H. Cox & Son Inc. delivers range of beverages for St. Patrick’s Day, NCAA tournament celebrations

March 14, 2024

March includes a few of the top beer-drinking holidays

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – As spring approaches, beer and wine distributors are gearing up for two of the season’s top beer-drinking holidays of the season: St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament. Ranked as the No. 9 and No. 10 top beer-drinking holidays, respectively, distributors are working hard to ensure consumers have access to a range of beverage options for the festivities.

 

“As a local, independent beer distributor, we have the unique opportunity to offer consumers a wide array of options for their celebrations, whether they're cheering for their team or marking a special occasion,” said Mark Ribel, president of H. Cox & Son Inc. “From sporting events to festive holidays, beer often plays a central role in bringing people together. We take pride in being part of a system that helps them do just that.”

 

Beer and wine distributors are well-versed in helping their retail customers determine the best beverage choices for every occasion while prioritizing quality products as well as public health and safety. They market and grow brands, providing plenty of choices while supporting thousands of jobs in their local communities.

 

“As distributors, we play a crucial role in connecting consumers with their favorite beverages and introducing them to new and exciting options,” said Ribel. “Our team works hard to promote growth, choices, and competition as we serve our customers and community during the celebratory season that includes St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament.”

 

Tracing its company roots back 90 years, H. Cox & Son has a rich history in the Traverse City community. The beer distributor has worked hard to diversify its inventory in a dynamic tourist area market, with 35% of business done in the summer months.

 

An Anheuser-Busch product purchased within a 60-mile radius of Traverse City comes through H. Cox & Son’s warehouse. The company also distributes several non-alcoholic beverages and many Michigan craft beer brands such as Bell’s. H. Cox & Son employs 60 people across a range of roles and services seven counties in northwest Michigan.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

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.