversees the entire General Market in Northern California.
Office Location: Union City
Brian Keller
Senior Vice President, General Market Southern CA
In his role as Senior Vice President for Young’s Market Company, Brian is responsible for driving sales initiatives with our suppliers, customers and the sales organization throughout the Southern California General Market. Brian joined Young's Market Company in June of 2010 and has 16 years of beverage alcohol industry experience. Brian has broad experience, including sales, multi-cultural, key-accounts, division and sales management in both On and Off-Premise.
Office Location: Tustin
Hayden O’Shea
Senior Vice President The Estates Group
Hayden has over 15 years of alcohol beverage industry experience in both the distributor and supplier network, most recently as the Director of Sales for another wholesaler in California. He brings broad industry experience, a proven track record of success, and a real passion for the fine wine business.
Office Location: Union City
Dan Walker
Senior Vice President of Business Development
Dan has been the SVP of Business Development since April 2011. The team leads all sales analysis and reporting, delivers new systems and solutions to enhance front end sales support, leads pricing implementation and management of trade spends, and provides financial support to the sales teams. Additionally, Dan oversees Millennium Marketing, our new Strategic Retail payment, processing, and planning group. Dan started with Young’s in August 2010 as VP of Programming for Strategic Retail. Prior to joining Young’s Dan spent the previous 12 years in various roles with Diageo and The Seagram Company across finance, sales, and marketing in both domestic and international capacities. Dan holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta School of Business where he majored in Finance.
Office Location: Tustin
Eric Lake
Senior Vice President National Accounts On-Premise
Eric comes to YMCO with a successful 18 year career in the wine and spirits industry. He began his career working for the former Paddington Corporation as the Central Region National Accounts Manager. After eight years with Paddington / DIAGEO, Eric joined Southcorp Wines (Fosters) as Vice President National Accounts – On Premise. In 2002, he joined Nolet Spirits USA as Vice President ONP National Accounts, and most recently was the Division Vice President – Southern Region / ONP National Accounts.
Office Location: Tustin
Carl Carlson
Senior Vice President of Spirits and Other Fine Beverages for California
Carl is a 26 year industry veteran has been with the company since 1998, serving in various senior leadership roles. Currently Carl is the SVP of Spirits and selected beverages and is responsible to deliver the P&L objectives for our Spirits and selected beverage business in California.
He began his career in California with the E & J Gallo Winery in 1985, where he worked for 13 years in a variety of sales & management roles in the Western and Eastern U.S. on the supplier side, as well as, working inside independent distributors. He is a 1985 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Marketing, with a minor in Finance.
Office Location: Tustin
Nick Claitman
Vice President The Estates Group NoCal
Nick Claitman currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for the Estate Group Northern California. Nick took over the Estates Group early in 2010, prior to that Nick worked at another major wholesaler for 14 years. Nick oversees the fine wine division for Young’s Market in the general market, reporting directly to Hayden O’Shea. Prior to working in the distribution channel, Nick oversaw the beverage component and opened new locations for various restaurants. Nick graduated from Cal State Sacramento with a Bachelor Arts degree in Psychology.
Office Location: Union City
Donald Mackey
Senior Vice President of Wine
As Senior Vice President of Wine, Don oversees the financial and competitive aspects of our wine business in California, and assists the Arizona and Hawaii markets in achieving company directives. He began his career with E&J Gallo Sales Company in Northern California and then spent 10 years in the supplier network holding various management positions. Don made the change from supplier to wholesaler in 2006 when he took the Director of Marketing position at a major wholesaler in California. This position placed an emphasis on managing wine brand financials as well as ensuring strategic pricing across all channels of business.
He joined Young’s Market Company in 2010 as Vice President, Portfolio Management for the Estates Group Fine Wine division of Young’s Market Company. In September 2010, he was offered the position of Senior Vice President of Wines for California and moved to the corporate offices in Tustin, California.
Mr. Mackey obtained a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and a Minor in Business from Arizona State University.
Office Location: Tustin
Dan Grunbeck
Senior Vice President of Wine Strategy
Dan is a 20 year industry veteran with incomparable wine experience and expertise. Prior to joining Young’s, he has held a number of positions with prominent wineries and wine suppliers throughout his career, and most recently, serving as the Vice President / National Sales Manager Wines and Champagnes for Pernod Ricard.
Office Location: Tustin
Gino Margarino
Vice President The Estates Group SoCal
Currently Vice President of Sales for the Estate Group in Southern California. He has been an Employee for 11 years, helping to start and mold the Estates Group since the beginning. Gino is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his B. S. in Hotel Administration from the Whitemore School of Business.
He has been in the wine business 25 years. Is also, a Certified Specialist of Wine.
Office Location: Los Angeles
Jon Scriven
Senior Vice President National Strategic Retail
Jon has been working in the Wine and Spirits Industry since 1991, upon graduating from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Throughout his career his has held several key positions within the Wholesaler and Supplier community, including, Lovotti Brothers, Trinchero Family Estates, R. H. Phillips Winery. In 2006 Jon started his career with Young’s Market Company at the Vice President of Southern California Chains, responsible for both Headquarter and Field planning & execution. In his role today Jon is leading the Young’s Market Company California Strategic Retail Team, as well as working with Sr. Leadership team of the organization.
Office Location: Tustin
Marc Mueller
Senior Vice President of Trade Marketing
As VP of Trade Development, Marc is accountable for trade activation including the linkage to on and off premise promotion s with the Greenhouse Agency and with our social media partner, Crowdstir. Marc works with our sales organization and suppliers to ensure these critical capabilities are properly connected to “win at retail”. In addition, Marc is responsible for the Young’s Market Company graphics department, venue activation and supplier trade initiatives.
Marc joined Young’s Market Company in 2011 bringing 17 years of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry. Marc earned his B.A. in marketing from Loyola Marymount University.
Office Location: Tustin
Chris Candelario
Branch Manager, Santa Rosa
Chris has been in the Alcohol Beverage industry for 6 years prior to joining Young’s Market Company in 2010. Chris graduated from San Diego State University with a Business degree in Finance.
Office Location: Santa Rosa
Robert Foss
Vice President Business Development
As Vice President of Business Development, Rob is developing or improving sales systems by working closely with sales and providing a needed link with IT. Rob has brought social media to YMCO with an official Facebook, Linked In and You Tube Channel. He also was the lead for the recent Website upgrade.
Rob has been with Young’s Market Company for over 14 years and has held management positions in each channel of business. This flexibility gives him the knowledge, and experience to help the sales and IT develop tools and processes that are current and relevant.
Office Location: Union City
Rick Kuri
Vice President Stratic Retail Headquaters SoCal
As a 17 year industry veteran, Rick’s career has focused on sales, marketing, merchandising and category management. After eight years in the Retail Grocery Industry, Rick joined Canandaigua Brands in 1994 as a Sales Merchandiser in San Diego. In 1996 Rick was hired by Southern Wine & Spirits, working in various roles including Chain District Manager and category management. He was recruited by YMCO in 2001 as an Account Executive in the Chain Division and in 2005 Rick was promoted to Director of Sales where he managed HQ teams for Ralphs, F4L, Albertsons and CVS. In his current position as Vice President of Southern California Chains, Rick manages all aspects of SC Chains and Drug Channel business within our Strategic Retail Division. Rick has proven himself as a leader with his dedicated work ethic and commitment in serving our suppliers and customers at the highest level.
Office Location: Tustin
Louis Balducci
Branch Manager, LA / OC Off Premise
Louis joined Young’s Market Company in July of 2010. He brings 15 years of industry experience, covering On and Off Premise roles as well as the chain Account Executive role.
Office Location: Tustin
Robert Cernius
Vice President Sales Manager Off-Premise SoCal
Robert has worked in the Off Premise for 20 years at Young’s Market Company. In his capacity as the Off Premise Channel Vice President, Robert oversees the planning, programming and supplier goals for the Off-Premise Channel in Southern California. Robert is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.
Office Location: Tustin
Andrea Pridam
Vice President of Corporate Systems
Andrea is responsible for Sales Analysis and Reporting, including internal depletions, accounts sold, and profitability data, as well as external data such as AC Nielsen, TD Linx, and Adam’s Reports. In addition to working with the California Executive Management team to develop data insight tools, Andrea also collaborates across states to work toward consistent reporting for all YMC markets. Andrea is also a part of many project based initiatives, such as Corporate Presentations, budgeting, and RFP preparation.
Andrea holds a BA in International Business from California State University, Fullerton, as well as an MBA from Concordia University.
Office Location: Tustin
Lance Curtin
Branch Manager, Inland Empire
Lance is a 20 year veteran in the alcohol beverage industry. He joined Young’s in July of 2010, and was most recently he was Director of Hotels and Resorts for another California distributor.
Office Location: Tustin
Art Danner
Vice President Sales Manager On-Premise NoCal
Art Danner currently is the VP for the On Premise Business in Northern California covering 6 branches and 12 On Premise teams. Art joined Young's Market Company in 2010. As an industry veteran Art has managed portfolios and Branches, and has worked both the supplier side and the wholesaler side. Art has been in the Wine and Spirits industry for 21 years since graduating from UC Davis in 1990 with a BA in Political Science and Economics. Art reports directly into SVP of Northern California Jason Wooler.
Office Location: Union City
Peter Fons
Branch Manager, Central Coast
Peter joined Young’s Market Company in July 2010 and brings 27 years of beverage industry experience, including as San Diego Branch Manager. Most recently Peter lived in New Zealand for 6 years, working for Foster’s in various management roles.
Office Location: Ventura
Brett Graves
Vice President Pricing
As Vice President of Pricing Support, Brett oversees all aspects of pricing and item maintenance functions in the three Young’s Southwest States of California, Hawaii and Arizona. Prior to joining Young’s Market Company in 1997, Brett held several positions within the Sales and Marketing segments of Diageo North America based in California. With over 30 years experience within the beverage alcohol industry Brett has a well rounded knowledge of the industry.
Office Location: Tustin
Jacob Forsberg
Vice President Costco Corporate
Jacob Forsberg is the Vice President for the Club Division of Young’s Market Co in California. In this role he is responsible for Young’s Market’s business at Costco in their California, Hawaii and Arizona regions, as well as leading and coordinating the National Network call on Costco. Pryor to joining Young’s Market Company Jacob had worked for Gallo and Moet Hennessy USA. Jacob sits on the board for the City of Hope, and is a committee member for the Christermon Scholarship Foundation Jacob has his Bachelor of Science degree from the California State University, Sacramento
Office Location: Union City
Matt Hagel
Vice President National Stratgic Retail
Coming Soon
Office Location: Union City
Geoff Labitzke
Vice President of Fine Wine
As Corporate Vice President of Fine Wine, Geoff works closely with the Company’s network of sales management in every market. He is an industry connoisseur of 18 years with a wealth of experience across all three tiers of the beverage alcohol business. Since joining Young’s Market Company in 2000, he has restructured the Company’s direct Bordeaux business, grown overall import volume within the Estates Group and mentored numerous Company employees through the Certification of Wine Specialist program.
Geoff is one of the elite 24 American Masters of Wine.
Office Location: San Francisco
Ted Galustian
Vice President Safeway Corporate
Ted has worked in the liquor industry for over seventeen years. His experiences, prior to YMCo, include working grocery retail (during college), Sales Rep at Heublein Wines, and Chain Headquarter Manager at Pyramid Brewing. He has been with YMCo since the year 2000, where he has ascended up the ranks and currently holds the position of Vice President. He is the main point of contact, for Safeway Corporate, for all states YMCo does business: California, Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Montana. Ted earned his Bachelor degree from San Jose State in International Business.
Office Location: Union City
Dermot Whelan
Branch Manager, Union City
Dermot graduated from Terenure College, Dublin, Ireland in 1984. He has been in the industry for 15 years and graduated level 1 Court of Sommeliers in 2005. Prior to YMCO Dermot worked 4 years with Constellation, 2 with Cruzan Rum, 6 with Beringer Wine Estates, and 3 years as at another distributor.
Office Location: Union City
Gaetan Ingrassia
Vice President Sales Manager Off-Premise NoCal
Spanning over 20 years in the wine and liquor industry where he has worked in all department of Sales: Chain, Off premise, and On premise. Initially worked for Gallo Wine Company where he was involved in college recruiting, sales, and training. He has worked for YMCO for over 17 years in different roles encompassing the entire state of California. Gaetan earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California Polytechnic – San Luis Obispo.
Office Location: Union City
Mike Massery
Branch Manager, San Diego
Mike joined Young’s Market Company in May of 2010. He has a background in retail management and spent 29 years in beverage distribution in a number of key management positions including San Diego Branch Manager.
Office Location: San Diego
Todd Mihaly
Branch Manager, Fresno
Todd has over 22 years of industry experience and has spent his last 19 years with Young’s Market Company in numerous positions including Wine Specialist, Team Wine Manager, On Premise Division Manager, and Director of Sales for the Central Valley. Todd earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Office Location: Fresno
Joe Petraglia
Branch Manager, San Francisco
Joe has over 24 years of industry experience and has spent his last 20 years with Young’s Market Company in several key positions, including SVP General Market North, Vice President Sales Manager On Premise and Vice President Sales Manager for The Estates Group in Northern California.
Office Location: San Francisco
Michael Simpkins
Branch Manager, Sacramento
Mike joined Young’s Market Company in August, 2010. He brings over 22 years of industry experience where he held various key management positions including Division Manager, VP of Constellation, and VP of Pernod Ricard divisions. Mike is a former United States Marine who was honored with many awards during his years serving our country.
Office Location: West Sacramento
Michael Shepard
Vice President Sales Manager On-Premise SoCal
Michael has over 18 years of beverage industry experience and has spent his last 13 years with Young’s Market Company. He has worked his way through the Sales ranks, holding positions as a Sales Representative, Division Manager, and Vice President Sales Manager for On Premise in Northern California.
Office Location: Tustin
Aaron Sullivan
Vice President of Merchandising
Aaron began his career with Young Market Company in September 1999. He has worked his way through the merchandising division, beginning as a sales representative and then through various management roles leading to Director of Sales Merchandising Southern California. He then went on to becoming Account Executive, calling on the strategic retail accounts at the head quarter level. In his current role as Vice President of Merchandising California, Aaron oversees all aspects of Strategic Retail Merchandising. He is a graduate of the California State University, Fullerton where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication.
Office Location: Tustin
Michael Tipton
Branch Manager, LA On premise
Michael has been with Young’s Market Company for 12 years, working his way up through the sales ranks, holding positions as a Salesman, Key Account Rep and Division Manager prior to his promotion to Branch Manager. Michael is a graduate of Fresno State University with a BS in Construction Management.
Office Location: Los Angeles
Gene Tuey
Branch Manager, OC On premise
Gene joined Young’s Market Company in July of 2010, and brings 30 years of industry experience. Gene has worked in all aspects of sales, including as a salesman, wine manager, key acct and most recently Division Manager. Gene is also a Certified Specialist of Wine.
Office Location: Tustin
Bonner Paddock
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnership Activation
In his role as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnership Activation, Bonner oversees key strategic relationships across all facets including branding, sponsorship, media, activation and marketing platforms for Young’s Market Company. Prior to joining Young’s Market in 2010, Bonner served with the Anaheim Ducks/Honda Center and was Director of SMG agency. Bonner holds a B.A. from San Diego State University in Business Management. Bonner also is founder of OM foundation, a non-profit he started to build centers for disabled children in Africa and US.
http://www.1man1mission.org/
Office Location: Tustin
Melinda Nightengale
Director of Millennium Marketing
As Director of Millennium Marketing, Melinda is responsible for the day to day operations of Millennium Marketing. This includes overseeing the payments, processing and planning of the Strategic Retail Division and leading the future strategic direction of the group. Prior to joining the Young’s Market Company team, Melinda worked in the Hospitality and Retail industries for 14 years, including 4 years in the US Navy. As a past President and current Associate Vice President of the Christermon Foundation, a non-profit organization of the Beverage Alcohol Industry which supports charities and a scholarship program, Melinda is a liaison in demonstrating and promoting a positive image for our industry within the community.
Office Location: Tustin
Dan Hoban
Vice President of Wine, Northern California
As Vice President of Wine, Northern California, Dan manages the Young's Market Company supplier network and establishes pricing, programming and sales direction. Dan joined Young's Market Company in October of 2010 bringing 13 years of experience in wine sales. Throughout that time he developed vast industry knowledge while working in sales and leadership positions at Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines/Diageo, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Pernod Ricard USA. Dan has earned his bachelor degree at San Francisco State in Hospitality Management and The Court of Master Sommeliers level one certificate.
Office Location: Union City
