DALLAS, TX – October 10, 2016 – Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest premium wine and spirits distributor, has announced the hiring of Drew Hendricks as Director of Business Development for RNDC Texas. In his role, Hendricks will have responsibility for coordinating and executing RNDC fine wine initiatives. He will report directly to Leon Cikota, Vice President, Fine Wine and On-Premise Sales.
Hendricks is one of fewer than 250 individuals in the world to hold the title of Master Sommelier. Prior to joining RNDC, Hendricks was Vice President of Vintage Marketing for Standard Beverage Company in Kansas. His efforts at Standard helped the company add to their fine wine portfolio and vastly improved service and education around the state. Prior to that, he served as VP of Sales and Marketing for Rudd Oakville Estate and Distillery No. 209 Gin, and as Corporate Director of Wine for Pappas Restaurants where he oversaw wine and education in more than 80 restaurants in five states.
In 2005, Hendricks partnered with fellow Master Sommelier James Tidwell to create TEXSOM, one of the nation’s premiere professional beverage education events. Hendricks is also co-owner of the TEXSOM International Wine Awards, formerly the Dallas Morning News and TEXSOM Wine Competition, one of the largest and most recognized wine competitions in the country.
Prior to finding his path in the wine business, Hendricks served in the United States Army and put himself through culinary school at the end of his tour. Both experiences helped form his passion for wine and food, and helped form a foundational belief in the need for discipline and excellence in wine education and service.
Hendricks began his new position on September 15, and is based out of RNDC’s office in Grand Prairie, Texas.
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