CHARLES BAILES III
CHAIRMAN & CEO, ABC FINE WINES & SPIRITS, ORLANDO
Bailes is the grandson of the founder of the family-owned chain of 128 liquor stores and 1,700 employees. He’s been CEO since 1994 and chairman of the board since 1998. ABC has donated millions of dollars to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and YMCA of Central Florida.
EDUCATION: Georgia Institute of Technology (BS)
SOMETHING SURPRISING: I once played 1,067 holes of golf without stopping and set a world record! Yes, 96 hours straight, only stopping for a few thunderstorms. I did this with my brother Jess, and we had a blast. I am still not sure why, but we did!
NONPROFIT PASSION: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida holds a special place in my family’s heart. Over 60 years, we’ve helped build eight schools, serving 4,500 kids with learning disabilities. These true “inclusive schools” bring together 70% children with special needs and 30% without, fostering understanding and unity.
INDUSTRY TREND: The current trends in the beverage alcohol industry continue to be toward bourbon, tequila, and what we call “ready to drink,” which are premixed cocktails in cans. Our business trends change every few years and ABC’s goal is to stay ahead of the changing trends and have the items our guests are looking for.
