SUNRISE, FL--(Marketwired - Dec 7, 2015) - South Beach Spirits, Inc. (OTC PINK: SBES) ("South Beach Spirits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed distilled spirits industry veteran Mr. Martin D. Ustin, who is currently a member of South Beach Spirits Board, to the position of Chief Executive Officer.
"Martin Ustin's strong leadership will be a valued addition to South Beach Spirits," commented Vincent Prince, CFO of South Beach Spirits. "His expertise and hands-on experience in the distilled spirits industry is very valuable as we continue to grow the company and distribution network."
Martin Ustin's business experience spans more than 45 years and includes product and production design, manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution, the private practice of law, and local government service. He has bought, sold and started businesses of his own, particularly in the areas of wholesale distribution and retail sales, and has represented entrepreneurs in the evaluation and creation of strategies to maximize the value of their company.
In the distilled spirits arena, Mr. Ustin served as an officer and director of start-up companies in the areas of national and international sales; general counsel functions, including federal and state regulatory registration and compliance; financial development, Foreign Trade Zone registration and status, and other regulatory matters; as well as operations and purchasing. He has also served as a consultant to other brand owners who are commercializing their products.
Since 2009, Ustin has been a founding partner at Principal Charlestowne Premium Spirits, Inc. (CTPS), a distilled spirits industry consulting company based in South Carolina. CTPS has helped clients develop flavor profiles, create the crucial back story, structure and source bottle and label designs, spearhead all regulatory compliance, develop branding, marketing and advertising concepts, select appropriate manufacturing partners, develop manufacturing and marketing budgets, establish sales and distribution outlets, and address financial matters.
Prior to founding CTPS, from 2004-2009, Ustin was Vice President of Sales at Terressentia Corporation, a manufacturer of select spirit brands, private label spirits, and bulk spirits for export. Mr. Ustin joined this company at its inception and was an equity owner and member of its Board of Directors. He was responsible for customer development, sales, purchasing, regulatory compliance, as well as participation in the specification and purchase of production equipment. Mr. Ustin drafted the TTB Basic Permit for Terressentia to be a Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP), Wholesaler and Importer.