Ann Arbor-based Rave Associates and von Trapp Brewing celebrate industry accolades, growing partnership in Michigan

October 31, 2024

Family-owned beer and wine distributor highlights supplier partner’s milestone achievement

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Rave Associates, a leading family-owned beer and wine distributor in Ann Arbor, is thrilled to announce the recent accomplishments of one of its supplier partners, von Trapp Brewing. At the 2024 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) Competition, von Trapp Brewing was awarded the prestigious ‘Brewery & Brewer of the Year’ title in the 15,001-100,000 barrel brewery category, along with a Gold Medal in the Munich-Style Helles category for their Helles Golden Lager.

 

“This is an incredible milestone for von Trapp Brewing and a testament to its team’s dedication and craftsmanship,” said Jim Warbritton, president of Rave Associates. “These achievements elevate the quality and variety of choices available to Michigan’s beer enthusiasts and help solidify Michigan’s standing as the Great Beer State.”

 

Since launching von Trapp Brewing in Michigan in 2023, Rave Associates has proudly worked to build the brand and expand its reach, supporting a shared vision for quality, innovation and community impact.

 

“We are dedicated to providing Michigan beer lovers with world-class options and expanding choices that enrich our state’s beer culture,” said Warbritton. “As we head into the holiday season, our team encourages everyone to discover and enjoy new beers, including von Trapp’s exceptional lagers.”

 

Rave Associates and von Trapp Brewing’s partnership reflects the commitment of Michigan’s beer and wine distributors to foster choice and competition by introducing a wide range of high-quality brands for retailers and consumers, enhancing Michigan’s reputation as a dynamic beer market.

 

About Rave Associates

This year, Rave Associates celebrates 50 years in business. The family-owned beer and wine distributor serves Southeastern Michigan, marketing its products directly to licensed accounts in Genesee, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. From its inception, Rave Associates has prided itself in representing only the finest products the industry has to offer. Rave's management staff pays particular attention to quality and uniqueness in selecting the products represented.

 

About von Trapp Brewing

Von Trapp Brewing is part of Trapp Family Lodge, a 2,600-acre resort owned and operated by the von Trapp family. The brewery was created in 2010 by the family that inspired “The Sound of Music.” Based in Stowe, Vermont, von Trapp Brewing specializes in authentic Austrian style lagers and are brewed with pure Vermont spring water sourced from the Trapp Family Lodge property, with inspiration from “A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont” ®.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).

Detroit News: Rooted in Community, Driven to Lead: Women in Michigan’s Beer and Wine Distribution Industry

By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.

Detroit News: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.