Growing up in San Antonio’s south side, Charlie Garza didn’t know he’d become legendary for his leadership, success and achievement in the beverage industry.He didn’t know he’d one day become ambassador for one of the world’s most exclusive and rare spirits. And he didn’t know that he would be King. Today he is all of these and more, and he’s just getting started…again.
“I always loved making connections and building relationships.” That keen combination of marketing talent and social savvy proved to be the perfect brew for Garza.
After graduating from Texas Tech University, Garza’s career in the beer sales and marketing took off, and 22 years later he is as passionate as ever about the beverage and hospitality arena.
“I’m about connecting the best brands with the right people and places. If I succeed, then I’m part of creating a meaningful experience for people. That’s at the heart of what I do.”
Garza is deeply vested in his work, and finds the ultimate reward is in engaging people. “Charlie is known in the beer industry as one of best,” says JJ Amaro, a respected veteran in the industry. “I knew immediately after meeting Charlie that even at his young age, he would succeed.” However, Amaro believes Garza was destined to lead.
“I knew Charlie would eventually become a respected, successful business man, but more than that, I knew he’d be a true leader in this community.” Amaro also feels that he was a perfect choice for Rey Feo for 2009. “Charlie will serve with his trademark conviction and passion. I admire and commend him for this accomplishment.”
Garza’s career started in 1985 when he joined the sales team at BudCo, primary distributor for Anheuser-Busch and Modelo, and one of the largest beer distributing companies in the state of Texas.
When Garza was promoted in 2002 to Director of Import, Craft & Specialty Brands at BudCo; he managed sales, marketing, promotion and community relations for all import, craft and specialty brands in 13 Texas counties. He was also responsible for promotions and marketing for Budweiser, Bud Light & Bud Select, managing over $20,000,000 in sales.
Over the span of his career, Garza has nurtured relationships throughout the state of Texas. Relationships that have not hesitated to join forces with Charlie in his campaigns to improve education in San Antonio.
While waiting to decide what would be the next step in his career, Garza launched his own business, CG Development, a design consultant business specializing in hospitality.
Garza’s obvious choice for one of the firm’s first client projects, designing the new Aldaco’s Mexican Restaurant in Stone Oak, owned by prominent San Antonio businesswoman and restauranteur Blanca Aldaco, who also happens to be Garza’s wife.
“Charlie was excellent for the project not just because he’s my husband,” promises Aldaco. “I know how dedicated Charlie is to his clients. I knew he’d capture the essence of Aldaco’s and bring it to life,” she adds with a smile. Garza’s reputation and experience have also placed him at the top of recruitment lists for a bevy of companies. Garza recently accepted a position as Regional Sales Manager-Texas for Partida Tequila, an ultra premium boutique tequila crafted in Amatitán, Jalisco.
“I couldn’t wait to get started with Partida. I knew it was a terrific opportunity, not just because of timing and the premium brand,” says Garza, adding with a smile, “My wife Blanca is also from Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila. So how could I refuse? It was in the cards.”
Charlie and Blanca have been married for 15 years. They treasure the time spent with their two daughters Adriana and Marisol.
Garza then leans forward and his expression becomes intense. “I’m so excited about elevating the brand status of Partida Tequila because it is an exquisite tequila, truly without equal.” We gleam Garza’s driving passion and enthusiasm in every gesture.
“The possibilities are endless for Partida. It’s a product with an important legacy.” Today, Garza is busy building his own legacy in the San Antonio community. He has contributed and supported multiple causes to improve education, encourage diversity, aid the arts, promote Hispanic culture, help families in need and the homeless.
His involvement with the Rey Feo Scholarship program and his passion to support education in began early in his life when his uncle, Nick Garza, started his fundraising in 1988 to become Rey Feo XLI. The rest is history. In 2005, he was Minister of Transportation for Tom Senini, Rey Feo LVI. In 2006 he was Minister of Transportation for Robert D. Tips, Rey Feo LVII, and in 2007, he was Night Minister for Brian Weiner, Rey Feo LIX.
“Fiesta 2009 was the summit for Charlie’s reign as Rey Feo, but his involvement is not over. In June, alongside the Reina de la Feria de las Flores, he will be awarding Scholarships as part of the as part of the ACC D-LULAC Council # 2 Parent-Child Program,” says Larry Kurth, a prominent San Antonio attorney-at-law and Prime Minister on the Charlie Garza, Rey Feo LXI Court.. “In August, Charlie will personally award over 100 scholarships to students, all of which will be funded with proceeds he raised during his Rey Feo campaign.” Kurth believes that’s one of the greatest rewards for any Rey Feo.
The winning students come from over 70 high school students while attending 45 college/universities. Most of the students are from low-income, single parents. After two years of fundraising and hard work, Garza sees the fruits of his labor realized, and the satisfaction is immense. Yet, his family and friends know he will never stop growing and giving, embarking on the next remarkable chapter in his life.
“I’m about connecting the best brands with the right people and places. If I succeed, then I’m part of creating a meaningful experience for people. That’s at the heart of what I do.”
Garza is deeply vested in his work, and finds the ultimate reward is in engaging people. “Charlie is known in the beer industry as one of best,” says JJ Amaro, a respected veteran in the industry. “I knew immediately after meeting Charlie that even at his young age, he would succeed.” However, Amaro believes Garza was destined to lead.
“I knew Charlie would eventually become a respected, successful business man, but more than that, I knew he’d be a true leader in this community.” Amaro also feels that he was a perfect choice for Rey Feo for 2009. “Charlie will serve with his trademark conviction and passion. I admire and commend him for this accomplishment.”
Garza’s career started in 1985 when he joined the sales team at BudCo, primary distributor for Anheuser-Busch and Modelo, and one of the largest beer distributing companies in the state of Texas.
When Garza was promoted in 2002 to Director of Import, Craft & Specialty Brands at BudCo; he managed sales, marketing, promotion and community relations for all import, craft and specialty brands in 13 Texas counties. He was also responsible for promotions and marketing for Budweiser, Bud Light & Bud Select, managing over $20,000,000 in sales.
Over the span of his career, Garza has nurtured relationships throughout the state of Texas. Relationships that have not hesitated to join forces with Charlie in his campaigns to improve education in San Antonio.
While waiting to decide what would be the next step in his career, Garza launched his own business, CG Development, a design consultant business specializing in hospitality.
Garza’s obvious choice for one of the firm’s first client projects, designing the new Aldaco’s Mexican Restaurant in Stone Oak, owned by prominent San Antonio businesswoman and restauranteur Blanca Aldaco, who also happens to be Garza’s wife.
“Charlie was excellent for the project not just because he’s my husband,” promises Aldaco. “I know how dedicated Charlie is to his clients. I knew he’d capture the essence of Aldaco’s and bring it to life,” she adds with a smile. Garza’s reputation and experience have also placed him at the top of recruitment lists for a bevy of companies. Garza recently accepted a position as Regional Sales Manager-Texas for Partida Tequila, an ultra premium boutique tequila crafted in Amatitán, Jalisco.
“I couldn’t wait to get started with Partida. I knew it was a terrific opportunity, not just because of timing and the premium brand,” says Garza, adding with a smile, “My wife Blanca is also from Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila. So how could I refuse? It was in the cards.”
Charlie and Blanca have been married for 15 years. They treasure the time spent with their two daughters Adriana and Marisol.
Garza then leans forward and his expression becomes intense. “I’m so excited about elevating the brand status of Partida Tequila because it is an exquisite tequila, truly without equal.” We gleam Garza’s driving passion and enthusiasm in every gesture.
“The possibilities are endless for Partida. It’s a product with an important legacy.” Today, Garza is busy building his own legacy in the San Antonio community. He has contributed and supported multiple causes to improve education, encourage diversity, aid the arts, promote Hispanic culture, help families in need and the homeless.
His involvement with the Rey Feo Scholarship program and his passion to support education in began early in his life when his uncle, Nick Garza, started his fundraising in 1988 to become Rey Feo XLI. The rest is history. In 2005, he was Minister of Transportation for Tom Senini, Rey Feo LVI. In 2006 he was Minister of Transportation for Robert D. Tips, Rey Feo LVII, and in 2007, he was Night Minister for Brian Weiner, Rey Feo LIX.
“Fiesta 2009 was the summit for Charlie’s reign as Rey Feo, but his involvement is not over. In June, alongside the Reina de la Feria de las Flores, he will be awarding Scholarships as part of the as part of the ACC D-LULAC Council # 2 Parent-Child Program,” says Larry Kurth, a prominent San Antonio attorney-at-law and Prime Minister on the Charlie Garza, Rey Feo LXI Court.. “In August, Charlie will personally award over 100 scholarships to students, all of which will be funded with proceeds he raised during his Rey Feo campaign.” Kurth believes that’s one of the greatest rewards for any Rey Feo.
The winning students come from over 70 high school students while attending 45 college/universities. Most of the students are from low-income, single parents. After two years of fundraising and hard work, Garza sees the fruits of his labor realized, and the satisfaction is immense. Yet, his family and friends know he will never stop growing and giving, embarking on the next remarkable chapter in his life.
