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Drinks industry mourns loss of ‘trailblazer’ Jim Smith
Industry “trailblazer” Jim Smith, director of government and trade affairs at the Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), has died.
RNDC grieves loss of “trailblazer” Jim Smith
Smith worked in the alcoholic beverage industry for 40 years. He started in 1973 at the National Distributing Company where he worked as merchandiser in Tampa.
From there, he went on to work in sales executive positions in Sarasota, Tampa and south Florida.
In 1990, he moved to Colorado with his family, before returning to Florida 10 years later as state president.
In 2004, he took up a state leadership role with RNDC in Colorado before shifting to his most recent position as director of government and trade affairs.
The company said Smith created a “professional and personal legacy which embodies the values of RNDC – a culture of professionalism and accountability”.
“Jim exemplified the best of RNDC and was known as much for his personal values as his industry knowledge – which is saying a lot,” said Jay Davis, RNDC owner.
“There are few in this industry who were as well known and liked as Jim. It was a privilege to work with him. He will be sorely missed.”
Smith leaves behind his wife, Patricia, and son, Patrick.