MAC (SW/EXW) Troy M. Pepito enlisted in the United States Navy in Tampa, Florida in December 1998. He completed Basic Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois and Seaman”ATD” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. MAC Pepitos’ sea tours include USS O’KANE (DDG- 77) from March 1999 to January 2003 in which he completed one successful deployment throughout the Fifth Fleet, Seventh Fleet AOR in direct support of “Operation Enduring Freedom” and qualified as an Surface Warfare Specialist. From June 2006 to December 2007, he served with the Harbor Patrol Unit at Naval Support Activity, La Maddalena, Italy where he decommissioned the facility and earning his Small Craft Insignia. January 2008 to January 2011 he served with the Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Five in Imperial Beach, California which he complete four successful deployments throughout the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleet AOR in support of Pacific Partnership, Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, conducting various security details as Mission Commander Embark Security mission on High Value Assets, he executed small team security detachments to 13 medical sites and convoy details throughout Papua New Guinea and was the small boat subject matter expert for Expeditionary Training Command for two African Partner missions and qualified as an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist. After completing Master at Arms “A” school in April 2003 his first shore tour was at Public Safety Little Creek, Virginia from April 2003 to April 2006 where he completed a deployment to Rota, Spain from June 2004 to November 2004 in support of “Operation Vigilant Mariner” and qualified as a Mission Commander. He served as a Recruit Division Commander from January 2011 to July 2014 at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes Illinois qualifying as a Master Training Specialist, earning his distinguished leadership award, and being selected as a Chief Petty Officer in route to his next command.Post Military:Navy Chief Petty Officer Troy Pepito retired in the winter of 2018 after serving 20 years on active duty. Before he was scheduled to leave the military, Troy developed an exit strategy from the armed services. His exit strategy became a passion for the alcohol industry, starting with home brewing in his garage. As he continued to brew, his interest grew. He began brokering wine and craft beer, connecting local Sicilian wineries and breweries to military exchanges throughout Europe and the Middle East.With a bright future ahead, Troy started his first company, P&M Beverage Imports, which later became the Genuine Spirit Company. The company was involved in sales, brokering, and imports. Upon returning to the United States, Troy expanded his expertise to include spirits and teamed up with veteran-owned distillery Hotel Tango. Together, they grew the brand to over 140 military bases globally and 25 states nationwide.Troy Pepito is entirely focused on building and growing the Genuine Spirit Company. With his extensive experience in the industry and a passion for providing quality products, he is dedicated to expanding the company’s reach and reputation. Through his leadership and expertise, the Genuine Spirit Company is poised for continued success and growth in the years to come.
