RODNEY SACKS
CHAIRMAN, CO-CEO
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORP.
HILTON SCHLOSBERG
VICE CHAIRMAN, CO-CEO
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORP.
THE MONEY: Local residents who run and are main shareholders in Corona-based Monster Beverage Corp.
THE NUMBERS: Sacks and Schlosberg each had an 8.7% stake in the company, according to Monster’s latest proxy statement in April. The company was valued at nearly $59 billion as of mid-July.
KEY METRIC: Monster’s shares are up almost 20% year-over-year.
BIG BREAK: Immigrants from South Africa entered the beverage business in 1992 with the purchase of Anaheim-based Hansen Natural Corp. Sacks had left behind a career with one of the biggest law firms in Johannesburg to seek his fortune in the U.S. Schlosberg, with experience in packaging, had moved to the U.K. The two bought a public company just as the “New Age” category of waters, flavored drinks and other alternatives to Coke and other sodas were emerging. Energy drinks, in particular, proved to be a fortune maker. Coca-Cola Co. paid $2.15 billion for 16.7% of the company in 2015, it now has a 19.3% stake in company.
PORTFOLIO: Beyond beverages, the duo is among the area’s largest private investors in OC commercial real estate, having been involved in office purchases here valued at more than $600 million over the past seven years, according to Business Journal data. It was part of the group that in 2019 bought 2040 Main St., the Irvine office that holds the local headquarters of law firm Knobbe Martens. It sold for a reported $130 million. Also in 2019, it was part of a group that paid $116 million for nearby 2211 Michelson office tower. The value of those investments are likely to have taken a hit since the pandemic, one reason our latest estimates for the duo lag the growth seen in Monster’s stock.
LOCAL TIES: Sacks is reported to have a house in Laguna Beach, and Schlosberg keeps a Big Canyon address.
PHILANTHROPY: Company’s Monster Energy Cares Foundation supports active duty, injured and retired military personnel, Monster athletes and their charities, the local community and first responders.
