Montanya Distillers, a craft rum distillery and Certified B Corporation based in Crested Butte, Colorado, names Rob Richardson as National Head of Sales for its rum portfolio. Rob joins Montanya with more than three decades of experience in the wholesale industry. For the past 22 years, he has worked at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), most recently serving as Vice President of Artisan Spirits Sales for Texas, and before that as Vice President of Spirits Sales in Colorado. Prior to joining RNDC, Richardson served as the GM/VP of Sales at Breakthru Beverage Group/Beverage Distributor Company.
“I have known Rob for more than ten years, since the early days of Montanya Distillers. He was one of the first industry insiders to take a chance on me. I have always been impressed by his quiet accomplishments, industry knowledge and character,” said Karen Hoskin, Montanya Distillers’ founder and owner. “I didn’t dare hope I could attract a candidate of Rob’s caliber, but I am known for aiming high and dreaming big. Rob reminds me of what is best about distributor partnerships when all the players are aligned toward the same goals.”
Initially, Richardson will focus on sales and distribution for Montanya’s home state of Colorado, as well as NY, NJ, TX and CA, and then he’ll help the company expand other key markets nationally.
“I have always had a place in my heart for Montanya, especially loving its creativity and proven track record for excellent rums,” said Richardson. “Now I have a chance to be part of the family. I look forward to this new opportunity to help more people discover why I and so many others love Montanya rums. I can’t stop smiling, I just got the best job ever.”
Richardson will stay with RNDC through the end of March to assist with the hiring and training of his replacement. He’ll relocate back to Colorado, his home state, along with his husband Joe and dog Duke. The move will bring him closer to his two children and his 9 month-old grandson.