Biography of J. Christopher Reyes

Overview

J. Christopher Reyes is an American billionaire businessman of Hispanic origin, co-founder and co-chairman with his brother, Jude Reyes, of Reyes Holdings – a leading privately owned global manufacturer, distributor and provider of transportation services. As of April 2021, Forbes estimates J. Christopher Reyes’ net worth to be $4.9 billion.

Early Life and Education

J. Christopher Reyes was born on February 1952 in Mexico, one of nine children. His family later moved to the United States, settling in Illinois. Reyes graduated from Marquette University with a degree in accounting.

Career and Achievements

J. Christopher Reyes started his career in business by co-founding Reyes Beverage Group, a beer distributorship company, in 1976 with his brother, Jude. Reyes Holdings was formed in 1995 when the Reyes family branched out into the food distribution industry with the acquisition of Martin-Brower Company, the distribution arm of McDonald’s Corporation. Through acquisitions and partnerships, Reyes Holdings has become involved in the supply chain of various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and energy. It now owns over 35 different companies, including food distributors, fuel distributors, cybersecurity firms, and logistics businesses, operating in more than 160 countries around the world. In 2019, Reyes Holdings acquired rival beer distribution company Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, which helped strengthen its position as the largest beer distributor in the US.

J. Christopher Reyes is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Industry Excellence Award by the National Beer Wholesalers Association in 2011, and the Global Citizen Award by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2012. He was also inducted into the Junior Achievement of Chicago’s Business Hall of Fame in 2014.

Personal Life

J. Christopher Reyes is married to Anne Reyes, who is also the co-founder of Reyes Holdings. The couple actively supports philanthropic efforts and has donated to different causes, including education, healthcare, and social services, through the Reyes Family Foundation – a private foundation they established in 2013.

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