Frey Ranch Distillery has announced a major expansion of its commercial team with three strategic new hires as the Nevada-based farm-to-glass whiskey producer looks to increase its national footprint.
The distillery has appointed Rick Monkarsh, a 19-year Campari Group veteran, as Vice President of National Sales. Alongside Monkarsh, the distillery has appointed Chris Helmly as East Regional Sales Director, and Mick Roberts as Central Regional Sales Director.
“Through their collective relationships, vast experience, and leadership skills, Rick, Mick, and Chris bring a wealth of knowledge in navigating an increasingly competitive on-and off-trade landscape,” said Colby Frey, Co-Founder and Whiskey Farmer at Frey Ranch Distillery.
Frey Ranch’s Regional Leadership Expansion
The three new appointments have years of combined experience in the wine and spirits sector. Chris Helmly joins from Virginia Distilling Company and previously held positions at Barrell Craft Spirits and WhistlePig Whiskey. Mick Roberts joins Frey Ranch from Gerard Bertrand Wines, Inc.
Rick Monkarsh hails from Campari, where he spent almost two decades moving up the ranks from Director of Sales to General Sales Manager for National & Regional Accounts. In this role, he increased share of total Campari America revenues from 16% to 25%. In his new role, Monkarsh will lead the company’s commercial strategy and execution across the United States.
Helmly will manage commercial operations in key East Coast markets including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Indiana. During his most recent role at Virginia Distilling Company, he achieved 300% growth in case depletions.
Mick Roberts will focus on establishing Frey Ranch’s presence in Texas, Illinois, and Colorado. His previous position at Gerard Bertrand Wines as Vice President of Sales saw him drive short and long-term profit goals for the company’s portfolio of French wines.
Strategic Market Focus
The new team will focus on expanding Frey Ranch’s presence beyond its current priority markets, which include California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Florida.
Additionally, Susan Hwang, who has served as Frey Ranch’s Commercial Director for three years, will transition to the role of Commercial Director for National Accounts and Control States. She will manage relationships with strategic retail partners and control state markets including Oregon, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia.
Frey Ranch is one of the few American whiskey producers that controls the entire production process from growing the grain to bottling the finished product. The Frey family has farmed in Nevada for generations with a sustainable approach summarized in their motto: “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.”
Read the full article at Frey Ranch Distillery Expands U.S. Sales Team with Strategic New Hires
