Dallas-based Green Light Distributing has merged with Houston’s United Wine & Spirits to create the third-largest spirits distributor in Texas. The newly expanded company enhances options and opportunities for on- and off-premise customers as well as small and mid-sized wine and spirits brands.
“This merger was a no-brainer,” said Green Light Founder and CEO Dusty Odell. “Not only does it give us more robust marketplace coverage, but our goals and values are perfectly aligned in terms of offering best-in-class service and wanting to change the status quo to help small and mid-size brands compete with more muscle.”
John Saladino, founder and CEO of United, has transitioned into the role of Partner at Green Light Distribution, where he oversees strategic operations and is actively involved in community outreach programs. Rounding out the Green Light executive team is Matt Nunley, Chief Revenue Officer. Nunley came to Green Light in 2019 with a strong background in finance and venture capital, and manages Green Light’s financial goals and strategies. Joe Saladino also joined Green Light as Director of Marketing. Previously, he led the marketing function at United Wine & Spirits.
Green Light specializes in helping small and mid-sized spirits and wine brands – which can often get lost at larger distributors – compete more effectively in the marketplace. Green Light helps even the playing field by training sales teams to tell brand stories and communicate points of difference and offer best-in-class communication with their brands. The approach is working, as rapid growth in Texas over the last 18 months has prompted Green Light to expand and it will launch in Florida by the end of 2022.