Republic of Tea turns over new leaf

NOVATO — After 21 years at the helm of The Republic of Tea, owner Ron Rubin is passing the cup to his son, Todd B. Rubin, who will assume the role of president.

'We strive to enrich the lives of our Citizens,' said Ron Rubin, who will now serve as executive chairman and 'minister of tea.' 'This succession of leadership is a natural evolution in taking The Republic of Tea to the next generation as leading purveyor of premium teas and herbs.'

Todd Rubin joined The Republic of Tea in 2007, as the East regional commerce minister, and transitioned to minister of Southeast commerce in 2008. He joined the company's Novato office in 2011 as vice president of sales and marketing. In that role, he spearheaded the development of new teas and new systems including HiCAF, which are high in caffeine, Sonoma and Downton Abbey teas.

With a degree in architecture, Todd Rubin also oversaw the feng shui design of the company's headquarters in Novato, and the company's production and shipping center in Nashville, Illinois. He currently serves on Syracuse University's School of Architecture Advisory Board to the Dean, in 2014 he was the recipient of Syracuse's Generation Orange Award for philanthropy and was also honored as one of North Bay Business Journal's Forty Under 40 in 2014.

Rubin, whose title will continue to be 'minister of evolution,' said he is dedicated to preserving a legacy that fosters The Republic of Tea's 'Sip by Sip Rather than Gulp by Gulp' lifestyle, and will continue to delight 'citizens, ministers, embassies and ambassadors' with a focus on innovation, education and providing the finest premium teas and herbs.

'This change exemplifies the trust and legacy that is inherent in our family business, and which my father and I are proud to share with each of our citizens,' said Todd Rubin in a statement. 'As we move forward, our mission stays firm and I remain committed to further elevating the progressive and heartening experience that our citizens have come to expect. We will do this by continuing to innovate new tastes, to educate about health and well-being, and to share our prosperity by supporting organizations that make a difference.'

Ron Rubin purchased The Republic of Tea in 1994 and subsequently built the Novato-based company into a purveyor of more than 300 kinds of teas.