Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association elects new leadership at annual meeting

July 27, 2023

Newly elected chair, vice-chair, and at-large directors hail from distributors in Grand Rapids, Flint, Kalamazoo, and Ypsilanti


LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA), one of the alcohol beverage industry’s most progressive state trade associations, is pleased to announce the election of new executive officers to lead the MB&WWA over the next two years.


A.J. Mathews, president of West Side Beer Distributing in Grand Rapids, was elected chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors. He succeeds Jim Warbritton, president of Rave Associates, who served two terms as chair. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler, president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Flint, was elected vice-chair. Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti, and Jason Howard, general manager of I.H.S. Distributing Co. in Kalamazoo, were elected to at-large director positions.


“I want to thank Jim Warbritton for his efforts in leading our growth initiatives, further solidifying the MB&WWA’s position as a top-tier trade association that helps spur new innovation, choice, and competition and supports Michigan’s small businesses,” Mathews said. “I look forward to fostering continued success in this ever-evolving industry and ensuring Michigan’s vibrant and successful beer and wine industries continue to flourish.”


West Side Beer Distributing is one of the largest beverage distributors in Michigan, with operations in each of the four largest metropolitan areas. The distributor provides industry-leading beverages from over 45 suppliers to more than 4,000 customers across 15 counties.


“I am proud to be the second woman to hold an executive leadership position for the Association,” O’Sullivan-Butler said. “Along with serving on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee, it is a tremendous opportunity to advocate for distributor interests in Lansing and highlight women’s vital role in Michigan’s thriving beer and wine industry.”


The O’Sullivan family has operated a beer distributorship in the Flint area since 1976. With more than 130 employees and state-of-the-art operational systems, John P. O’Sullivan Distributing navigates 27 delivery routes daily, servicing 2,300 stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Genesee and 10 surrounding counties.


“Thanks to the hard work and lasting legacies of many dedicated people over the last 75 years, the Association has seen tremendous success defending the time-proven three-tier system that allows competition to flourish, giving consumers a wide range of choices,” Howard said. “I look forward to building on that success.”


As a family-owned and operated business since 1921, I.H.S. Distributing Co. serves licensed establishments across southwest Michigan.


“With more women taking on key leadership roles in the beer and wine industry, serving on the MB&WWA Board of Directors is a tremendous opportunity,” said Wanty-Lambert. “I’m honored to join this dynamic group of leaders and look forward to the Association’s next chapter of growth and success.”



O&W Inc. is a beer distributor delivering over 160 brands of beer and specialty beverages from over 50 suppliers in southeast Michigan.


On Aug. 6, the MB&WWA will celebrate 75 years. As the Association moves forward with newly elected leadership, it remains committed to representing Michigan’s independent, locally-owned beer and wine distributors and advancing advocacy for them on legislative, regulatory, legal, and public policy matters.

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.

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.