What is Horizon Wholesalers?
At Horizon Wholesalers, we take pride in delivering exceptional quality produce directly to Guam from Japan. By bypassing the costly restrictions of cabotage laws and leveraging airfreight, we ensure our products arrive fresher and faster than traditional U.S. mainland imports. This streamlined process not only guarantees premium quality but also helps us offer competitive value to our partners in Guam’s vibrant hospitality and culinary industries.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Eric Blas
Managing Director
As Co-Founder and Managing Director, Eric Blas brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to Horizon Wholesalers. With a professional background that includes serving as a Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency Officer and TSA Officer, Eric has a deep understanding of Guam’s customs and importation regulations—a critical asset for ensuring smooth operations in the produce industry.
Outside the office, Eric wears many hats, including that of Head Judo Sensei for the Bakemono Judo Program. A 6th-degree judoka and a former Guam National Judo Athlete, he now dedicates his time to coaching the next generation as a National Judo Coach and serving as an executive board member of the Guam Judo Federation.
Eric’s motivation to provide quality produce to the people of Guam stems from his desire to empower the community and gain the independence of working for himself. His journey reflects his values of personal responsibility and choice, which he lives by as both a professional and a proud father of three brilliant boys and two quirky munchkin dogs.
Beyond his impressive resume, Eric is known for his easy-going personality, love of dark humor, and eclectic music tastes. Whether coaching athletes, mentoring his sons, or navigating the world of importation, Eric brings dedication, humor, and a strong sense of purpose to everything he does.
Ric Blas, Jr
Chief Business Development Officer
As Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, Ric Blas, Jr. brings a global perspective and an impressive network to Horizon Wholesalers. A career judo athlete and two-time Olympian representing Guam, Ric knows the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork—values he carries into the business world. His professional journey includes managing the International Sports Center, coaching Guam’s National Judo Team, and serving as a founding member and former President of the Guam National Athlete’s Commission.
Ric’s passion for quality produce stems from a deep understanding of how what we consume impacts our health. Witnessing the widespread use of chemicals and pesticides in mainland farming, he was driven to find better alternatives for Guam’s community. His close ties to farmers in Japan—built through years of sports and cultural exchange—introduced him to their meticulous and eco-conscious farming practices. This relationship inspired Ric to ensure that Guam has access to produce that’s as clean and fresh as it is delicious.
With a knack for networking and a talent for forging meaningful connections, Ric played a pivotal role in securing Horizon Wholesalers' first customers. Fluent in Japanese after attending high school in Japan, he continues to leverage his cultural and linguistic skills to strengthen the company’s ties with international suppliers.
When he’s not championing sustainable produce, Ric can be found diving into science and philosophy books, strategizing over a game of Dungeons & Dragons, or letting loose with some good-natured banter during a Call of Duty session. Equal parts intellectual and gamer, he thrives on challenging outdated norms, sharing fascinating scientific discoveries, and finding humor in life’s quirks—whether through a fail-army post or a perfectly timed Dad joke. Ric’s dedication, sharp wit, and curiosity are as integral to his role at Horizon as his Olympic-level focus and determination.
OUR PARTNERS
Meet our partners in Japan, athletes and farmers themselves, they have joined hands with us to bring fresh produce from Japan to Guam.
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Partner, Horizon Wholesalers
President, DREAM, LLC (Japan)Kugimaru Taichi brings a passion for fresh, high-quality produce and a deep connection to both Japan and Guam. A retired Japanese national judo athlete, Taichi’s journey has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence—traits that seamlessly carry over into his entrepreneurial ventures.
After retiring from competitive judo, Taichi opened an osteopathic clinic and launched a service business in Japan, expanding his expertise beyond the mat. In 2020, he turned his attention to agriculture, cultivating his own vegetables and working closely with farmers across Japan. By selling directly to cooperatives like Yatsuya Sawahiko in Tokyo, Taichi ensures consumers receive vegetables in their freshest state.
Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and fluctuating vegetable prices, Taichi is at the forefront of innovation. He is currently developing a website to connect farmers and consumers directly, further bridging the gap between producers and those who value fresh, sustainable produce.
Taichi’s connection to Horizon Wholesalers stems from his long-standing friendship with Eric and Ric, forged through their shared experiences as judo athletes. After many visits to Guam, Taichi developed a deep appreciation for the island and its community, inspiring his mission to deliver Japanese-grown vegetables to Guam in their freshest state. For him, the true reward is seeing the smiles of satisfied consumers.
Having started judo at a young age and representing Japan on the international stage from 2016 to 2018, Taichi understands the value of perseverance and collaboration. These qualities drive his commitment to Horizon Wholesalers as a direct partner through Dream LLC, ensuring Guam has access to the best produce Japan has to offer.
Beyond business, Taichi cherishes the bonds he’s built through judo and his unwavering dedication to creating meaningful connections between Japan and Guam.
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Partner, Horizon Wholesalers
Executive Officer, Sawahiko Co. (Japan)As an Executive Officer of Sawahiko Co. and a trusted partner of Horizon Wholesalers, Takamichi Ueda brings a lifetime of dedication, precision, and excellence to the business of fresh produce. Growing up in Tokyo, Takamichi’s early years were shaped by his passion for baseball, which he played competitively through high school, and his subsequent success as a member of Japan’s national powerlifting team. These experiences instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities he now applies to his leadership at Sawahiko Co.
Joining his family business as the third generation of Sawahiko Corporation, Takamichi stepped into a legacy rooted in Toyosu, Tokyo—Japan’s culinary hub. In 2024, he began handling non-market purchases, directly sourcing exceptional produce from farmers across western Japan. By focusing on quality and efficiency, he ensures that fresh vegetables reach clients in their peak condition.
Takamichi’s collaboration with DREAM Enterprises, LLC marked a significant milestone, enabling Sawahiko Co. to expand into export services. Together, they source premium vegetables daily, pack and prepare them for shipment with care, and oversee every detail of the process to ensure freshness and quality upon arrival. His commitment to excellence and streamlined logistics guarantees that clients—both in Japan and Guam—enjoy the very best produce available.
As a childhood friend of Kugimaru Taichi, President of DREAM Enterprises, Takamichi values the enduring partnerships and shared vision that connect Sawahiko Co. and Horizon Wholesalers. He takes pride in bringing joy to customers by delivering fresh, high-quality vegetables that elevate meals and support healthier lifestyles.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Takamichi cherishes the opportunity to witness the smiles of satisfied clients, knowing that his work contributes to their happiness and well-being.
"From Japan to Guam: Premium Produce, Every Time."
Eric Blas
Managing Director