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121 Years of Experience and Tradition

 

Young's Market Company is family owned and operated.  The Underwood family have dedicated their lives to this industry and are committed to the company, our supplier partners and our customers.  The Underwoods have helped shape the landscape of the beverage alcohol industry by operating with the utmost integrity and highest standards.

 

 

 

Vern Underwood

Chairman of the Board

 

Vern Underwood has spent his entire career at Young's Market Company, working in virtually every capacity over the years. Together with his sister, Janet, Vern is co-owner of the Company.  As Chairman of the Board and CEO of Young's Holdings, Vern oversees the Company's operations and assets in the Western US states Young's operates.  In addition Vern is Co-Chairman and CEO of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Wilson Daniels Ltd., one of the nation's leading importers and  distributors of fine wines and spirits.  Vern is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Both Vern and Janet are generous supporters of local charitable causes including Hoag Memorial Hospital, Mission Children's Hospital of Orange County, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs, and Chapman University.

 

 

Janet Smith

Executive Vice-President and Secretary

 

Together, both Vern and Janet are the principle owners of Young's Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Young's Market Company, LLC and its affiliated companies.  Janet is a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice-President, and Secretary of the Company.  Janet plays a very significant role in defining the Company's long and short term strategies, goals, and the Company's corporate culture.  She has been exposed to and involved in the beverage alcohol distribution industry her entire adult life and the Board is the grateful beneficiary of her experience and insight.  Janet earned a B.S. in Business Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Janet is active in local charities, giving generously to Hoag Memorial Hospital, Mission Children's Hospital of Orange County, Chapman University, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters and many other worthy causes.

 

  

 

Jeff Underwood

CEO, Wilson Daniels Ltd. and Infinium Spirits

 

In addition to being the Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Daniels Ltd, Jeff is a member of the Board of Directors of Young's Holdings, Inc., the parent Company of Young's Market Company.  He has been an employee, officer and/or director of the Company or one or more of its affiliates for his entire adult life.  Wilson Daniels Ltd. is one of the preeminent U.S. importers, distributors and marketers of fine wines and spirits. The Wilson Daniels distribution network reaches all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and represents some of the most important wine and spirit properties in the world.  In his capacity as CEO of Wilson Daniels, Jeff oversees the day to day operations of the Company as well as defines the long and short term strategies of the Company.  Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and he is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Executive Management Program.

 

  

 

Chris Underwood

CEO, Young's Market Company

 

In addition to being the Chief Executive Officer of Young's Market Company; Chris is a member of the Board of Directors of Young's Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Young's Market Company. He has been an employee, officer and/or director of Young's Market Company for his entire adult life.  In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Young's Market Company, Chris oversees all facets of the Company's business operations in all markets which include California, Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.  He reports directly to Vern Underwood Chairman of Young's Holdings, Inc. Chris, like his brother Jeff, is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications.


  


George Smith

Director of ECOM/WEB

 

As Director of ECOM/WEB, George performs a multitude of functions which include the building of Rich Internet Applications that enable suppliers to get vital sales and depletion data by accessing the web and Digital Dashboards the enable the Young's Market sales force to access critical sales data via the internet.  George also designs and implements website improvements and upgrades that make the Company's website one of the most user-friendly sites in the beverage alcohol industry.  George joined Young's Market Company in 1990 and is a member of the Board of Directors of Young's Holdings, Inc.  George earned his B.A. in Art from Fort Lewis College.

 

 

 

Paul Vert

President & CEO of Young's Holdings

 

As President and CEO of Young's Holdings, Inc., Paul oversees the Company's substantial real property in the Western U.S., including California and Hawaii.  Paul reports directly to Vern Underwood, Chairman of Young's Holdings, Inc.  Paul joined Young's Market Company in 1990 as COO and was responsible for the implementation of the Company's California facility consolidation plan (Orange, CA Corporate Offices & Distribution Center in 1994 and the Morgan Hill, CA Distribution Center in 1998) and the centralization of functions (IT, Customer Service/Credit) to one location in Los Angeles.  Paul is a CPA and holds a B.S. in Commerce from Santa Clara University.  He is the Chairman of the Central City East Association, the principle advocate for the 1,600 businesses located on the East side of Downtown Los Angeles.

 

  

 

John Klein

President & COO, Young's Market Company

 

As President and COO of Young's Market Company, LLC, John Klein is responsible for overseeing Young's wine and spirit sales and distribution in all 10 Western states. Mr. Klein has been with Young's Market Company since 1996. He has held various senior level positions with the company in Sales and Marketing, and Operations. Prior to joining Young's Market Company he had also held senior level supplier positions that have included: Division Vice President West - Wm Grant & Sons, Inc. & Division Vice President - Heublein.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington Beer & Wine Wholesalers. He is also a past Chairman for Poncho, and currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors. Poncho is a non profit organization which provides support for the arts throughout the Northwest. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Stonybrook.

 

 

 

Don Robbins

Executive VP & General Counsel

 

In his role as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Don oversees all legal matters, including acquisitions, supplier agreements, litigation, regulatory compliance, labor relations and the legislative agenda for Young's Market Company and all affiliated companies.  Prior to joining Young's Market Company in 1999, Don served as President of Hollywood Park, Inc and was a partner in the Los Angeles law firm of Iverson, Yoakum, Papiano and Hatch where he performed a substantial amount of work on behalf of Young's Market Company.  Don holds a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  He is an active member of the State Bar of California and earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. 

 

  

 

Dennis Hamann

Executive VP & CFO

 

As Chief Financial Officer, Dennis oversees the finance, treasury, accounting and budgeting functions of Young's Holdings, Inc., Young's Market Company, and Wilson Daniels, Ltd.  Prior to joining Young's Market Company in 1990, Dennis worked for the Los Angeles office of Ernst & Young where be became a CPA in 1983.  At Ernest & Young, Dennis worked with many clients, including Paramount Pictures, HBO, American Stores and Young's Market Company.  Dennis earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Hofstra University and is an active member of the American Institute of CPA's and the California Society of CPA's. 

   

  

 

Bob Richardson

Executive VP of Operations CA

 

Bob is charged with ensuring that our distribution centers and delivery services provide excellent customer service and operate efficiently. He has a strong industrial engineering and systems development background that he uses to develop our distribution facilities, offices, and logistics systems to best support our sales efforts as well as the internal needs of our company. Before rejoining the company in 2007, Bob has managed and consulted for major companies in the Pharmaceutical, action sports, beverage, aerospace, and other industries for 25 years. Since 1990, Bob has led Young's physical and operating systems' development including the Orange, Morgan Hill, and Chino distribution centers, as well as our offices in Union City and our new Corporate Headquarters in Tustin.

 

 

 

Valerie Gart

Senior VP, 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.

 

  

 

Karen Eaton

Senior VP & CIO

 

As Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), Karen is responsible for leading and implementing the acquisition and deployment of information technology throughout the organization in support of sales and operational initiatives.  Since joining Young's Market Company 10 years ago, Karen has been involved in implementing state of the art mobile sales force, warehouse management, and executive sales reporting systems used throughout the company's network.  Prior to Young's, she worked as a principle consultant, implementing ERP systems in several major west coast wholesale wine and spirit distribution companies.  Karen holds a BS degree in Business Information Systems and an MBA in Marketing from California State University, Los Angeles.

 

  

 

George D. Szigeti

President, Better Brands-Hawaii

 

Mr. Szigeti has been with Young's Market Company, LLC, Better Brands since 1997 building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and the community. Prior to joining Young's Market Company, he has held positions as State Manager for E&J Gallo, Sales Manager for McKesson Wine Partners and VP Sales and Marketing for Better Brands.  Originally from Southern California, he obtained his BA through UCLA and has built his alcohol beverage career over the past 31 years.  During the past 26 years, Mr. Szigeti has resided in Hawaii.

- President of Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association

- Past President Hawaii Food Industry Association

- Board of Director Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

- Board of Director Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association

- Board of Director Hawaii FoodBank

 

 

 

Sheldon Alexander

General Manager, Young's Market Co. of Arizona

 

As General Manager of Young's Market Company Arizona, Sheldon Alexander is responsible  for overseeing all aspects of Young's sales and distribution as well as the day to day operations  in Arizona.  Sheldon has been with Young's Market Company since 1990 and has over 18 years of experience  in all aspects of the business. In his tenure with Young's, he has truly worked his  way through the organization, starting as a Sales Representative, and bringing his talent to various positions including VP of Premium Grocery & Specialty division Northern California,  Account Executive, and Director of Merchandising.

 

 

Daniel B. Levine

President/CEO, K&L Beverage Co. - Alaska

 

Dan has been President of K&L Distributors since 1991 and is also the managing partner of K&L Beverage Company, a partner in Young's Markets Northwest, and the sole owner of K&L Distributors.  Dan's role for Young's Market is to oversee Alaska wine and spirit operations and to advise on spirit and wine brokerage in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.  Dan started his career in banking with Citibank in New York City.  He has been active in the wine and spirits industry since 1980. He began his career as a salesperson in Anchorage, and went on to a variety of management positions in beer, wine and spirit sales.  Dan is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.

 

 

Jay Nelson

President, Young's Market Company of Oregon - Brokerage

 

As President of Young's Market Company of Oregon, Jay is responsible for managing sales, distribution, inventory and marketing for the many suppliers in a control state environment. As both the wholesaler and retailer, Oregon is one of eighteen control states with its unique challenges to bring distilled spirits to market. Jay has spent his 35 year career in the beverage alcohol industry and has been a leader in Oregon, working with state officials to improve the retail environment. Because of many of these regulatory improvements, Oregon has become a dynamic market, satisfying the needs of consumers, regulators and the distilled spirits industry.  Jay has been with Young's 9 years, and prior to that spent 26 Years as Independent Liquor Broker or in the Wine Wholesale business.  Jay serves as the Chairman, Broker Advisory Committee, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Portland State University.

 

 

Dave Engen

President, Wine Portfolio - Mountain States

 

As President of the Mountain States, Dave is responsible for Wine sales for the Young's Market Company Brokerage Division, and oversees the Young's Sales and Management team in the Brokerage States of Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.  In Utah and Wyoming he and his staff implement, develop, and promote Young's portfolios to the Liquor Control Boards and directly to the customers.  In Idaho and Montana, he and his staff represent and market for our suppliers to the independent network of distributors. Dave has been with Young's since 2004. Before joining Young's Market Company, he was president and co-partner of Western Edge Wine and Spirits, based in Park City, Utah and he held a wide variety of positions within the wine business, working as a Sales Representative for Wine Warehouse- Southern California, Hospitality/ Tours for Beringer Vineyards, apprentice at Langwerth von Simmern Winery in Germany, and in the family retail business at Rolf's Wine and Spirits, Newport Beach.  Dave holds a BA in English from University of Utah

 

  

 

Phillip Giordano

President, Spirits Portfolio - Mountain States

 

As President of the Mountain States Spirit Division, Phil is responsible for overseeing the Young's Sales and Management team in the Brokerage States of Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.  Phil and his associates work closely with the Liquor Control Boards ensuring that our supplier portfolio goals and objectives are achieved throughout the region.  Phil has been with Young's 17 years.  He began his career working as a Sales Representative for 10 years in Newport Beach, California.  In 1996 Phil left Young's to pursue his life long dream of running his own business and became a partner of Western Edge Wine and Spirits, an independent Wine and Spirit Brokerage in Utah and Idaho.  In 2004, Phil and his business partner sold their brokerage to Young's Market Company, and rejoined Young's in the newly formed Mountain States Division.  Phil holds a BS in Business Management from University of Redlands, California.

 

  

 

Dan Ewer

President Northwest, Young's Columbia Northwest

 

Dan is responsible for the Young's Columbia wine business in Washington and Oregon. He has been with Young's Columbia since 2001 and has been an integral part of the tremendous sales growth in the Northwest over the past 7 years.  Dan came to the wine business after spending 13 years with Johnson and Johnson where he held a multitude of positions across their consumer products companies. His last position was National Sales Manager of McNeil Consumer Products (Tylenol).  Dan holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington.

 

  

 

Chris Sarles

Executive Vice President of Sales, WA

 

As Executive Vice President of Sales for Young's Columbia of Washington, Chris is responsible for delivering sales results and executing supplier sales initiatives in the State of Washington while ensuring Young's delivers a high level of customer service.  In addition, Chris works closely with the Washington Beer and Wine Wholesaler Association to ensure that our company is represented at the Washington State Liquor Control Board and in the legislative process on issues facing the wine and spirits industry. Chris has been with Young's Columbia for 10 years and has held various positions in Oregon and Washington including sales, marketing, and business development as well as working on the successful integration of multiple acquisitions by the company in the Northwest. Prior to Young's Chris spent 10 years as President and a partner in Alehouse Distributing, a wholesaler specializing in fine wine and craft beer. Chris holds a BS in International Business Marketing from Oregon State University

 

 

Brian Young

President, Pacific Northwest Brokerage

 

As President of the Northwest's Spirits Division for Young's Market Company, Brian is responsible for overall daily operations and sales working closely with State Officers and Managers for Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah.  Brian has been in the Beverage Alcohol Industry for 28 years with K&L Distributor's/Young's Market. He worked 11 years in many capacities in K&L Distributor's beer and wine departments before moving to Levine & Sons, K&L Distributor's spirits division in 1991 as Off -Premise Sales Manager for the State of Washington.  He became General Manager for the State of Washington in 1992.  He has worked under the Young's Market Company name since 2005 when it changed from Levine & Sons, serving as President of the Washington Spirits Brokerage.

 

 

Andy Lytle

Executive VP, Young's Columbia Oregon

 

Andy is the Executive Vice President - Oregon for Young's Columbia. He is responsible for delivering the sales and execution of our supplier initiatives as well as providing world class customer service to our retail partners.  With 18 years experience in the alcohol industry Andy has spent the last 10 years as Vice President of Sales for Mt. Hood Beverage managing a beer, wine and non-alcohol portfolio of over $350 million in revenues. Prior to that he held  positions as National Sales Manager - Convenience for Coors Brewing Co in Golden, CO and also held of variety of sales and management roles with E&J Gallo Winery.  Andy is a passionate community leader who devotes much of his time working with children's charity organizations and is on the board of directors for the Children's Cancer Association.  Andy holds a business degree from the University of Arizona.

 

 

Don Grassi

EVP & General Manager, K&L Beverage Co.

 

Don has been in his role as  EVP and General Manager since 1993 and is responsible for managing the Alaska operation for K&L.  Don joined K&L Distributors as a Beer Sales Manager in 1991 in Anchorage, Alaska.  Prior to his tenure at Young's Market Company, Don held various positions within the industry.  He began his career in Chicago, Illinois with the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company in 1978.  After being promoted to District Manager, Don relocated to Missoula, Montana.  Departing Schlitz, Don started an 11 year career with G. Heileman Brewing Company that included several promotions and relocations to Arizona and then SeattleDon is a Michigan State graduate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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