Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44136
COVER STORY Together, Pavone, Steeno and Gary Nedd (VP/Operations for Northern CA) are also hard at work designing and implementing an ASRS system for Northern California, but Southern, as always, operates with finely-tuned strokes. The Northern CA operations will be specifically designed to cater to the region's business. It may seem like a simple issue of moving product, but Pavone and Southern know there's more to it than that. "This facility is prepared for the coming decades, taking us into the future and allowing us the flexibility to take on additional suppliers. We're in a good position to keep up with the growth of the company, which reas- sures both existing and new suppliers," adds Pavone. Dave Minolli is VP/Director of Chains, Northern California ogy is not lost on Pavone, a 32-year Southern veteran who started in the warehouse part-time during college. He got into the business through his father, Frank Pavone, who has been with Southern for 33 years and cur- rently works on special projects. Both father and son have seen firsthand the way Southern's warehouse manage- ment has coincided with the company's rapid growth. As California has grown, both have had the good fortune to grow with it. But growth and innovation alone have only been part of the Southern story for Robert Pavone. His relation- ship with SWS-CA statewide VP/ Operations Tom Steeno, has been nothing short of inspiring. "Tom is the most genuine person I've ever met when it comes to integrity and loyalty; I have the highest respect for him, and he embodies what this company is all about. Tom is a standout in our industry when it comes to his breadth and depth of operations knowledge," says Pavone. Tom Steeno is the most genuine person I've ever met when it comes to integrity and loyalty; I have the highest respect for him, and he Serving the Supplier In today's information-driven world, maintaining supplier relationships has come to mean more than just stellar sales figures. Although Southern's clearly a sales leader, the company strives to provide supplier partners with the most information possible and relies on innovative leaders to ensure that suppliers' portfolio and brand development goals are met. Leading the charge are Wayne Cotton, Executive Wine Manager, and Steven Burrows, VP/Sales & Marketing, Spirits. Combined, these two men have embodies what this company is all about. Tom is a standout in our industry when it comes to his breadth and depth of operations knowledge." —Robert Pavone 54 / the tasting panel / october 201 1 Frank Santangelo, VP/Director of Chains, Southern California PHOTO: ROB BROWN PHOTO: REBECCA WILKOWSKI