Skaggs celebrates 30 years as beer and wine importer

April 07--G.K. Skaggs is the company behind the bottles of beers and spirits carried in Trader Joe's, Ralphs, Pavillions and more.

"There's a real attachment among U.S. consumers to try something new and different," said company president Gregory Skaggs who started the spirits importing business 30 years ago in Florida before moving it to Irvine in 1988.

The company has plans this year to introduce a hard lemonade called "Block Party," a sangria called "Sangria Superior" and a Prosecco called "Monre." In addition to importing beer and wine selling it to retailers and wholesale distributors, the company -- which does business in 46 states -- sells its own brands and designs its own labels in house.

Skaggs sat down with the Register to talk shop:

Q. California isn't always lauded as business friendly. You moved here from Florida 26 years ago -- how has it been for you?

A. I think there are a lot of people who have an issue with how the budget is managed in the state of California and whether businesses should be taxed at the rates that they are. But we have a stake in California, always have had a stake in California, our roots are here. I'm not planning to leave, and the fact is we do a lot of business outside of California, so that helps mitigate the risk of only doing business in California.

Q. This industry probably isn't an easy one to get into or sustain, so what's the secret for 30 years?

A. Perseverance, without doubt. Never giving up, you have to just make your way, make room for a new start-up company and just be persistent in your efforts and that's what we've done over the years. We entered the industry at a time of great growth and interest in imports in both the beer and wine side.

Q. What the advantage of being in Irvine?

A. Irvine is an important location because of its proximity. We've got a great airport and great service to and from the airport. Our travel domestically, and some international travel, starts and finishes at John Wayne, which is a real advantage. We're also in fairly close proximity from the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, so we're a 35-minute drive from there. It's nice to have an office in a location like Irvine because we don't have to be next to the port necessarily in order to do business there. Our associates here in the company and our employees have a better work environment in Irvine. They want to work and live in this area. I think it's a huge magnet for a lot of people.

-- Kimberly Pierceall

On the move

Trenton S. Ulicny has joined the Santa Ana office of Nutrition Zone as president of the chain of nutritional supplement stores. He previously served as president and chief executive of Robert Comstock Clothing and co-founded TY KU Premium Sake & Spirits.

Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, an Irvine employee-benefits consulting and brokerage firm, added Tina Brink as vice president at the company's Sacramento office. Brink was previously a senior account executive at Edgewood Partners Insurance Center.

Laura Perdew has joined the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce as director of communications and events. She was previously communications and public affairs writer at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Mayra Hurtado is now sales manager at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Buena Park. The Cal State Fullerton graduate previously worked at Visit Buena Park as a sales and marketing assistant.

New ventures

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