Houston’s has engaged in several environmentally focused initiatives to reduce waste, commit to lower carbon emissions, and look for other ways to improve our planet and our business together.

These programs include partnering with the e-Mission Control organization and affirming our commitment to the recycling of shipping & storage materials like cardboard and shrink wrap.

e-Mission Control

In 2022, Houston’s was recognized as a Green Fleet Pioneer by the e-Mission Control organization. The goal of the e-Mission Control program is to reduce carbon emissions and petroleum dependency across Oregon and California, and Houston’s is proud to be a partner in this endeavor.

Green Fleet Pioneers are e-Mission Control partners who participate in the Oregon DEQ’s Clean Fuels Program and are committed to using clean energy in their operations.

One of the main reasons Houston’s is eligible to join as a Green Fleet member is through the use of battery-operated electric forklifts.

“We report the miles that our forklifts run, the company calculates what we would have used with a carbon-using vehicle,” said Rebecca Phillips, President. “The forklifts themselves are not new to us, but being a part of this program is new for Houston’s.”

Joining the initiative in 2021, through the first year of membership Houston’s has accounted for 39.11 metric tons in reduced CO2 emissions.

In everyday terms, that reduction is equivalent to:

• Eliminating emissions from 4,149 gallons of gasoline used
• Eliminating emissions from burning 40,791 of coal
• Avoiding 3,579.48 lbs. of waste going into landfills
• Growing 614 tree seedlings for 10 years

Continuing Commitment

In addition to our e-Mission Control endeavors, Houston’s is also committed to doing our part in recycling waste material such as cardboard and plastic stretch film. Each year on average, our Wilsonville Warehouse Operations Team recycles more than 52,000 lbs. of cardboard and over 29,000 lbs. of stretch film.

Though others may claim that “it’s not easy being green,” Houston’s continues to find ways through collaboration and teamwork to make it happen.

Read more about other ways in which Houston’s is active in the community on the Houston’s Blog.

The post Green Initiatives at Houston’s appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Houston’s KC Team

It was 2002, Houston’s had made the decision to expand operations and open a warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri.

This September marked the 20-year anniversary of Houston’s presence in KC, and it was an opportunity to celebrate the milestone and recognize all those in KC who work hard to support company goals and uphold our Core Values.

Houston’s Event Committee coordinated on-site celebrations in both KC and Wilsonville, featuring food, games, customized apparel, and more.

In Houston’s KC warehouse, food was provided by famous Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Team members in Wilsonville were able to connect with the iconic cuisine of Kansas City with a catered barbeque lunch, as well.

The KC warehouse hosted visitors from other areas within the company, as well. National Sales Manager Jarrod Bowren and the Outside Sales Team held a meeting on site in KC and were able to take part in the festivities.

President Rebecca Phillips, Director of Warehouse Operations Mike Buddrius, Customer Services Manager Lenni Treat, Fleet Manager Steve Hall, and Maintenance Supervisor Phil Moullet were able to travel to KC to commemorate the occasion and celebrate with the KC Team in person.

Playing giant Jenga.

“Everyone had a fantastic time laughing and joking around – it was wonderful,” said KC Warehouse Assistant Manager Brenda Willett. “The Team enjoyed everyone that came.”

The festivities also included custom-made KC-themed caps and shirts designed by Houston’s Marketing Team to celebrate the milestone. Caps were given to KC Team members; every person within the company – including Drivers, Merchandisers, and remote team members – received a bright red KC 20th Anniversary shirt.

Looking back 20 years to 2002, Houston’s Sr. Executive Officer Bill Paolo identified Kansas City as an advantageous site for expansion.

“KC seemed to be a good, centralized location that would enable us to ship throughout the Midwest, as well as Texas and parts of the Southeast,” said Greg Jones, Warehouse Manager. “We have built very strong relationships with great customers out there.”

In addition to a central location, the people that make up the current KC crew provide an advantage to Houston’s operations.

The KC Team enjoying a game of soccer.

Brenda Willett shared her perspective on the team during the seven years she’s been with Houston’s. “We’ve seen a lot of changes and evolution in KC,” she said. “The teamwork is phenomenal – they always have each other’s back. The connection and respect the crew have for one another is amazing.”

“Our staff out there beams with integrity and a strong desire to do things well,” Greg added. “Some of our customers go out of their way to say how much help our KC staff has been.”

With good camaraderie, good food, commemorative apparel, and more, the 20-year milestone event was a good opportunity to celebrate and appreciate all things Kansas City.

“Thanks to everyone for all their hard work putting this wonderful event together,” said Brenda. “I have a lot of good memories here in KC, but I think this will be one of the best ones.”

To all Houston’s KC folks past and present, thank you for all your efforts and hard work. Here’s to 20 great years and to many more as we all excitedly look toward the future together!

Read about our KC Employee of the Quarter and our other recognized team members on the Houston’s Blog.

Houston’s Wilsonville Team celebrates KC!

The post Celebrating 20 Years in Kansas City appeared first on Houston's Blog.

1933 is also the year of Houston’s company origins.

Houston’s storefront in 1945 (Portland, OR)

When the 18th Amendment was enacted in 1920 prohibiting production and distribution of alcohol, hundreds of stores, breweries, distilleries, and bars had to shut down. It has been estimated that the restrictions of Prohibition resulted in around $220 million in lost tax revenues per year on liquor sales alone. Over the course of the nearly 15-year period of Prohibition, that’s over $3 billion in estimated losses.

It’s important to note that Prohibition was not a complete and total ban on alcohol nationwide. Exceptions were made for sacramental wine for religious purposes, as well as doctor-prescribed alcohol for medical use.

There is speculation that Charles R. Walgreen (of Walgreens Pharmacy note) expanded from 20 stores to 525 stores throughout the 1920s thanks to being able to fill “medicinal” alcohol prescriptions.

In 1933, once Prohibition was overturned, Esther and Jack Houston saw the opportunity in the market and went into business. They established the House of Vintages wine and spirits store in downtown Portland, OR.

Esther Houston and John Houston

After serving in the United States Air Force, Esther and Jack’s son, John, joined the business. A three-person operation soon evolved into a company with a 64,000 sq. ft. warehouse and over 35 trucks and drivers distributing to the Western United States.

Through the ensuing years, Houston’s transitioned to incorporate a broad range of restaurant and café supplies, and John’s leadership was instrumental to the company’s growth and success. Houston’s now supports the foodservice industry nationwide, with two distribution centers totaling more than 240,000 sq. ft.

2021 Houston’s Bar Supplies catalog

To this day, as we approach 90 years in business, Houston’s remains a partner to the bar industry, holding steady our connection to our roots in post-Prohibition America.

Throughout the warehouse aisles, catalog pages, and website product listings, a proliferation of cocktail ingredients, garnishes, glassware, and mixing tools can be found. When it comes to bar supplies, since 1933, Houston’s has it.

Curious about the history of the cocktail? Read more on the Houston’s Blog.

The post End of Prohibition, Beginning of Houston’s appeared first on Houston's Blog.

LABOR SHORTAGE

Labor shortages are impacting many industries. For our manufacturers this often means increased costs and slower production rates for products.

HOW HOUSTON’S HELPS

While the labor challenges have impacted us as well, Houston’s is proud to have longevity within our employee base, with many members enjoying more than 20 years with us.

INCREASED FREIGHT DEMANDS

The shipping industry is seeing demand increase faster than drivers and carriers can meet it. This has led to increased rates, decreased coverage, and longer lead times. 

HOW HOUSTON’S HELPS 

We are hiring new drivers, evaluating routes, and continue to offer prepaid deliveries on HTRANS trucks and via third party carriers. 

WEST COAST PORT CONGESTION

Port traffic is backed up, causing unparalleled large-scale delays for imported goods. Many of our vendors rely on products or materials from overseas for their production.

HOW HOUSTON’S HELPS

Our team is working in close communication with our vendors to maintain up-to-date ETAs. We are ordering in extra product whenever possible and sourcing alternative solutions as short-term subs for items that manufacturers are unable to deliver.

HOUSTON’S IS POISED TO HELP

While we are not immune to these issues, our goal is to help mitigate these challenges. Houston’s is all about solving problems. We promise to continue to work with you to help solve these problems in every way that we can.

The post Global Supply Chain Challenges appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Snow cover on Houston’s parking lot. (Jan 2017)

“That time of the year” is upon us. October arrives and brings about Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It is a great time of the year for family, fun, and laughter, but it is also the time of the year that brings in a change of weather. Although we are thinking about snowy conditions just yet, there are other conditions that sometimes tend to be overlooked.

We encourage all of our drivers to follow these inclement weather safety tips, and you should too!

1. To prepare your vehicle for the weather conditions, begin by making sure you have good wiper blades. Luckily they aren’t too expensive, but it is recommended to switch out your blades at least every six months. It is also a good idea to apply water repellent to your windshield as well, since the glass is completely sealed.
2. Although your vehicle may have a warning indicator, it is still a good idea to periodically check that all of your lights are working before heading out. Carrying an extra bulb or two may also come in handy for those, “it was working just a minute ago,” moments.
3. Make sure to check the wear on your tires. Having a low tread or a “bald” tire only increases your chances of sliding across wet pavement since their is no traction to grab the road.
4. Be aware of invisible slick spots, such as wet leaves in the ground or even oil as these can cause loss of traction as well.
5. Be careful of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens when someone is driving too fast over a water-covered roadway, or when tires are worn out or bald. This experience can be quite scary because you can’t steer, stop, or do anything to control your car. If you find yourself hydroplaning, the best thing to do is to take your foot off the break and allow the vehicle to coast. Any sudden movement could cause you to spin out of control, so try to keep the steering wheel as steady as possible.
6. As the weather gets colder, ice becomes another major weather factor. Make sure to be aware of weather conditions before leaving the house so you can plan accordingly and travel to work safely, while still being on time.

While many of us love this fall weather and the chance to bundle up and drink cocoa, start decorating, or planning for the holidays, keep in mind the importance of traveling safely to and from your destinations during these hazardous weather conditions.

Fun fact: If ice is forming outside of your car mirrors, it is very likely that ice is forming on untreated roadways.

The post Safety Corner: Inclement Weather Safety appeared first on Houston's Blog.

From left to right: Ross C., Candice M., Amanda H., Rebecca P., Christina G., Richard C., Jennifer V., and Sam L.

Dr. Smoothie Brands originally came on board with Houston’s in June 2011, starting with approximately 50 different smoothie and frappe mixes. Over the past six and half years, our relationship with Dr. Smoothie Brands has blossomed, and they have quickly become one of Houston’s top vendors. “Dr. Smoothie has become one of our lead-in vendors that gets our sales team in the door with prospective customers,” says Rebecca Phillips, Executive Vice President, “customers know the brand name, and they want the products.”

Dr. Smoothie Brands was purchased by Chicago-based Bevolution Group in late 2016. Taking the opportunity to introduce new management teams for both Houston’s and Bevolution Group, members of our team ventured down to Fullerton, California to visit one of three Bevolution locations. With plants also located in Chicago, Illinois and Frostproof, Florida; the Fullerton plant is where both Dr. Smoothie and Café Essentials products are manufactured and warehoused.

After an introduction to Bevolution Group by CEO Sam Lteif and VP of Sales Richard Crabill, we were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the plant. (For confidentiality purposes, photos weren’t allowed to be taken on the plant floor.) The overall process is extremely efficient, maximizing the production time for both liquid smoothie concentrates and powdered beverage mixes. The ingredients for the liquid smoothie concentrates are mixed onsite in large vats before being hot-packed into clear plastic bottles, and then slowly cooled under streams of chilled water for 45 minutes. Once the bottles are cooled (but still warm to the touch), they are labeled, boxed, and palletized for shipment or storage.

Café Essentials powdered beverage mixes are manufactured by a team of no more than 6 people at a single time, further emphasizing the necessary efficiencies. Again, ingredients are mixed onsite before being dumped into a large hopper than filters, mixes, and dispenses the appropriate amount of product into each package.

THE PRODUCT

Houston’s carries a variety of products from Dr. Smoothie Brands including Classic Smoothie concentrates, 100% Crushed Fruit Smoothie concentrates, Café Essentials frappe and warm beverage mixes, as well as a variety of add-ins and supplements which are not currently manufactured at the Fullerton facility. Dr. Smoothie equates their Classic Smoothie line to other competitive smoothie brands, while positioning 100% Crushed as the all-natural, premium line.

After Bevolution Group acquired Dr. Smoothie Brands last year, Houston’s brought in products from the Tropics Refreshers brand line, also owned by Bevolution. After a soft, off-season introduction, Houston’s and Bevolution have collaborated on a new plan to reintroduce the line in 2018 in conjunction with Coffee Fest and the SCA Global Expo. Often compared to Starbucks’s beverage of the same name, Tropics Refreshers are “handcrafted with a fruit flavored twist that get a little extra oomph from green bean coffee extract,” and the perfect natural, clean-label alternative to other caffeinated beverages. Available in Citrus Mint, Strawberry Acai, and Wildberry, there is sure to be a flavor to suit any pallet.

ABOUT BEVOLUTION

Bevolution’s mission is “setting a standard focused on creating the right culture and putting customers first,” which aligns well with Houston’s focus on customer service and enhancing our internal culture. Bevolution touts themselves as “small enough to be nimble, yet large enough to have scale.” Does that sound familiar?

The company is comprised of four foodservice/beverage industry leaders: Juice Tyme, Lemon-X, Tropics, and Dr. Smoothie Brands. Founded with the purchase of Juice Tyme in 2013, Lteif describes Bevolution as “a fresh thinking company, offering the highest quality beverages, fortified with honesty, innovation, and savvy business growth.” This shows in the organizations continued expansion. Bevolution also acquired Lemon-X (2014) and Tropics (2015) all before bringing Dr. Smoothie Brands on board in 2016. That same year, Bevolution also introduced a new brand of bag-in-a-box beverages, Refrasia, targeting the healthcare industry.

Targeting primarily the specialty coffee and healthcare industries, Bevolution is committed to working with Houston’s to meet the needs of foodservice industry dealers and distributors nationwide.

We look forward to helping Bevolution develop their brands by assisting in nationwide availability and decreasing lead-time to our mutual customers. Keep any eye out for more information on Tropics Refreshers, coming in Spring 2018

The post Vendor Spotlight: Dr. Smoothie Brands (Bevolution Group) appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Mr. Adam Gooch

Say hello to Adam Gooch, Merchandising Manager for Houston’s since 2016. Adam currently oversees Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice locations throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. When asked what that means he said, “I ensure, with the help of Jon Saari (Merchandising Supervisor) and the amazing merchandising team, and that all stores have current product sets while receiving the highest quality merchandising and customer service our team has to offer.”

Adam initially started here at Houston’s in 1996 while attending college, pulling orders and even washing Mr. Houston’s car a couple times at the 26^th Avenue location in Portland. He then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a few years before returning to Portland in 2014, at which point he reached out to Houston’s to see if there were any openings. At the time, there were no open spots but a month later Adam received a call and accepted a job as a Merchandiser. In March of 2016 he was offered the Merchandising Manager position and accepted. “There are so many wonderful things about working for Houston’s but if I had to choose one, it would be the company culture. It’s a pleasure working with everyone.”

When not focused on work, Adam enjoys the outdoors and the challenge of hiking and biking different terrains, as well as the great sense of accomplishment he feels when finishing a difficult trail. His favorite place to hike is the Enchanted Valley along the Quinault River. “It is so green and lush, it feels like another world. There are beautiful camping locations along the trail but requires days of hiking to reach. When you reach one of these locations you feel as though you’ve earned it. It’s a great place to completely unplug, relax, and recharge.”

When the weather doesn’t allow for Adam’s preferred outdoor activities he enjoys gaming, particularly video games and he is currently playing his way through the Destiny series. His favorite book is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin- a book about leadership and taking ownership over everything in your life. “It made me reevaluate the way I looked at life as a whole and how I dealt with individual situations. For me, it has been life altering.” He also enjoys a variety of music with Pink Floyd and Nine Inch Nails being his favorite bands.

The Enchanted Valley

“…the great sense of accomplishment he feels when finishing a difficult trail.” Ramona Falls

The post Getting to Know You: Adam Gooch appeared first on Houston's Blog.

We are humbled by the experience and excited to share the Houston’s story with prospective vendors and customers, but we also feel like we should honor our current vendor partner and customers as well. You have helped grow Houston’s into the nationwide redistributor that we are today, and for that we are very thankful.

To our loyal Houston’s family – you have helped build this company up year after year. We appreciate your continued loyalty and dedication more than you know. Thank you!

As be kick off another [BIG] year, and celebrate 85 years of business, we thank you all and look forward to celebrating further successes together throughout the year.

To read Houston’s feature article in Business in Focus’ Dec. 2017 – Jan. 2018 issue, click here. The article can be found on page 126.

The post Business in Focus: Feature Article appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Dago Gutierrez, Portland Employee of the Month

In the 12 years that Dagoberto “Dago” Gutierrez has been with Houston’s, he really has become a “jack-of-all-trades”. From pulling orders, to forklift driving, to receiving, Dago does it all and he really enjoys being apart of the Cash and Carry team.

“Dago was chosen for employee of the month for all his hard work and outstanding teamwork. Dago is always willing to help in any way needed,” says Angie Buffeta, Cash and Carry/Weekend Supervisor. “He stays late to pull orders for swing shift, he stays late when he is asked to pull last minute freight orders, and he is always willing to come in and help when needed on the weekends as well. Dago is always there to help out receiving when they come in early and are busy.”

If you’re getting the impression that Dago may be a bit of a perfectionist, you’re not alone. “Dago is also the number one order puller in Cash and Carry and has maintained top puller continuously, when he isn’t pulling orders he is doing overflow and does an outstanding job at that too,” said Angie Buffetta.

When away from work Dago really enjoys getting out and running at his favorite park in Salem, but only if the weather is cooperating. If not running, he also likes to go out to Hood River to fish for salmon. A favorite vacation spot of his is Newport. He really likes to go see the aquarium while there, and recommends if you haven’t seen it to check it out. He’s been there many times over the years with his family.

When not exploring the great outdoors Dago likes watching episodes of the Discovery Channel. His favorite episodes to watch are about lions hunting their prey, as he finds it fascinating.

Perhaps a lion hunting his prey is the perfect analogy for how Dago approaches his work. “Dago is an all-around outstanding employee and is very deserving of employee of the month,” says Buffetta.

Thank you for all your hard work Dago and congratulations on earning Employee of the Month for November for Wilsonville Warehouse!

The post We Are Houston’s: Dago Gutierrez appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Ken White, KC Employee of the Month

To qualify for the Superlative “Duct Tape Award” you truly have to be a Mr. Fix-It and that is exactly what Ken White is. He started with Houston’s in February of this year as our Kansas City Maintenance Technician. He is very busy setting up a viable maintenance program in KC, which so far has been his favorite project. He also really enjoys the people that he works with in a good, friendly atmosphere.

“Ken has made a large impact on our maintenance program here in Kansas City, saving us money with repairs on the equipment, where before we were outsourcing. He is knowledgeable about a variety of maintenance issues within our facility. We found a perfect superlative award that we wanted to give him at our holiday party. He received the Duct Tape Award for being the most likely to be able to fix just about anything,” raved Sherman Dodd, 1st Shift Supervisor.

Ken trained as a pilot when he was in the Marines and had a license to fly small aircrafts. He was second in his class in basics, which allowed him to choose which direction he wanted to go. He was stationed in Jacksonville, NC where he worked on helicopters. “My family was big into aviation so I came by it naturally with my dad working in the control tower at a couple of airports in Kansas City and an uncle who was a corporate pilot,” Ken said.

He now spends his free time volunteering with his VFW post in Independence and hanging out with the fellow vets. He has even assisted in constructing several improvements to their building.

Ken is a well-traveled man. He has been all over the country including a trip with his wife to Hawaii, though he says his favorite spot was Colorado Springs, where he lived for 10 years.

“Thank you, Ken, for all you do to keep us going,” says Sherman. We appreciate all your hard work and congratulations on earning Kansas City’s Employee of the Month Award for November! And thank you for your service to our country!

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