Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association Women’s Advocacy Committee celebrates successes

September 16, 2024

MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee highlights achievements, committee members for American Business Women’s Day

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Women’s Advocacy Committee is celebrating the collective and individual accomplishments of its members, who have championed the industry and helped it grow over the past year.

 

The organization is marking the committee’s successes to coincide with American Business Women’s Day, which is Sunday, Sept. 22.

 

The MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee welcomed women from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a special reception following a Holiday Luncheon. The committee, in partnership with FIFCO USA, also proudly hosted the third annual ‘Women in Beer and Wine’ event in the spring for Michigan State University students at Dan Henry Distributing in Lansing.

 

“It’s always exciting to get together with leaders in our industry and share our expertise and career advice,” said Jenna Podjan, chair of the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee and sales manager at Bud Distributing Inc. “This event is part of our ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of women leaders in Michigan’s beer and wine industry.”

 

Throughout the year, committee members actively engage with Michigan legislators at key events, including the MB&WWA’s annual Lobby Day and Spring Party, to discuss the vital role women play in the beer and wine distribution industry and its continued growth.

 

“We hope to see more women exploring the dynamic and rewarding career opportunities in this ever-evolving industry,” said Brandi Tribell, senior vice president of the MB&WWA and MBWWA Services Inc. “In honor of American Business Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the invaluable contributions women make to our field. It’s inspiring to see more women joining our ranks, advancing in their careers and playing pivotal roles in driving the industry's growth and success.”

 

Beer and wine distributors provide thousands of jobs and support over 2,200 charities and community events, investing millions into local communities every year.

 

As one of the most progressive state trade associations in the alcohol beverage industry, the MB&WWA represents family-owned and local beer and wine distributors who work tirelessly to deliver a wide variety of beverages to licensed retailers throughout Michigan. The Women’s Advocacy Committee comprises female executives from distributors across the state, along with the senior vice president of the MB&WWA & MBWWA Services Inc. and one of the association’s lead female lobbyists.



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.