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” ®.

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.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.