Interview: Meet Steve Kreps Sr. of QUINTESSENTIAL WINES

Broadwayworld.com recently interviewed Stephen Kreps Sr., the Co-Founder of Quintessential in Napa, California. We had the fascinating opportunity to talk to him about his career and the inspirations for his success. It is always a pleasure to bring our readers the story of an individual who is influential in the food and wine industry.

Steve Kreps Sr. started in the wine business in 1973 as a sales representative and merchandiser. He rapidly excelled in the position and became an Area Manager covering ten states. He moved to an import company and quickly advanced from Division Manager to National Sales Manager. In 1988, he founded a wine brokerage company for premium and ultra-premium wines, covering the Midwest region. Ten years later, Steve formed a prestigious import and marketing company, which he sold in 2002 when he partnered with his son, Dennis Kreps to form Quintessential.

Today, Quintessential is a family owned-and-operated import, marketing, and sales company uniquely dedicated to representing multi-generational, family owned-and-operated wineries that have a great passion for winemaking. They have evolved into one of the leading import and marketing companies of fine wines in the United States. Steve Kreps Sr. and his sons, Dennis and Steve Jr. bring a combined 78 years of experience to the fine wine business.

(Pictured Above Center: Steve Kreps Sr.; his wife, Julie; their grandchildren; sons, Dennis and Steve Jr.; their families; and the Quintessential family)

Steve grew up in Saint Louis where he began to develop his work ethic at a young age shoveling driveways in the winter. His sense of altruism was already evident. "If someone couldn't afford to pay me for clearing the snow, I was happy to do it anyway."

We asked Steve who were his greatest mentors. "First and foremost, my parents. My father was a decorated WWII Veteran. Even though he was disabled at an early age, he never gave up. My mother encouraged me to learn to swim which allowed me to participate in a competitive Water Polo team." He further commented, "My first mentors allowed me to see the mentors who would come along in the future."

Steve has personal attributes that have contributed greatly to his accomplishments. "I have the desire to win and the desire to succeed. While some people may think that they are moving forward, moving forward isn't good enough."

When talking to Steve, it's easy to see that he is fond of his work and what Quintessential accomplishes. "Fine wine integrates nationalities and cultures and encourages people to enjoy life." He also expressed the pride he has working closely with his family. "It's a great advantage to see my children develop in the business."

We asked Steve about some of the challenges that Quintessential faces in the current wine market. "There have been changes in the industry over the last 40 years on the wholesale and retail levels. As a company, we must always be well-informed."

With Steve's knowledge of wines from around the world, we wanted to know what his favorite food and wine pairings are. "I pair my wines with the flavors of good foods. Being raised in St. Louis, I got a true appreciation for traditional Italian foods like pasta, meatballs, and ravioli. When I look at a wine list, I envision the hard-working families that produce the wines, and enjoy what I'm drinking even more."

We learned that Steve is an avid outdoorsman and a man of many interests but he let us know what part of his life is most enjoyable, "The most fun I have is when my family is all together."

Of course, we had to ask Steve about plans for the future. Steve harkened back to some words of wisdom from his grandmother. He once asked her about the hopes she had for her grandchildren. She replied, "I want them to be happy." Sharing her sentiments, Steve commented, "That's what I want, to be happy, to keep this business going, and to keep families working together happily."

To learn more about Quintessential Wines and the family wineries they represent, please visit: http://www.quintessentialwines.com/.

Photo Credits: Simonsig Estate and Harvest and The Quintessential Company are courtesy of Quintessential Wines

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