H. Cox & Son putting in extra hours, giving back to local community during holiday season

November 20, 2023

Northern Michigan beer distributor helps ensure shelves are stocked, tap handles flowing during busy holiday season


TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – H. Cox & Son Inc. employees are putting in extra hours to help ensure retailers are well-stocked ahead of the busy holiday season. Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is a busy time for the beer distributor, with sales spiking 50% the weeks before each holiday and skyrocketing business at local bars and supermarkets leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

“We’re proud to partner with suppliers across Michigan and beyond to help ensure consumers have an unmatched selection of beer to enjoy this holiday season,” said Mark Ribel, president of H. Cox & Son Inc. “It’s a special experience to live and work in Traverse City, where so many people return to spend the holidays with their loved ones this time of year. From drivers and warehouse employees to leadership, everyone at H. Cox & Son takes great pride in how we operate as a team to promote growth, choices, and competition as we serve our customers and community during the holidays and every day.”

 

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors employ nearly 5,000 people and have an economic impact of nearly $5 million in local communities statewide. H. Cox & Son exemplifies the industry’s commitment to improving the communities where employees and leadership live and work through their involvement and sponsorship of numerous organizations and local events, including Munson Hospital Cancer Center, Munson Hospital Stroke Initiative, Northwestern Michigan College Foundation, and Traverse City YMCA, along with many local high school extracurricular activities.


“At H. Cox & Son, we are passionate about giving back to our community and gladly embrace any opportunity to support other local businesses and charitable organizations,” Ribel said. “We are very fortunate to be part of a fifth-generation family business. With H. Cox & Son being part of the Traverse City community since 1933, many generations of bars, restaurants, and stores have supported and helped us grow. Giving back to our local community is our way of saying, ‘Thank you.’ We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers to a great 2024!”

 

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. If you buy an Anheuser-Busch product within a 60-mile radius of Traverse City, it comes through H. Cox & Son’s warehouse, along with several non-alcoholic beverages. H. Cox & Son employs 60 people and services seven counties in northwest Michigan.



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.