Nor-Cal Beverage
Entering the new millennium , Shannon moved back to the corporate head office to better focus on the manufacturing side of the business , ultimately becoming Vice President of Operations in 2001 . As we mentioned previously , 2007 was a difficult year for the business . It was faced with the decision of whether it should sell off the soft-drinks division – widely deemed the heart and soul of Nor-Cal for more than 70 years – or try and keep it going .
Shannon ’ s role in the success of this controversial move is undeniable . While the company was busy funneling funds from the divestment back into the business , she hit the road – sometimes you just need a can-doer , someone to pack a bag and get out there , promoting the business on-foot .
And that ’ s what she did : Shannon set off across the US , connecting with a number of international beverage companies always in need of an even better deal – or , perhaps , a family-run drinks manufacturer and bottler that could offer something no one else could : unmatched experience , integrity , and quality .
It worked . In less than a year , Nor-Cal went from producing under 20 million cases per year to fulfilling a string of contracts requiring production to ramp up to more than 50 million cases annually . It comes as no surprise , then , that Shannon was named President and CEO in 2010 , where she has since worked tirelessly to help Nor-Cal on its trajectory . For these efforts , she was awarded the prize for Most Admired CEO by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2022 .
Yet , despite the workload , Shannon has made time to work with local communities , giving back to charities and causes close to her . For instance , Go Girl , Nor-Cal ’ s energy drink launched by Shannon and the family , is brilliantly bonded with a worthy cause . With every can sold , a significant portion of the revenue is donated to help in the fight against breast cancer , contributing towards life-saving research .
Each year , moreover , Shannon participates in the Capital Cup golf tournament with other local business leaders to raise funds for their chosen charities . Over the years , she has raised nearly $ 500,000 for the Jenna and Patrick Foundation of Hope , helping to fund a cure for cystinosis .
A hard-working family , an eye for shrewd investments , and an interminable commitment to growth . Those were the three factors we said underpin Nor-Cal ’ s success – there ’ s no doubt about that . But we can almost certainly add another : love . What else would you expect from one big family ? ■
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