GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, December 23, 2025—Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) today announced the retirement of Taylor Sommer, Chief Sales and Execution Officer, effective January 1. Randy Hecklinski, RNDC’s Southeast Region President, has been named Chief Sales and Execution Officer, effective January 1.
Taylor’s decision to retire marks the close of a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years of leadership and service within RNDC and the beverage alcohol industry. Taylor joined the industry in 1997 with E. & J. Gallo Winery and began his RNDC career in 2000 as an On-Premise District Manager in Austin, Texas. Over the years, he has held various leadership roles across nearly every aspect of RNDC’s sales organization.
“Taylor has been a steady, trusted leader at RNDC for more than two decades,” said Marc Sachs, President and CEO, RNDC. “His commitment to strong execution for our suppliers and customers, coupled with an unwavering focus on his team’s success, have left a lasting impact on our organization. We are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and significant contributions and wish him well in retirement.”
Beyond the business, Taylor has remained deeply committed to community involvement, supporting organizations such as the Colorado Restaurant Association, The University of the Incarnate Word, Hill Country Food & Wine Festival, Culinaria Festival, and the San Antonio Rodeo Wine Tasting, with a particular focus on education and scholarships.
“RNDC has been more than a career for me — it’s been a place where I’ve grown, learned, and built lifelong relationships,” said Taylor Sommer. “I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve worked alongside and the trust placed in me over the years. As I step into this next chapter, I do so with deep appreciation for the journey and pride in what we’ve accomplished together.”
Sachs continued, “Randy brings deep operational knowledge and a strong track record of execution to the role. Since joining RNDC in 2019, he has established himself as a respected leader, known for his disciplined approach, collaborative leadership style, and focus on delivering results while supporting teams and partners. We look forward to leveraging his experience and steady leadership which will help ensure continuity in the role as RNDC moves forward.”
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About Republic National Distributing Company
As a leading national beverage distributor in wine and spirits, RNDC has established its reputation by bringing the industry’s brightest talent together, consistently igniting opportunities for our suppliers, customers, and associates. Our expansive national reach empowers suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers, elevating their brands and connecting them with their target consumers. Operating in the District of Columbia and 38 states across the United States, we are committed to being the most valuable partner to all we serve.
With roots extending before Prohibition and a footprint spanning from local to national, digital to DTC, we are ushering in a new era of wine and spirits distribution within the three-tier system. At RNDC, we work in that rare space where commitment to craft meets unrelenting quality. Fueled by passion, we are raising the bar for beverage alcohol distribution—elevating spirits and sales across our value chain.
To learn more, visit www.rndc-usa.com or contact Kanchan Kinkade, Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Kanchan.Achar@rndc-usa.com.