Detroit News: Letter: Celebrating women's leadership in Michigan's beer and wine industry

September 12, 2024

With the continued growth of Michigan’s alcohol industry, an increasing number of leadership opportunities are available for women across various sectors of our industry, including marketing, sales, merchandising and operations.


Among the women making a difference in our industry is Megan Iaccino, director of marketing at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, a family-owned and operated wholesale alcohol distributor. For nearly 80 years, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits has been proud to provide the best products, exceptional service and deep regional expertise.



The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) is celebrating Iaccino’s work — along with contributions by so many women in our industry — as we mark American Businesswomen’s Day on Sept. 22.

As a member of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association Women's Advocacy Committee, Iaccino elevates her industry peers, celebrating their collective and individual accomplishments and their roles as champions for the industry. Iaccino’s dedication to her profession is further evidenced by her involvement with the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association (WSWA) Council for Leadership Development, the MB&WWA MLCC Advocacy Committee and the Ross Family Foundation.


Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry employs more than 5,200 full-time workers with competitive salaries and benefits. The industry also makes significant contributions to community initiatives, investing more than $6.5 million annually in over 2,200 charitable organizations.

As our industry grows, so does the number of women advancing to leadership roles in distributorships. Whether they’re working in warehouses, engaging with customers, or spearheading community initiatives, these women leaders are catalysts for positive change, bringing unique perspectives and a commitment to excellence.


Our industry has a bright future here in Michigan, and we are thrilled to see women continue to be a key part of our success now and in the years to come.


Brandi Tribell

Senior vice president, Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association

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.