General Distributors Inc. Announces Organizational Changes

July 23, 2015 – Oregon City, OR – Local, family-owned General Distributors, Inc. (GDI) today announced structural changes that will position the company for future growth and success. Effective August 3, General Distributors, Inc. (GDI) will launch a Craft & Specialty Team that will cover the 11 counties that GDI services. Bob Repp has accepted the position of VP Craft & Specialty reporting to Tiny Irwin, General Manager. In addition, Douglas Remington joined GDI as the Craft & Specialty Sales Manager reporting to Bob Repp.

Bob Repp joins GDI from Green Flash Brewing Co where he is currently NW Regional Sales Manager. “I’m excited that Bob has decided to join the GDI Team in this critical role” says Tiny Irwin. “Within the Craft and Specialty world, Bob will be responsible for all aspects of the GDI Craft & Specialty business from creating the GDI corporate strategy, working closely with our suppliers to establish clear standards and expectations, strengthening our current brewery relationships and creating relationships with potential future partners.”

“I’m extremely humbled and excited to begin this new chapter with GDI in my career” says Repp. “I look forward to cultivating an even more robust craft culture at GDI where we will increase distribution and sales for our current brewery partners as well as attract new breweries entering the market.” “Every day will be a new learning experience for me, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead of us in this journey.”

Prior to Green Flash, Bob spent 12 years on the distributor side starting in on/off premise sales at Morgan Distributing to Specialty Retail Account Manager at Columbia Distributing.

Douglas Remington joins GDI from Mainbrew/ABV where he was the Beverage Director and Fermentation Supplies Manager for the past 23 years. “Douglas brings a level of brewing and cider expertise to GDI that will set us apart from competition” states Tiny. In this newly created position Douglas will be responsible for building relationships with GDI on and off premise craft-centric accounts, educating the GDI sales force on product attributes and providing support to the rest of the GDI sales force. “In addition to his years as a Beverage Director, Douglas is highly respected throughout the state of Oregon as a brewer, cider and wine maker” states Tiny.

About General Distributors, Inc.:
GDI is a premier beverage distributor in the Portland Metro market that services 11 counties from Salem to Hood River. The company was founded as “Fick Cigar Co” by Charles A. Fick, Sr. and his brother George Fick, Sr. in 1933. During Prohibition they distributed candy, cigarettes and cigars. After Prohibition’s repeal they began selling the Olympia beer brand and expanded their portfolio exponentially as the years progressed.  The current warehouse and headquarters are located in Oregon City, OR where they employ over 140 people. Their current portfolio includes MillerCoors, Constellation, Mike’s Hard Lemonade in addition to a great variety of national and local craft breweries, cideries, wineries and non-alcoholic beverages.