Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
6 / the tasting panel / april 2014 UP "It is great not to worry about label approval, taxes, logistics and registrations in all states on top of hav- ing only one back label for all the U.S.," says Baptiste Cuvelier, Export Manager of Cuvelier Los Andes. Cuvelier is one of hundreds of brands Park Street counts among its clients. The two founders, CEO Dr. Harry Kohlmann, a 17-year industry veteran and McKinsey & Company alumni, and President Chris Mehringer, a Harvard- trained entrepreneur specializing in operations and logistics for consumer products, lead the business. Park Street provides specialized services to emerg- ing and established alcoholic beverage companies. Its core operating business is back-office solutions, including importing, distribution, logistics, regulatory compliance, order fulfillment, exporting, account management and accounting; in addition, the company provides working capital solutions and strategic advisory services, including strategy development, route-to-market planning, M&A and organizational effectiveness. All 50 states have different legalities and it's easy for companies to spend all of their time and resources dealing with complicated back-office requirements. That's why so many throw in the towel after opening only one or two states. By contrast, for one of their clients, Park Street opened up all 50 states in two months. Such feats require a corporate culture that takes the "complicated" out of the equation. "What we really do is free up time for companies to concentrate on what's most important for them, which is spending time with customers, enhanc- ing sales and marketing, or whatever Up Front with Park Street Imports by Kelly Merritt / photos by Vanessa Rogers At trendy PB Steak in Miami Beach, where craft beverages and hot dishes are the norm, Park Street CEO Harry Kohlmann (left) and President Chris Mehringer pause to savor the moment. TP0414_001-33.indd 6 3/21/14 11:52 AM