Our August CEO Club speaker was Steve Fredricks, CEO of Turrentine Wine Brokerage.

Steven treated us to insights behind the veil of industry secrecy, personal insights on his career progression, lessons learned along the way, and what the future might hold for his industry and other consumer product firms.   We were also graced with the presence of his daughter, Haley, who was enjoying summer vacation and hearing her dad speak about his life and CEO career.

BACKGROUND: Steve shared many observations that support the need for the bulk wine brokerage business, and then listed the challenges in delivering consistently and profitably on that need.  He then shared his journey from growing up in LA to studying at U.C. Davis, and discovering the science behind making wines in a Viticulture class. He decided to combine his business major with the science of wine to create his own personal major.  After graduation he worked in wine production in the USA and in Australia, and then in sales/marketing for a winery.  Subsequently, he became a devoted reader of the Turrentine Wine Newsletter.

SUCCESS: Steve shared that his organized, regimented, and consistent work style served him well in the business world, especially when he started in an entry-level sales position with Turrentine Wine Brokerage.  (First he had to convince the owner to hire him, which took some persistent and consistent work on his part!)  He used these skills and characteristics to be successful as a bulk wine broker, working his way to the top over a 20+ year career with Turrentine Wine.  Today, Steve is the President and majority owner of the business.

LEADERSHIP SHIFT: As he became the leader of the organization he had to shift his thinking by learning to listen to his employees more, and not always putting the customer first, as was his training.  He also had to learn to use some quiet time, to BE the leader, to think globally, and to build relationships with his employees.  All elements of thinking long-term for the business, and not just closing a sale himself, which brought him his original success and recognition.  He also learned to read more: about business, psychology, and economics.  NUDGE and HABITS became some of his favorite books.  Today he is happier watching his brokers do satisfying deals for clients, than doing those deals himself.  He is looking beyond to future generations in his role as leader.

CHALLENGES: Steve then shared some of the challenges he faces leading the business into the 21^st Century.   These include leading multi-generational workforces, with competing motives and different values.   Shifting cultures as the environment changes and the company needs to change to survive, adapt, and thrive.  He has invested in improving internal communications amongst all employees, create pathways for future partners/leaders, shape the future culture and nurture teams, and reinforce behaviors that build long-term client relationships.   Steve is challenged to know each employees’ needs and motivations, focus everyone on the ingredients for business success, establish operations globally, meets client needs to integrate more closely into their supply chains, and anticipate the next trend in the wine business.

SUMMARY: Steve summarized his comments by declaring that he is a lucky guy, able to travel the world, interact with people different cultures yet common interests, own his own business, and lead the company for the next generation to enjoy!

The CEO Club of Marin thanks Steve Fredricks for sharing with us as our August 2015 featured speaker!