Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
102 / the tasting panel / april 2015 technology needs have evolved over the past decade, so has the company, often taking a prescient step. For example, when transparency shifted from being just another business buzzword to a real-world protocol, it was already a part of Park Street's core culture. "We took a position very early on that providing clients full transparency would be a hallmark of the company," Mehringer says. Kolhmann added, "Clients are not competing with each other [for attention] at Park Street. Our platform is build and continuously enhanced for the benefit of all clients. We also enjoy tremendous economies of scale which results in cost savings which we pass on to clients." Silvio Leal, a former executive with Allied Domecq and Seagram, who co-founded byejoe, an Asian-fusion white spirit based on baiju, the ancient Chinese spirit, is one such example. Based in Texas, he has product in more than 30 states. "We were able to reach economies of scale more quickly than if we had not worked with them," Leal says. They advised on what inventories to keep and move, and how to reach the scale as quickly as possible and reduce fixed costs." Hans Holst, CEO of Arctic Beverage, a multi-brand portfolio of wines from the U.S., E.U. and Nordics, also used Park Street's core back-office services Asian-fusion spirit byejoe quickly reached "economies of scale" thanks to Park Street's help. MALTE BARNEKOW Co-founder and CEO of The 86 Co., a portfolio of craft spirits specially cre- ated by bartenders for bartenders. Launch: 2012 Employees: 12 "With our specially distilled products for bartenders, provenance is impor- tant—the story is important. The opera- tion side of things has become tedious and quite heavy for a small company like us. Compliance is a jungle for a small company, and we needed a company that was nimble and very good. Having Park Street as our back- office partner enables us to focus our resources on strategic priorities rather than managing the complexities of administration and regulatory compliance. "We started with another company, but were sold by Park Street with better service and the promise of a modern approach to things. They are very good about putting their information on a portal—everything you need and nothing you don't. "They are doing things in our industry that is sorely lacking. It's not quantifi- able—it's more about all of us having a clear insight into our cost of doing business. "It's a cultural thing—they speak our language and they understand our position." SILVIO LEAL Founder of byejoe, an Asian-fusion white spirit. Launch: 2012 Employees: 19 "Being a small company, we are lean and mean. So in view of that we're always trying to use third-party partners when we can for support with supply chain, marketing and logistics. Let me tell you, Park Street really revolutionized the whole back office and supply chain part of the business for small and medium-size brands. They are experts in the industry and logistics and having come from big consultants and suppliers, they know how to help smaller companies coming in with new brands—from regulatory counsel to logistics information. "They have a lot of relationships in this business. There were some markets where we didn't have the connections and turned to Park Street. In this business, talking to someone with a recommendation means a lot more than going in cold turkey. "But what they do, honestly, is they give you that support you need as a smaller brand owner. With their experience working for multinationals, you feel like you're in the same quality environment." PHOTO COURTESY OF MALTE BARNEKOW Malte Barnekow, co-founder and CEO of The 86 Co., says Park Street "speak[s] our language." Silvio Leal (foreground), founder of byejoe, enjoys a cocktail, featuring his product and made by noted mixologist Philip Khandehrish at The Setai in Miami Beach. PARK STREET CLIENTS SPEAK