Lucky delivery! Family-owned, Ypsilanti-based beer distributor delivers 46 kegs, 220 cases ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

March 15, 2024

Fifth-generation O&W Inc. adds shifts, makes big deliveries ahead of a celebratory weekend that includes college basketball

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Spring is in the air and beer and wine distributors across Michigan are gearing up for two of the season’s top beer-drinking holidays of the season: St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament.

 

In advance of what will be a celebratory weekend, Ypsilanti-based beer distributor O&W Inc. delivered 46 kegs and 220 cases of assorted beverages to one of its accounts, highlighting its commitment to customer satisfaction and readiness for peak demand periods. The distributor also added to its delivery schedule to meet demand.

 

“It’s the start of a busy season and we’re ready,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “It’s exciting to see our employees – from those driving trucks to others working the warehouse – stepping up to make sure our retail accounts are ready for their customers.”

 

Founded in 1933, O&W Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned beer distributor serving a seven-county footprint in southeast Michigan that includes parts of Wayne County. It has nearly 200 workers and the company is dedicated to its legacy of community involvement and social responsibility while keeping customers and employees at the forefront of all they do.

 

“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,” Wanty-Lambert said.

 

St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament are ranked as the No. 9 and No. 10 top beer-drinking holidays, respectively, which is why Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are working hard to ensure consumers have access to a range of beverage options for the festivities.

 

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.

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.