Unmasking Predatory Practices in the Texas Liquor Marketplace
The Texas liquor industry, a vibrant landscape of producers, distributors, and retailers, is not immune to predatory practices. Just as ambulance-chasing lawyers exploit vulnerable accident victims, certain distributors in the Lone Star State prey on unsuspecting spirits producers, leveraging deceptive tactics to poach them from their existing relationships. This article sheds light on these practices, focusing on the case of Ross Tremonte and his company, Texas TRU Distribution.
Understanding the Texas Liquor Distributor Landscape
The Texas liquor market operates within a well-defined framework. Large retail chains have established processes for onboarding brands and placing orders, often utilizing logistics platforms where distributors register to transact business. Distributors act as conduits, ensuring producers’ products reach retail shelves. However, the representation of products is fluid, with producers frequently switching distributors.
This dynamic creates opportunities for predatory distributors. When a retailer wishes to purchase a product from a producer in transition between distributors, the order remains “unassigned” on the procurement platform. Legitimate reasons for unclaimed orders abound, from distributors working through their client roster to new engagements or systematic delays. Predatory distributors exploit these unassigned orders, targeting producers with deceptive tactics.
Ross Tremonte and Texas TRU Distribution: A Case Study
Ross Tremonte, the head of Texas TRU Distribution, exemplifies this predatory behavior based on allegations made by several producers. The spirits brand owners allege that Tremonte trolls unassigned order lists from large retailers, contacting producers to insinuate their current distributor is neglecting them by leaving orders for their products unfulfilled. Based on emails obtained by ForexTV, Tremonte paints a picture of missed opportunities and paints himself as the solution. He often disparages the incumbent distributor’s performance, creating a sense of urgency and dissatisfaction.
Texas TRU Distribution has a one-page website which makes it difficult to understand exactly what it does, if anything. Unlike 99% of its competitors, the Texastru.com website is devoid of any information, and credibility. What’s more, the Texas TRU Distribution website lists it’s mailing address as 4115 Kreinhop Ste. 118 Spring, Texas 77388. However, according to Texas State records, that is a mailing address only. The actual registered business address (seen below) is a run-down warehouse in a blighted neighborhood at 131 Basswood St c, Houston, TX 77022.
The Houston address at 131 Basswood St. is registered to a woodworking shop that operates under the business name Wood Images according to public records.
According to Public Records as of September 10, 2024 (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts) Texas TRU Distributing Official Listed Office Address (131 Basswood St c, Houston, TX 77022)
Once he has gained a producer’s attention, Tremonte employs high-pressure sales tactics, pushing for a quick contract signing. He may even contact the producer’s existing distributor, falsely claiming the producer initiated contact and expressed dissatisfaction. This attempt to drive a wedge between the producer and their distributor is a hallmark of Tremonte’s deceptive strategy.
Industry Professionals Speak Out on Texas TRU
We talked to a distribution manager who had an experience with Tremonte. She agreed to give us a quote on condition of anonymity.
We received an unsolicited email from Ross Tremonte at Texas TRU Distribution. Only after some checking, we discovered that he had contacted our company in a similar fashion a year ago. Unaware that he was a serial spammer, we agreed to an introductory video call shortly thereafter. On the call, Tremonte was very aggressive and told us we should be aware that our distributor was neglecting our account. We spent 30 minutes with him on a video call and after we ended it, he sent us a contract unsolicited. The next day I called Tremonte to inform him that we are not willing to jump into a relationship before doing some due diligence. Texas TRU has a one-page web site and putting that together with his ‘used car salesman’ pressure, we were suspicious. At that point Tremonte became belligerent, confrontational and argumentative. He then sent expletive emails to our management team and contacted our distributor and told them we were disparaging them. This was a total fabrication and it’s probably the most creepy experience I’ve had in this business.
Distribution Manager at a national spirits producer
Speaking with a Master Distiller at a Colorado distillery, he told us that Tremonte has contacted them twice over a two-year period in an attempt to separate them from their Texas distributor. This encounter was corroborated by the Colorado company’s Texas distributor.
This guy Ross Tremonte from Texas TRU Distributors is a snake. He contacted us with some story about our products being neglected by our distributor. So, we got our distributor on the line with him and he immediately got belligerent and started making accusations about us and about our distributor. He apparently did not expect us to call our distributor and him and ask him to explain. We had never heard from this guy Tremonte before and now he was claiming that we were the ones who contacted him. This guy is a scammer looking to poach clients from their distributors. The really strange part is that almost two years later he tried the same thing again. We love being in Texas and we’ve never seen anything like this. This is just one shady guy who seems unhinged.
Colorado Master Distiller
Educating Producers and Distributors
Producers and distributors must be vigilant against predatory practices. Knowledge is the first line of defense. Here are key points to remember:
- Unassigned orders are not always a sign of neglect. There are many legitimate reasons why an order may remain unclaimed.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls from distributors. If a distributor contacts you out of the blue, promising to solve problems you weren’t aware of, proceed with caution.
- Do your research. Before signing any contract, thoroughly investigate the distributor. Check their reputation, ask for references, and verify their claims.
- Communicate with your existing distributor. If you have concerns about your representation, address them directly with your current distributor.
- Don’t be pressured into making hasty decisions. Predatory distributors often use high-pressure tactics to force quick contract signings. Take your time and make informed choices.
The Takeaway on Ross Tremonte and Texas TRU Distribution
The Texas liquor industry is a thriving ecosystem, but it’s essential to be aware of predatory practices. By understanding the tactics employed by individuals like Ross Tremonte and companies like Texas TRU Distribution, producers and distributors can protect themselves and ensure fair and ethical business dealings. Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t fall prey to deceptive practices.
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